This Orange Blossom Festival season Bella Vista Farm, one of The Hills Shire's most historic landmarks, will be reimagined through light and sound.The whole family will be captivated by ‘Echoes – Luna Light Journey’, an immersive adventure exploring the rich history of the farm, retold through custom soundscapes, light installations and pulsating special effects.
Tickets on sale now
Published on 21 May 2024
Meet Barbara, who has served as a Meals on Wheels volunteer for an extraordinary 50 years.
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious pre-cooked and package meals to assist residents live independently in their homes. Over the past five decades, Barbara has delivered meals and provided companionship for hundreds of Meals on Wheels clients.
Barbara was acknowledged for her tremendous service during Council’s Volunteer Thank You Night on Wednesday, 22 May at the Pioneer Theatre, which included a service award presentation and a free performance of Ghost The Musical performed by Blackout Theatre.
When did you start volunteering? I started in February 1974 when my daughter started school at Baulkham Hills North. I went to a mothers club meeting that some parents were having and I came across an old friend who I knew from primary school. She told me that she was doing Meals on Wheels and asked me if I would like to help. I later found out that she only lived around the corner from me and I had no idea. How did you find the job when you started? I was always thanked and the people were very kind. It was very enjoyable and interesting, I remember visiting someone in Uniting Wirreanda who grew brown rice in Griffith to sell! Some people you met couldn’t be happier to see you. How has it changed over time? Well in the old days we used to deliver Monday to Friday and we also used to deliver more meals than today. We used to be able to bring our children with us on the runs back then too. Well, we had to because back then you couldn’t send your kids to daycare before the age of four. The clients were only too pleased to see the children, who often became fond of them too. What has kept you volunteering for so long? It’s the people you meet. I have met some lovely people over the years. How does it feel looking back at your time volunteering? I wondered how I had so much free time and I wanted to keep on going as long as I can. My husband said that he would help me then I thought well maybe I can make it to 50 years or something close to it. I was determined to get to a certain number before I ran out of steam. I don’t think I’ll last another 50 years but I would like to keep on going as long as I can. That’s of course if they still let me!
To browse current volunteering opportunities within The Hills, visit: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Community/Support-Services/Volunteering