Paul Sadler appointed Meals on Wheels Chair

Aged care industry expert Paul Sadler has been announced as the new Chair of the Meals on Wheels Australia Board.

With more than three decades’ experience in the aged care sector, Sadler has worked as CEO of Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA), CEO of Presbyterian Aged Care, ACSA National Chairperson and a member of other industry and university boards and advisory bodies for the federal government.

Sadler said he was excited to be starting with an iconic organisation that provides a vital service for older Australians.

“For 70 years, Meals on Wheels has been supporting older Australians through the provision and delivery of delicious and nutritious meals,” he said.

“But that isn’t all. As we’ve learnt from the groundbreaking new Social Impact Report, Meals on Wheels and its incredible team of volunteers is critical in supporting social connection and improving wellbeing.

“It’s helping to combat the national health issue of social isolation among older Australians,” Sadler said.

Sadler has worked closely with Meals on Wheels in the course of his 35-year career and has been involved in meal deliveries in the past. He praised the service’s focus on home care “as home is the place that older people want to live and receive services”.

“Meals on Wheels services are the backbone of Australia’s home care system. I’m a strong advocate for the quality nutrition and social connection that Meals on Wheels provides,” he said.

Sadler also highlighted the organisation’s promotion of community volunteering.

“The value that volunteering with Meals on Wheels brings to society is too often overlooked. For example, the Draft National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy released last weekend by the government made no mention of volunteer effort,” he said.

“I am truly looking forward to the coming months and years working with Meals on Wheels stakeholders, customers, volunteers and communities alike to further extend the incredible work — and reach — of Meals on Wheels.”

Image caption: Paul Sadler.