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Make a difference in your local community, Join our Emergency Relief Teams!

Uniting Victoria And Tasmania
Logo for Uniting Victoria And Tasmania

Uniting's Emergency Relief program for people experiencing hardship. The program provides an opportunity for vulnerable members of the community to access a range of supports, including donated items, vouchers, material goods and referrals to services.

People experiencing the effects of poverty often need support while they focus on building brighter days ahead. Uniting Emergency Relief services provide immediate financial and/or material support to people in financial crisis.

We work to empower people with the information, skills and tools they need to live a healthy, happy life. Sometimes it doesn’t take much for bills to spiral out of control. Individuals and families hit with unexpected expenses can quickly see their household budgets overwhelmed. Unemployment, illnesses or even back-to-school costs may leave people unable to pay the bills.

We provide support to local individuals and families in the form of material aid – food, clothing and household goods, back-to-school costs and bill payment assistance to people living in disadvantage.

Our educational programs – such as education assistance and cooking classes - support people to have the resources, opportunities and capabilities to learn, work, engage and have a voice.

Emergency Relief volunteers are non-judgmental in their approach and the ability to respond with empathy to people in crisis.

Team Members assist with the packing and distribution of food, initial eligibility interviews, entry of data, general operations of the program and maintaining the work environment.

Hear the real story

Helping others has led to personal gain for Cindy

A little over a year ago, Cindy found herself with extra time on her hands and decided to make the most of it by giving back to her local community in Ballarat.

“I was looking to support an organisation that matched my interests and values,” she says.

“The opportunity to volunteer with Uniting Ballarat Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) seemed a perfect fit.”

A year later, she has not looked back.

“Our ERC provides practical, immediate financial and material assistance to a diverse range of people facing financial hardship.

It is a warm, welcoming environment, and part of the wider network of services Uniting offers to the people of Ballarat and surrounds.”

Cindy loves that her role is so varied.

“No two days are the same. I assist with tasks like the reception of visitors, initial eligibility assessments and data entry.

“I also guide clients through the process of choosing food and personal items from our fabulous mini-market style pantry, and of course unpacking goods and keeping our shelves stocked and the centre tidy.”

While Cindy set out on her volunteering journey with the aim of helping others, she has been constantly surprised at just how much she has gained personally.

“Being part of a highly dedicated and compassionate team working together to make a difference is so very rewarding.

“Seeing how some practical assistance, a welcoming smile, a friendly word, can ease the burden for those doing it tough is extraordinary and humbling, and helps me appreciate all that I have that much more.”

“Seeing the way each customer is treated with respect, listened to and heard makes me a better person in my everyday life.”

You can not apply for this role as it is no longer available.