Thanks a million: Deanne Britton and the members of Warrumbungle Community Care

Deanne Britton and the members of the Warrumbungle Community Care group have found an innovative way to help those most in need during COVID.

Deanne Britton, Kimberley Pickette and Rose Watton from Warrambungle Community Care.

For many years Deanne Britton and the members of the Warrumbungle Community Care (WCC) group have delivered food to the elderly residents of western NSW through the Meals on Wheels program.

But when COVID-19 hit, the WCC found an innovative way to reach all the new people who were in need in the community.

They created food vouchers that could be exchanged at local bakeries, cafes, restaurants and pubs, in effect helping both those in need and small hospitality businesses who were suffering through COVID-19 lockdown.

Using money made available through government funding, around 5000 vouchers were distributed to those in need, which included members of the indigenous community, newly-unemployed, the frail aged and disabled.

The WCC were nominated in the Thanks a Million campaign for the initiative.

Before they sent out any vouchers, they completed 700 hours of welfare checks to make sure they were going to those who needed them.

Deanne Britton, Kimberley Pickette and Rose Watton from Warrambungle Community Care.

“When COVID-19 hit, the government gave out funding grants and Meals on Wheels took that up and we introduced the vouchers,” said Ms Britton, who has been with WCC for 15 years.

“Initially we had 18 vendors on board, but now we have 27 and there are plans to continue using the vouchers as they have been so successful.

“The vouchers allow us to reach more people in need than the traditional elderly residents who use Meals on Wheels.”

WCC looks after a 12,500sq km region from Baradine in the north to Coolah in the south.

They like to say they are “more than just a meal” as they also provide social support for clients and, through the Home Care packages, go into homes to help people with high needs with things like shopping, cleaning and showering. And they also provide community transport, which during COVID-19 lockdown was used for medical reasons only.

“I nominated our team at WCC because we rarely get recognised for the work we do,” Ms Britton said.

“And the vouchers were such a great idea that came from within WCC, I think it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply.

Originally published as Thanks a million: Deanne Britton and the members of Warrumbungle Community Care