Bankstown Mayor Clr Khal Asfour paid tribute to Bankstown's Meals on Wheels Volunteers at their Annual Presentation, which coincided with International Volunteer Day on 5 December.

"In the past 45 years Meals on Wheels volunteers have delivered literally millions of meals and warmed the hearts of innumerable residents by their generosity and compassion", Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said.

"This year I had the pleasure of honouring 36 volunteers for their outstanding dedication.

"One of the founding members, Gwen Banner, has been delivering meals since 1966. She is an exceptional example of community spirit and an inspiration to us all," Mayor Asfour said.

Since its inception four and a half decades ago, Bankstown Meals on Wheels has grown into a service comprising176 volunteers who deliver 97,000 meals each year.

It also provides meals at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre on weekdays for aged residents who drop in not only to enjoy the food, but also the company of their peers.

Mayor Asfour said that the Meals on Wheels volunteer contributions are becoming increasingly valuable as our nation tries to keep up with the needs of an ageing population.

Mayor Asfour also wished to pay tribute to all of Bankstown's volunteers for their contributions.

"International Volunteer Day is about honouring all those who give freely of themselves to our community. To each and every one of you out there I extend my heartfelt appreciation," Mayor Asfour said.