Lunch Club to break down social isolation among our seniors

Published on 10 May 2018

Sunraysia’s over 55s now have a new way to increase their social interaction and improve their nutrition with the launch of Mildura Rural City Council’s Lunch Club.

Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Min Poole said the Lunch Club will be based around weekly luncheons at the Mildura Senior Citizens Club, offering numerous opportunities for local seniors to improve their quality of life.

“The aim of the Lunch Club is to address the issue of social isolation and poor nutrition among older people through a collaborative approach with other local organisations and service providers,” Cr Poole said.

“Working with Sunassist, we’ll provide a variety of healthy weekly meals, drawing on our links with the CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) community and intergenerational interactions through youth programs to reach those who may be socially isolated.”

Cr Poole said Lunch Club members would enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal each Wednesday at the Mildura Senior Citizens Club, which would offer opportunities for seniors to develop friendships through regular contact with their peers in a social environment.

“The Lunch Club is also an opportunity for community volunteers to develop increased skills, self-confidence and a sense of community, all the while helping increase the capacity of seniors clubs and Council to respond to the needs of isolated elderly people,” she said.

Supported by the Victorian Government, the Lunch Club will operate each Wednesday from 9 May at midday. Cost is $10 per head, plus a $4 annual membership fee. This entitles members to any activities at the Mildura Senior Citizens Club, including indoor bowls, bingo, table tennis, party nights and other special events.

People interested in joining the Lunch Club can simply sign-up at any of the Wednesday luncheons. Alternatively, for more information or to book ahead, residents can contact Council’s Aged and Disability Services Program Development Officer Linda McGlashan on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries 

Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au