An innovative meal voucher program has led to the Warrumbungle Community Care group being chosen as a finalist in this year’s NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Based in Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle Community Care (WCC) provides services for the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers in the Warrumbungle Shire so they can continue to remain living independently in their own homes. The group is auspiced by Warrumbungle Shire Council.

The establishment of WCC's "Rise and Shine it's time to dine" meal vouchers have been a mutually beneficial program for both people in need and also local businesses. The meal voucher program sees WCC partner with almost 40 food vendors in the local government area to supply eligible clients with vouchers to access meals at a discounted rate.

“The meal voucher program has been chosen as a finalist in the category Community Development – Population under 150,000,” Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Ambrose Doolan said. “The winners will be announced at an awards night in Sydney on the 1st of June.”

The Community Development award recognises leadership in community services as evidenced by way of corporate process improvements; a particular project initiative; innovation in management and leadership practices; or demonstrated practicality and resourcefulness.

“The Rise and Shine voucher program gives clients access and choice offering the vouchers alongside the regular hot and frozen meals and breakfast packs that are available from Warrumbungle Community Care," Mr Doolan said.

"Since the inception of the program during the Covid-19 pandemic, both the number of vouchers and participating food vendors has more than doubled. The vouchers are available at a variety of cafes, bakeries, pubs, clubs and restaurants so there really is something for everyone."

Warrumbungle Community Care's initiative with the meal voucher program has already seen the dedicated group named reap rewards; taking out the NSW Meals on Wheels ‘Innovation Award’ in 2022. WCC were also shortlisted for the prestigious Alison Meighan Award with an Honorary Finalist Service Excellence Award in 2022.

The WCC team in 2020 with another innovation award. IMAGE: Warrumbungle Shire Council

This latest feather in the cap of a group which also offers Meals on Wheels, social support including monthly luncheons across the Shire, home maintenance, respite for carers, home care packages, a bus service and LGTBI and cultural inclusive services, is a worthy nod to the community support they provide.

“Warrumbungle Community Care have been making continual improvements to both the services and initiatives they deliver and anticipate the meal voucher program to keep growing into the future, allowing them to further assist our community,” Mr Doolan said.

Warrumbungle Community Care services are delivered by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Volunteers deliver meals, help out at social groups, assist people with shopping, talk to people on the phone and drive people to local and long distance appointments.

WCC is always on the hunt for new volunteers - if you are interested in helping out, contact the Shire Office for further details.