MEALS ON WHEELS COMMISSIONS NEW FREEZER

Bathurst Meals on Wheels has commissioned a major freezer upgrade, thanks to a $103,150 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The new freezer was officially commissioned today by Bathurst MP Paul Toole.

“Meals on Wheels Bathurst are now able to continue to provide their clients with quality meals that really are vital to the day to day lives of the people they support,” Mr Toole said.

“There was a spike in demand for the service due to COVID that continues today and these improvements will really make a difference considering the facility dates back to 1997-98 and was constructed using limited funds, volunteer labour and all possible cost-saving measures.”

General Manager Sarah Thomas said the upgrade has been a game changer for staff, volunteers, and the community.

"The new freezer has transformed how we operate," Mrs Thomas said. "It’s safer for our team, a single person can now safely push a fully laden trolley up the shallow ramps, where it used to be a two-person push and a lift over a small step. It’s freed up hours of staff time each day, and it means we can store and manage stock far more efficiently in one place instead of across 2 locations, one of which was outside."

The freezer capacity has increased by more than 35%, from around 7,800 meals to more than 10,500, ensuring Bathurst Meals on Wheels can continue to meet growing demand and expand its support to other services across the state.

The upgrade also improves disaster preparedness, with capacity to hold an additional $20,000 worth of stock in case of supply disruptions, and enhances energy efficiency, reducing both operating costs and environmental impact. Early figures show the upgrade has already reduced electricity use by around 4,000 kWh per month compared to pre-installation levels. At an estimated commercial electricity cost of $0.25 per kWh, that equates to approximately $1,000 in savings each month, or around $12,000 annually, plus an emissions reduction of roughly 4 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The new freezer replaces an aging container unit that frequently broke down, caused stock losses, and required staff to work outside in all weather conditions.