After an incredible 45 years of service with Meals on Wheels, local volunteers Maree Crees and Carmen Bolton have officially hung up the car keys, marking the end of an era in community service.

It all started in Mossman around 1979 - though the exact year is a little fuzzy now - when Maree and her close friend Carmen decided to lend a hand to those in need.

With young children at home and a shared desire to make a difference, the pair joined the newly launched Meals on Wheels program, quickly becoming a reliable team delivering meals to elderly and vulnerable members of their community.

“I had a car, I could drive, and I had the time,” Ms Crees said. “It was something I could do to make a difference.”

In the early days, the meals were prepared in what is now known as the ‘chook shed’ at the Mossman Showgrounds - a humble yet functional space where volunteers would gather, cook, and package meals for delivery.

For 45 years, Ms Crees and Ms Bolton delivered meals once a month on Wednesdays, forming a bond that went far beyond their volunteer shifts. 

“If I couldn’t go, Carmen would go with her husband. And if she couldn’t make it, I’d go on my own,” Ms Crees explained. 

“We had plenty of chit-chat in the car, bowled together, and even volunteered at the school tuck shop, which gave us more time to catch up,” Ms Bolton added.

But their efforts went beyond just delivering meals, their presence often became a lifeline for those they visited.

“Some of the people we visited were just so happy to see someone walk through the door,” Ms Crees recalled. “Those smiles made every visit worthwhile.”

For Ms Bolton, the greatest reward was the connections they built over the years. “The best part was talking to those lovely people, sharing meals with them, and offering support, it’s been truly wonderful.”

Their dedication did not go unnoticed. Meals on Wheels celebrated their incredible milestone with a special lunch at Club Mossman, where they were honoured with a commemorative plaque.

Jillian Bellero, who oversees Meals on Wheels, expressed her gratitude: “We truly appreciate the support we’ve received over the years”. 

“These ladies were always reliable, always there, and never missed a day unless absolutely necessary. It’s rare to find such dedication.”

She also emphasised the ongoing need for volunteers.

“Now we’re looking for people to step in and fill the gap. There’s always room for more helpers. If anyone has a few hours to spare on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning, they’d be making a real difference."