The West Welcome Wagon not-for-profit group in Sunshine says a large state government funding boost of almost $200,000 means it can continue helping refugees settle in the west.
West Welcome Wagon chair Chris Scerri said his organisation had received much state government support in the past but the latest funding of $191,000 from the government’s Circular Economy Communities Fund was its largest grant.
“We are hopeful it can sustain us,” he said.
“ We would not be able to function without that help. We are really thrilled with it.
“It’s the biggest grant we have.”
Mr Scerri said the centre currently had a full-time manager and the new funding would go towards hiring someone part-time, operating and maintaining the delivery van and rent for the premises and warehouse.
West Welcome Wagon, which got its name from the idea of people in the west welcoming people in need to the area, provides asylum seekers and refugees in Melbourne’s west with good quality donated goods like furniture, bedding, clothing and appliances.
West Welcome Wagon which started in Yarraville, has more than 200 volunteers and has helped almost 1900 households or 8000 people since it began in 2013.
Mr Scerri said the organisation and warehouse, in Vella Drive, Sunshine West, was currently helping 700 households that stretched from Broadmeadows to Werribee and Melton.
“Just this year we have 60 families come over from Afghanistan and, as you know, they came with just the clothes on their backs,” Mr Scerri said.
Details: www.westwelcomewagon.org.au
Dora Houpis
