Keith and Rita Phillips’ Impact on Ingham Meals on Wheels
At this year’s Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Awards, the spotlight shone brightly on a truly inspiring couple – Keith and Rita Phillips of Ingham Meals on Wheels. Honoured with the prestigious Hinchinbrook Shire Citizen Award, their selfless dedication and tireless service to their community have made a lasting impact that extends far beyond their local area.
A Legacy of Service: Keith’s Contributions
Keith Phillips has long been a cornerstone of the Hinchinbrook community, with his work primarily focused on volunteering with the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club. His skills and knowledge were instrumental in the construction of the Lower Herbert Seniors Centre at Halifax, a vital 21-unit apartment complex for seniors.
Keith’s contributions also include an incredible act of generosity – alongside Rita, he donated land and significant funds to support the development of the new Meals on Wheels building in Eleanor Street, which serves as a vital community hub. His hands-on approach to project management and construction has helped ensure the facility is not only functional but also built to last.
Rita’s Unwavering Commitment to Community
Rita’s involvement in the community is equally remarkable. Nominees like Rita often do so much behind the scenes, and she is a shining example of this. A dedicated volunteer with both Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church, Rita’s work has touched the lives of many, from coordinating volunteers to managing finances for Meals on Wheels.
Together with Keith, Rita helped oversee the redevelopment of the Meals on Wheels building, ensuring the new facility is not only sustainable for the future but can continue to serve the growing needs of the community.
In addition to her Meals on Wheels work, Rita holds the roles of Warden and Lay Minister at the Hinchinbrook Anglican Diocese, where she coordinates financial management, maintenance, and security for the church. Her dedication to the community extends to her musical talents as well, as she plays the organ for church services and organizes the Conroy Hall Markets, a monthly event that brings the community together.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Together, Keith and Rita’s commitment to the betterment of their community is nothing short of extraordinary. Their shared vision has allowed them to create something far greater than themselves – a Meals on Wheels centre that will continue to provide support for years to come.
Their story is one of generosity, dedication, and a deep-rooted belief in the importance of community. By donating land, funds, and their time, they have laid the foundation for future generations to benefit from the vital services provided by Meals on Wheels.
Keith and Rita Phillips’ contributions are a shining example of the power of volunteerism and community spirit. It’s clear that their award-winning efforts are just the beginning of a long-lasting legacy that will continue to inspire others to give back to their communities.
Thank You, Keith and Rita
As we celebrate the achievements of these two incredible individuals, we are reminded of the countless volunteers across Meals on Wheels Queensland who selflessly give their time, energy, and skills to make our communities better places. Keith and Rita Phillips are true champions of the Meals on Wheels cause, and we are so proud to honour them for their outstanding service.
