Army steps in to help deliver Meals on Wheels

Armed with eskies and hot boxes, Enoggera-based soldiers have begun delivering for Mitchelton Meals on Wheels.

Adele Brown and Brehndan Thompson from Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, prepare to head out on a delivery run for Mitchelton Meals on Wheels.

Soldiers from Gallipoli Barracks are now conducting “culinary manoeuvres” in suburban streets.

Armed with eskies and hot boxes, Enoggera-based troops from the 5th Transport Squadron are delivering for Mitchelton Meals on Wheels on two runs, five days a week this month.

Lieutenant Matthew Sanderson said about 80 soldiers would take part overall, with a different four-person team delivering each day using their G Wagons.

Lt Sanderson said it was both a community service exercise and a chance to interact with the public, some of whom he admitted had been a little alarmed initially.

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“The reaction’s been really good. Obviously some of the customers have been surprised seeing army people rock up to their doors,” he said.

“I think it’s exciting the army is going to contribute,” Mitchelton MOW president Ralph Davies said.

Volunteers start at 5am Monday to Friday, making about 100 meals a day.

Mr Davies said they worked hard to please clients and could adjust meals to suit individual tastes.

For details, go to qmow.org or phone [phone] (8am-4pm Monday to Friday). Subsidies are available for some aged over 65 (or over 50 for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people). Phone [phone].