October 2014 Meals on Wheels Association of Tasmania Inc This Month:  State Conference and AGM  Grant from Tasmanian Community Fund  Smithton makes the News  Tribute to Diane  Introducing our New Board Member Contact Us: P.O. Box 149 Glenorchy, Tas. 7010 PHONE: (03)62720124 FAX: (02)62720184 E-MAIL: [email protected] Find us on Facebook State Conference and AGM Meals on Wheels Tasmania had their annual state conference and AGM on Saturday 13th September in the Lecture Theatre at the Launceston General Hospital. It was well attended with about 70 people attending from all over the State. The Conference was opened by Eric Hutchinson, Federal MP for Lyons who spoke about the Meals on Wheels community and companionship and its humble beginning in 1953. This year our guest speaker was Richard Green from Digital Hub who spoke about “Taking Advantage of the NBN and Technology” – he explained the NBN; it’s costs and availability, and discussed the use of ipads for entertainment, information, communication and education. This was followed by a forum of Board Members with questions from the audience. Issues discussed include: the colour of the website, police checks, communication and the volunteer register. Presentations were made to retiring board member Kaye Ling and Diane Kelly in recognition of her 20th anniversary as NW Assessment Officer. CEO Sean Burk finished the conference off with a demonstration of new cooler bags Meals on Wheels have purchased after receiving a grant to upgrade current eskies. Lunch and a chat was enjoyed by everyone before the AGM in the afternoon. Tasmanian Community Fund Meals on Wheels would like to thank Tasmanian Community Fund for their Grant to enable us to purchase new food delivery equipment. Smithton in the News Tribute to Diane Diane Kelly’s loyalty to Meals on Wheels is undeniable. Thirty seven years ago she was a founding member of Railton Meals on Wheels and is now a Railton Life Member. Twenty years ago Diane commenced work as Assessment officer for North/ North West Tasmania and used her skills to format and develop that role from scratch. Diane is a great mentor to her work colleagues and has great respect and loyalty from her peers. She is a straight shooter, forward thinker and embraces change, especially in relation to recipients. Four years ago Diane’s position changed to an entirely office based role. It is reported that recipients and volunteers still ask after her; always wishing to be remembered to her. This in itself shows the caliber of person she is and the impact she has had in their lives. Our Association has been so fortunate to have her working as an Assessment Officer on the NW Coast. Congratulations Diane on 20 years of dedicated service to Meals on Wheels!! Introducing our New Board Member Dr. Stephen Aldous was elected to the Board of Governance of Meals on Wheels at the AGM held on the 13th September, 2014, after the retirement of long serving member Kaye Ling. Stephen is a volunteer at our Hobart Branch. He completed a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Sydney before moving to Hobart in late 1975 to take up a position as lecturer in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Tasmania. He retired from academia in 2010 after 35 years’ service including the final 11 years as the Head of School. He has served on a multitude of committees in the past and we would like to warmly welcome him to the Board of Meals on Wheels. Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. –Albert Einstein