Relief centre opens doors

By Bridget Cook
A NEW multi-purpose facility, which aims to distribute food to the needy and other goods to community organisations, was opened in Dandenong last week.
Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus officially opened the centre that will not only distribute food for the needy, but also be a workshop and home to employment, training and work experience projects.
Participants will prepare, cook and package meals before they are distributed to disadvantaged members of the community.
“Through warehouse centres like this one, Avocare and VicRelief Foodbank are able to provide much-needed assistance to thousands of families and individuals in financial crisis or other forms of immediate social hardship,” Mr Dreyfus said.
VicRelief, Victoria’s largest independent emergency relief resource centre, will help provide food and other forms of material aid to assist these organisations to meet the demand for critical support within the local community.
Dr Shirley Martin, chair of the VicRelief Foodbank, said bringing projects like this to the local area makes it easier for distribution.
“People here know the direct needs of their local community,” Dr Martin said.
Avocare director Trish Keilty who spoke at the official opening said Avocare is innovative, practical and diverse.
“This centre is a truly wonderful example of social enterprise in action,” Ms Keilty said.