Tamworth Meals on Wheels veteran volunteer Betty Burgmann steps down after 55 years of service

The local legend has retired from her official volunteering duties after more than half a century working for the organisation.

She's been a delivery driver - with two little kids strapped in the back - as well as an office worker and committee member.

"I care about people," Betty said, when asked what drove her to keep giving.

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"It was just about knowing that I was helping the people that couldn't get out and couldn't get meals for themselves."

Betty first joined the service back in 1965, when it was brand new to Tamworth and in need of more volunteers.

"Of course, they were short of people, and that's still the story of today," Betty said.

She said it's pretty much come full circle in the last half a century, and she looks forward to the occasional knock on the door from a Meals on Wheels delivery driver.

"It's got to the stage now where at times I have to get them to bring me a meal," she laughed.

"I'm entitled to it."

Betty's seen a lot of change over the decades, and recalls the days when she used to carry eskies full of hot food and serve it directly onto dinner plates.

She remembers being based out of the local rugby union clubhouse, before making the move to a specialty kitchen.

Tamworth Meals on Wheels manager Peter Gallagher said every helper new or old was appreciated, but said Betty had put in an amazing effort.

"We have a lot of long-serving volunteers, but I doubt there will ever be another Betty," he told the Leader.

"The number of people she would have helped would be incalculable I think, over 55 years."

Betty and her partner Hans Korten were farewelled from their roles at a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon.