Tara Murray
A program that helps provide supplies to people most in need has been recognised at the Keep Victoria Beautiful 2021 Sustainable Cities awards.
The Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) was named the joint winner of the community awards for its work in not only helping the community, but keeping household items from landfill.
The WERN is a non-profit and run by a number of Rotary clubs across Melbourne’s west, providing household goods to those most in need.
Administration officer Ross Butterworth said the group was chuffed to receive such an award.
He said it had been a tough couple of years through the pandemic, with many of the agencies they work with being affected and having to redirect their services.
The group supports welfare agencies in several areas including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moorabool.
“We’re chuffed to have received the award,” he said. “We’re working with about 15 families a week at the moment.
“We could be supplying everything for a house. It could be a whole house or it could be a replacement washing machine.
“They can only come once a year. We usually work with a case manager to find everything they need for a house, it could be beds, bedding, white goods.”
Mr Butterworth said most of the time they stay at arm’s length from the clients, unless they come directly to them or via one of the Rotary clubs.
They will then help them also find the right support services.
Mr Butterworth said WERN has helped about 7000 families, while saving more than 57,000 of items from landfill.
“It’s also worthwhile for the environment as well.”
Mr Butterworth said there were two main ways people could help out if they wanted to get involved. The first was to donate good condition goods that could be rehoused and are suitable for smaller accommodation. The second is to volunteer.
