A generous bequest from Joan Barry of Orange has provided her local Meals on Wheels service with a brand new van. 

The new Meals on Wheels van, affectionately named Joan, now sits proudly outside the Choices at Home cottage in Orange. 

The testator specifically wished for the funds to go back to the Orange area, and after discussions with Orange Food Services - Orange City Council, this beautiful story unfolded.

The acquisition of Joan was a direct result of a significant gift from the late Joan Barry, a former Chief Librarian whose public service legacy continues to nourish the community she cared for so deeply. Since her passing, Joan Barry's impact on Orange and its residents has continued to resonate.

Her funding of this bus, a purchase approved by her estate and Meals on Wheels NSW, directly supports the vital work of delivering meals to older residents in the Orange region. The bus proudly bears her name, a permanent acknowledgment of her contribution.

This contribution by Joan Barry will have a lasting impact, enhancing the local Meals on Wheels service and helping more people live independently at home with dignity and connection. A spokesperson for Joan's estate confirmed Joan would be incredibly pleased to know a portion of her estate has supported such a critical community service in the area she held dear.

From modernising the Orange City Library to now ensuring warm meals reach those in need via this wonderful new bus, Joan Barry's commitment to her community is continuing to benefit Orange in a truly remarkable way. What a beautiful story of legacy and community spirit!