WERN stands for Western Emergency Relief Network. 

WERN is an endorsed Rotary District 9800 Community Service Project supported and managed by the Rotary Clubs of Bacchus Marsh, Caroline Springs, East Keilor, Essendon North, Flemington-Kensington, Hoppers Crossing, Melton Valley, Pt. Gellibrand, Werribee, West Footscray, Wyndham, Williamstown and Yarraville as well as local councils and businesses.

It was established to supply good quality second hand furniture, electronic and whitegoods to people in need without charge.

The people assisted are those who have been identified to have an urgent need as a result of experiencing trauma or loss, where they have a need to move or perhaps cannot afford basic living requirements, where they are struggling to buy essentials such as furniture and other household goods. Such traumas include long-term illness, unemployment, loss of home and belongings through fire, domestic violence, lack of family support, homelessness, or refugee status.

WERN is run and staffed by volunteers and is totally dependent upon the support and generosity of individuals, organizations, businesses and local government to fund its operations and meet its goals through member welfare agencies’ referral of clients in the northern and western regions of Melbourne.

Members and partners of our club will be visiting the new WERN warehouse in Ravenhall to view the wonderful work that the volunteers do.