ABOUT US
Carevan Wagga Wagga Incorporated is a not-for-profit registered charity. We have an up-to-date constitution that has been approved by the Department of Fair Trading in 2024.
Our Vision
Care and compassion for our community
Our Mission
To provide meals and social connection for people experiencing need in the Wagga Community
Our Core Values
We value open, honest, respectful and inclusive conversation with others
We value the life, health, equality and dignity of all people
We value the time, effort, enthusiasm and commitment of our volunteers
We value the input of the community and other organizations in supporting vulnerable people
HISTORY
In 2018 Lynne Graham and her like-minded support team established Carevan Wagga Incorporated. Initially the charity’s model was based on that of the Carevan Foundation in Albury /Wodonga. They have always been extremely helpful even allowing us to use their logo.
After a Management Committee was formed, volunteers trained, a van was supplied at no charge by Thomas Bros and moneys were raised, night service started. Teams delivered two course evening meals in Wagga at six different sites over a fortnight. Some of the meals were cooked at Wagga high schools, some in Lynne’s kitchen and some were cooked on the night meal sites.
Another initial project was the fitting out of a warehouse in 2/159 Fernleigh Road which has a dedicated industrial kitchen, storage rooms, cool room, freezers and amenities for staff. This was occupied for cooking the night meals in early 2020.
The out break of Covid severely impeded this operational model and gave birth to the preparation of frozen meals which were distributed throughout the community by support service providers.
Since 2021 the original night meal programme reappeared with less cooking at the schools and none at the night venues – meals are now served at four night venues. However the frozen meal programme continued and is still a key feature of Carevan’s work.
Lynne retired as the volunteer manager at the end of 2023, her tireless dedication to Carevan over five years and her work in setting up the organisation from the ground up is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you Lynne so much for your 24/7 devotion to the people of Wagga Wagga. You gave us a million dollar gift.