In Australia, Meals on Wheels commenced in 1952 in South Melbourne with a lady on a tricycle delivering meals. Following this, the Red Cross commenced delivering meals to those in need.

In March 1957 Sydney City Council started Meals on Wheels in NSW. In the first week 150 meals were cooked in the Town Hall for inner city dwellers. The cost of the meal then was two shillings, which is approximately 20 cents today.

From its inception over 60 years ago, Meals on Wheels has grown to become a driving force of care in the community. In a year, more than 78,700 volunteers deliver over 14.8 million meals to about 53,000 recipients Australia wide in cities, regional and rural areas. Of these, 35,000 volunteers in NSW deliver about 4.5 million meals each year.

In Tamworth the first meal was delivered December 1963. Meals on Wheels formed the association in February 1965. The organisation is currently managed by a Management Committee, comprised of 9 members of the community with expertise and skills in business management and community service delivery.