New food club to whip up extra support for seniors

Townsville’s budding chefs and home cooks will be the first in Queensland to take part in a new volunteer meal-sharing program, introduced by the Palaszczuk Government to address social isolation and strengthen community relationships.

Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke said Life Without Barriers would pilot the ‘Casserole Club’ in Townsville later this year to connect people who like to cook with older neighbours who would benefit from a home-cooked meal and a chat.

“The Casserole Club has been designed to help make our communities healthier, stronger and more inclusive by asking volunteers to make an extra portion of their own home-cooked meal and share with an older neighbour,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Casserole Club is supported by a website that allows you to sign up as a cook or a diner and search for participants in your area.

“This gives both parties the opportunity to make lasting connections in their own neighbourhoods, and goes a long way in combating social isolation.

“Our Government is dedicated to building more connected communities, and we have provided $159,000 to pilot the Casserole Club in Townsville as part of our seniors strategy, Queensland: an age-friendly community.

“The Casserole Club joins a suite of initiatives introduced by the Palaszczuk Government over the past 18 months,which aims to support people of all ages to actively participate in community life.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering Tech Savvy Seniors sessions across the state, in partnership with Telstra and the State Library of Queensland, to help seniors get online.

“More than 7000 Queensland seniors have now completed a Tech Savvy Seniors session, proving that older people are wanting to get online and be digitally included,” she said.

“Seniors who complete a Tech Savvy Seniors session will gain basic tech skills, including how to use an iPad, navigate social media, shop online and access services like the Casserole Club.”

Life Without Barriers Queensland Director of Operations Brad Swansaid the not-for-profit organisation was excited to incorporate the Casserole Club into their existing suite of ‘healthily-ageing’ services, especially in North Queensland after the successful pilot of the ‘Live Life, Live Well’ program last year.

“The Casserole Club continues on the same platform as the ‘Live Life, Live Well’ program, going an extra step by forging relationships that will benefit both aged people and the community members who participate as cooks,” Mr Swan said.

“The wonderful thing about Casserole Club is that it empowers everyone – the community members who cook meals, the aged people who benefit from having a home-cooked meal delivered to them, and the inevitable connection that brings to both parties.

“Breaking bread is one of humanity’s oldest traditions, and is a truly human interaction that brings joy to all.

“Not only is this a way to help ensure older people are getting a nutritious meal, but it will strengthen connection between generations and help reduce social isolation amongst older people in Townsville.”

For more information on Queensland: an age friendly community, visit www.qld.gov.au/agefriendlycommunity

Media Contact:                          Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170