How a simple conversation brightens the day
"Good morning Kathleen, Meals on Wheels."
It's a simple greeting, but for Kathleen it's one she looks forward to each week.
On this particular morning, the conversation begins with the weather. After a run of cold days, the sunshine has finally arrived.
"It's so lovely after the cold weather we've had," Kathleen says with a smile.
She's already making the most of it, spending the morning sewing in the warmth of the sun streaming into her living room.
For Shane, the Meals on Wheels volunteer at the door, these conversations are just as important as delivering the meal itself.
There is no rush. A few minutes spent chatting about the weather, hobbies or how the week has been can brighten someone's day and provide reassurance that everything is okay.
As they say goodbye, Shane wishes Kathleen a good day.
"I'll see you next time."
It's a familiar routine, but one that carries far more meaning than it might first appear.
Across New South Wales, thousands of similar conversations take place every day. While every conversation is different, they all share one thing in common: they remind people that someone is thinking of them.