Victorian Emergency Relief Networks (VicERN) Bushfire Response Program

Dear District Representatives and Club Presidents,
     
Recently the four Victorian Emergency Relief Networks (VicERNs) met to discuss a joint response to the January Bushfires in Victoria and agreed to establish the VicERN Bushfire Relief Program. I believe we are strategically better placed to respond jointly than any time previously and our geographic locations provide logistical support potential to each community and District impacted. In discussions to date, it is clear there is no one fix for all and Districts and Communities are all underway at various levels and directions. VIcERN's Bushfire Relief Program can and will assist from the sidelines when and where it is desired by the communities for the long road to recovery. Your support in sharing this important initiative is critical on helping the devastated communities. Any support you can provide matters.
 
The Joint Victorian Emergency Relief Networks Bushfire Relief Program:
 
The Bushfire Relief Program is established to support the Program's purposes:
 
  • Liaison with each Emergency Relief Network to encourage Bushfire Relief Donations in cash and household goods;
  • Coordinate Corporate, Agency and Government approaches and activities with VicERNs;
  • Liaison with Districts, Clubs, Local Community Organisations, Support Agencies, Local and State Government to access required donated goods and/or funds without cost;
  • Establish and manage a central Donations Centre for ERNs, partner Corporates and interested public to contribute and deliver to;
  • Manage the donation offers and receipt of goods and/or Funds donated in accord with the needs of the affected Communities;
  • Determine what range and quantities of goods will be required initially and longer-term in liaison with Clubs and affected Families balanced with available space and financial resources;
  • Assist Lead Clubs to identify/assess local needs and support families; &
  • Manage the distribution of donated goods to Lead Clubs or Community Hubs.
Partner Groups (Fire impacted Rotary Districts, Clubs, Community Groups and organisations), Government agencies or Partner Support Agencies supporting the Bushfire Recovery efforts  are invited to apply for free 'Partner' membership.
 
Bushfire Response Donations (Cash):
 
Given each Emergency Relief Network holds DGR status with the Australian Tax Office, VicERN has approved Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) to operate a Bushfire Relief Appeal on its behalf immediately if donors wish to donate directly to fire-damaged communities and families.  
 
The Account offers donors to nominate where identified funds will be made available to the appropriate District Fund for distribution to their needs. VicERN will access donations to purchase new goods to augment supplies to the Bushfire Relief efforts to provide families with new replacement of kitchen, bathroom and bedding goods. Any additional use of funds will be at the discretion of the Districts involved.
 
The Account name and details for donations is:
 
Western Emergency Relief Network Foundation
BSB: 633 000
Account: 222 994 303
 
Victorian Emergency Relief Networks (VicERN) Bushfire Response Program
 
Donating directly through the above account attracts no administration or handling charges to the Appeal.
 
An additional option is via our website which does attract a small Charity Admin cost through PayPal for the convenience of their service: c- Donate
 
For donations requiring a Tax Receipt or allocation to specific geographic area, District or purpose please provide Name, email (for receipt) and mobile (to establish location/purpose).
 
For disbursement of funds, VicERN will rely on the Joint Committee Members (Districts/Clubs/Community Organisations to act within their Emergency/Disaster Fund guidelines. Where identified funds will be forwarded directly to the Districts/Clubs/Community Organisations as soon as practical following receipt and advice from donors. Any additional funds will be disbursed to each District as and when requested with regular updates provided to District Representatives.
 
Bushfire Response Donation of Goods:
 
VicERN will focus on collecting commercial quantities of goods considered critical in the first instance given the initial, limited storage space and cartage available. Please share the attached Flyer which highlights what we can accept, where to offer and how to get it to us. 
 
Warehousing:
 
WERN has negotiated an initial short-term lease for the purposes of commencing a public and corporate appeal for new and used goods to be housed at a central point to assist with distribution as and when required. Goods will be accepted and received strictly in accord with  ERN's existing protocols to ensure the quality of donations. VicERN will only provide goods to the nominated Regional Staging Points on request using the VicERN Order Form attached emailed to the VERN Bushfire Relief Program c- orders@VicERN.org. 
 
The address for the delivery of approved goods is Factory 1, 23 Westwood Dve. Ravenhall  and commenced 27th January 2026