Kilometres of Care

No community should ever be without Meals on Wheels. When a local service can no longer manage its administrative operations, it becomes part of our Queensland Community Facilities (QCF) network, ensuring that clients in rural and regional areas continue to receive support, and that meals and the sense of connection they bring remain a constant in people’s lives.

For Jasmine Johansen, stepping into the role of Acting Service Coordinator at Meals on Wheels Queensland was about more than managing deliveries.  While Service Coordinator Celest Manousso was on a six-month leave of absence, Jasmine took on the role with a strong focus on connection, care, and community.

From her desk, hundreds of kilometres from the rural and regional communities she supports, Jasmine coordinates services across nine QCF facilities, ensuring every client receives nutritious meals and the support they need to live independently at home.

“Through every delivery and phone call, I’m reminded that even the smallest acts of care can make a big difference in someone’s day,” Jasmine reflects. Her role blends logistics and compassion, from responding to enquiries and organising new services, to supporting volunteers who are often the first smiling faces clients see each day.

Reflecting on her time acting in the role, Jasmine says, “I feel truly privileged to have served as a Service Coordinator. Being part of a team that delivers not just meals, but care, dignity, and connection, is a responsibility I held close to my heart. One of the most meaningful parts of my role is building genuine connections with our clients and being part of their journey.”

Behind every meal is a story, and behind every story is a team of volunteers and Jasmine knows their contribution is vital: “From delivering meals to checking in with clients, our volunteers bring care and kindness to each interaction. We are truly grateful for the generosity, time, and energy they share with our community.”

Every call Jasmine makes, every laugh shared with a client, every meal delivered by a volunteer represented a small moment with a big impact. Through her dedication during this period she helped ensure that even the most remote clients felt seen, supported, and valued. A powerful reminder that connection and compassion are at the heart of everything Meals on Wheels Queensland does.

Now, as Jasmine steps into her new role as Sector Support & Development Officer (SSD), she carries these learnings forward. “Moving into the SSD role allows me to build on my experience acting in the Service Coordinator role,” Jasmine says. “I’m excited to continue working alongside Meals on Wheels services, drawing on what I’ve learned to help strengthen and support other services as they navigate their own journeys.”