Bush Fire Relief

A message from DIK Manager Colleen d’Offay
As we are all well aware, the past two weeks in Victoria have been devastating, with fires impacting communities across the state.
Many of us are keen to help by providing assistance and donating items. However, it is critical that any support offered aligns with what affected communities can realistically manage and genuinely need. These needs will also change over time.
For the past week I have been in direct contact with the following Relief Centres, which are coordinating all aspects of support — from feeding people and sourcing urgently required items, to organising livestock feed and simply providing a shoulder to lean on:
·       Highlands Hub Relief Centre
·       Terip Terip Relief Centre (Longwood)
·       Ruffy Relief Centre
The Rotary Club of Castlemaine is also working with DIK, along with the four Victorian Emergency Relief Networks, WERN, RMERN, CCCB and EERN who have set up a joint Bushfire Relief Program known as VERN, and actions will kick into gear when there is a clearer picture of the Harcourt needs.
VERN is partnering with the affected Community Hubs and has secured dedicated premises and transport to receive furniture and household goods from across Melbourne and will deliver on request to the affected communities.
VERN has a dedicated Bushfire Relief Fund in place for those wishing to access DGR status for any donations made and to ensure the funds donated go directly to the communities they wish to support without any administration or handling costs incurred. Please contact PDG Ross Butterworth, VERN Chair for more details on 0411 228 311 or administration@wern.org.

The details of particular needs required are listed here.