Last week we celebrated National Meals on Wheels Day, on August 31.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and have a meal with clients and staff of the Queanbeyan branch of Meals on Wheels, and the Minister for Ageing and Disability Services John Ajaka joined us too.

It is important we recognise the work of the organisations 78,700 volunteers at over 740 branches around the country.

Meals on Wheels services have helped Australians for more than 60 years.

Over the past year, 70,000 volunteers have prepared and delivered more than 10 million meals to 60,000 people in need Australia-wide.

The service makes it possible for older Australians and people with disability to stay in their homes by delivering nutritious meals, and providing social interaction with their regular visits.

The volunteers do it because they want to, and because they passionately believe in the value of the service. Their generosity and good-will makes an invaluable contribution to society and many people's lives.

As well as delivering meals, Meals on Wheels volunteers conduct a safety and wellbeing check to monitor the physical and psychological health of older people and people with disability.

A hot meal and a friendly chat can make all the difference in the world when it comes to a person's well-being.

Through the dedication of volunteers under the Meals on Wheels program, vulnerable members of the community across New South Wales have access to nutritious food, can stay in their homes, and stay connected to their communities.

This is a valuable program which highlights our strong community spirit and the significant contribution of volunteers not just in New South Wales, but around Australia.

Meals on Wheels services are funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.

In this financial year, the NSW government funding contribution will provide more than 150,000 meals to people with disability.

- John Barilaro, Member for Monaro