Volunteers rally to keep service open

After the forced closure of Rockingham Emergency Relief on June 29, volunteers have rallied to fight for the needy and reopen as a new entity.

The centre was previously funded by Anglicare WA and had to close when the not-for-profit group was not awarded funding from the Department of Social Services for emergency relief.

Volunteer Suzanne Macro said the group decided the service, which helps between 1000 and 2000 families a year, was far too important to disappear and agreed they would seek community support to continue.

Mrs Macro said the centre was working on its application to become incorporated as Coastal Districts Care Centre.

"Even though the Federal funding has gone, we still have a huge support base in the community and the need is as great as ever," she said.

"Money just doesn't go as far these days - when you have a low income, have lost a job, or experienced an event such as a car accident, major appliance breakdown, or sudden illness or injury, it is often unlikely there are reserves to fall back on. That is where emergency relief services come in - it is a non-judgmental helping hand for those down on their luck."

Long-term volunteer Jill Harris said she felt relieved the volunteers had found a way forward.

"It is not just food and vouchers - we are here to listen and talk to people and a lot of people have come in lately crying because we were going to close, there were a lot of tears," she said.

"I'm much, much happier knowing it is continuing."

Although the centre will be closed for July it will reopen in August and provide a basic emergency relief service.

In the meantime, volunteers are calling on the community to help fill the shelves in preparation with non-perishable foods and hygiene items.

Find a full list of what the centre needs on Facebook by searching Generosity Rockingham.

Volunteers will be available on Monday and Friday mornings at the centre, at 14 Council Avenue, to accept donations.