About

Whitehorse Emergency Relief and Support Inc. is committed to operating in accordance with the aims, policies and standards of Community Information and Support Victoria Incorporated.
WERS will ensure that individuals and groups have equal access to information about their rights, responsibilities and the services available in order that they can be independent and effective members of the community.
WERS will exercise a responsible influence on the development of social service and policies.

Whitehorse Emergency Relief and Support Inc. (WERS) is a not-for-profit incorporated voluntary agency founded in 1967 to meet a need in the community for financial assistance and community support. Funded by Federal Government, Whitehorse City Council, local groups, private donations and trusts. We work in partnership with other relief agencies in Whitehorse to reduce duplication of assistance.

We provide services that aim to help individuals and families deal with a wide range of life situations. Our trained, multicultural group of volunteer Community Support Workers conduct one-to-one discussions, respecting the privacy of clients and the confidentiality of all client information. We respect all cultural, religious, gender and age differences and welcome all. Our services are free, independent, client-focused.

All incorporated organisations are required by law to appoint a governing body, which serves as the organisation’s highest authority.

The Board’s job is to provide purpose, leadership and overall strategy. It must ensure the community group’s finances are sound, its operations are legal and its procedures work.

Boards of incorporated bodies are given legal authority and responsibility to develop and oversee policies and practices to:

• keep the organisation true to its mission
• responsibly and ethically manage its finances
• safeguard its assets
• operate in the public interest

Emergency Relief

Casework and Counselling

Information and Referral

Advocacy and Negotiation

• Inclusive – Services are provided to individuals and families regardless of cultural, religious or personal identity
• Open-minded – creative and non-judgemental in responding to need and seeking continuous improvement in the way we deliver our services
• People-centered – focused on the best interest of our clients and volunteers
• Accountable and transparent – to our funding bodies, stakeholders and clients in what we do and how we do it
• Professional – at all levels of the organisation
• Collaborative – working together with our board, volunteers, clients, funding bodies and other agencies to maximise outcomes achieved

WERS is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). All donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

Read the 2024 WERS Annual Report