Meals on Wheels farewells long-serving manager Meredyth Rae

MEALS on Wheels Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest has bid official farewell to one of their long-serving staff, as Meredyth Rae stepped down from the manager’s role at the end of March.

Meredyth, whose family roots spread deep around the region, returned to Bulahdelah 27 years ago, and initially got involved with the Meals on Wheels service in July 2004, as a result of teaching her own children about the values of community service.

After ten years of coordinating Meals on Wheels deliveries and other actions around Bulahdelah, she moved to the Office Coordinator role at the Hawks Nest Community Hall headquarters.

In 2016, Meredyth was asked to take over the role of office manager, and has since seen many a local president, paid workers, and volunteer deliverers pass through the service, becoming very well-known and well-liked for her calm demeanor and helpful disposition.

“Meredyth has been a constant at the Meals on Wheels office, she has all our admiration and we will miss her,” Meals on Wheels President Derek Pont told NOTA.

“She worked from home initially, and was a driving force for getting Meals on Wheels into the area.”

“Of course, we wish her the best in her new life as a doting grandmother, and on the golf course, which we all know she loves.”

Meredyth was presented with a special bunch of flowers sent by former President Dan Holmes, as well as a hefty voucher to use at Hawks Nest Golf Course while she is still in the region.

“I am fortunate to be Meredyth’s husband, and have had a front-row seat for the last 22 years of her commitment, watching what she does and why she does it,” said Meredyth’s husband, Stephen Rae.

“It is about the people, their dignity, and letting them know that none of them are forgotten.

“She is a calm voice on the phone, able to quell any chaos.”

Meredyth was farewelled at a well-attended luncheon at the Hawks Nest Community Hall, where she thanked all those who had shared the journey with her.

“Conversations with clients are so special, we get to know the people in our community and help them stay connected as well as in good health,” Meredyth said.

“I am going to play a lot of golf, and travel the Canberra-Bulahdelah route many times, with family there to help look after.”

Meredyth’s reassuring presence at the Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels office will be one missed by all who have had the pleasure of dealing with her, all in the aid of members of the broader regional community.

By Thomas O’KEEFE