Sarah Oliver
An emergency relief and assistance organisation will relocate to Melton in 2022 to help meet growing demand for its services.
The Western Emergency Relief Network Incorporated (WERN) is a not-for-profit community organisation initiative in partnership with Rotary Clubs across the west of Melbourne.
WERN will relocate from Brimbank to a new warehouse at Westwood Drive in Ravenhall under a peppercorn lease agreement with Melton council.
Council is currently constructing the warehouse and is expected to be ready for WERN to move in by March 2022.
WERN works to support people experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, family violence, fire or flood situations, or those who are refugees.
The organisation supplies those people with quality second-hand furniture, electronics, and whitegoods.
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said council was proud to support WERN’s efforts to expand.
“Emergency relief is absolutely critical, and I’m very pleased that we can help support a key organisation in its important work,” Cr Kesic said.
“WERN’s work helps so many people in need, including our own community, and I look forward to seeing their reach expand from their new City of Melton base.”
WERN Chair Tony Ebejer thanked council for its long-term support and recognition of the work WERN does in the community.
“We’re pleased that this new lease and purpose-built warehouse will help us to better serve our clients who are all in personal crisis situations,” Mr Ebejer said.
“Council’s strong support over several years has allowed WERN to help more than 7000 Australians.”
