2025 marked a significant milestone in Tasmania’s community service history. We proudly celebrated 70 years since Meals on Wheels began operating in Tasmania, with the opening of the Hobart Branch in 1955, and 50 years of service by the Eastern Shore Branch, which became independent following the collapse of the Tasman Bridge in 1975.
What began as a modest initiative by a group of dedicated women, led by the visionary Edith Cuthbert, has grown into a statewide network that now delivers around 300,000 meals each year across 10 branches, from Smithton in the North-West to Dover in the South.
Meals on Wheels services represent a significant and essential piece of social infrastructure, providing front-line, early intervention and prevention in the home and reducing the malnutrition risk faced by 1.2 million older Australians and the social isolation risk to one in four who live alone.
Our mission is to support well-nourished and independent communities through the delivery of a nutritious meal, social connection and a wellbeing check by our dedicated workforce.
Meals on Wheels is an essential service that continues to step up and support vulnerable members of a community at a time when they need it most.
Meals on Wheels Tasmania is the peak state body, representing the community of grassroots services across Tasmania dedicated to the wellbeing, connection and independence of our most vulnerable.
We are committed to the continuous improvement, promotion, and sharing of information and ideas for all Meals on Wheels providers throughout metropolitan and regional Tasmania. It is our aim to raise awareness of Meals on Wheels, continue to develop and improve the essential service across the state and acknowledge the unwavering dedication of our paid and volunteer workforce.
Meals on Wheels started in Tasmania in 1955, with only one car to make the deliveries and meals bought from a commercial source to support a small number of elderly people in Hobart.
In 1963, a second branch was formed at Glenorchy, with meals being provided by volunteers using a small kitchen made available through the local Council.
The Meals on Wheels Association of Tasmania was incorporated in 1971, with eight branches formed around the state.
