Eddie Russell
Those doing it tough in Melbourne’s west will now be able to enjoy hot meals at home.
Ravenhall charity Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) have been able to deliver “a year’s supply” of microwaves to struggling families with help from Altona and Laverton Bendigo Bank branches.
Administration manager Ross Butterworth said the microwaves would make a “big difference” to people in need, which includes refugees, domestic violence victims, and homeless people.
“For people going into a home for the first time in a long time, a microwave gives them an opportunity for a hot meal,” he said.
The demand for electrical goods like washing machines, fridges, and microwaves is high, Mr Butterworth said.
“There are 12 to 15 families that come through our warehouse every week .. most of them want that [microwaves] amongst other things.
“We always struggle to get enough goods of any sort but certainly microwaves … so support from Bendigo and other organisations makes a huge difference.”
WERN is a community service project supported and managed by local Rotary clubs, with help from councils and businesses.
It services nine municipalities in the north and west of Melbourne, from Hume to Wyndham and Maribyrnong to Moorabool.
Mr Butterworth said covering such a large amount of territory was not always easy, but help made it significantly more manageable.
“It’s a big catchment but today we’ve managed to do that reasonably well.
“Commercial support is critical to making the program work – most items that we buy are second hand but Bendigo gave us the opportunity to purchase new stock.”
Bendigo Bank Altona and Laverton senior branch manager Daniela Guertler said the team felt compelled to help WERN given the important role it played in the community.
“We got involved with WERN because they are a local organisation addressing a crucial need for people trying to establish their households.
“Being involved in these efforts is incredibly rewarding.”
Details: wern.org/
