Vinnies relaunches Margaret River Emergency Relief Conference

Vinnies WA has reopened its Margaret River Emergency Relief Conference, offering much-needed support for locals who are struggling to make ends meet.

The Margaret River Emergency Relief Conference was forced to closed in May when President John O’Dwyer retired after 20 years in the role, along with his wife Jan who served as a retail volunteer. The couple could not find volunteers to continue their work to keep the Conference open.
But now, long-time Margaret River resident and Vinnies retail volunteer Tim Lawrance has stepped in to relaunch the Conference, with the support of two other members, providing emergency relief to the community.

Vinnies Emergency Relief Conferences are local groups within the St Vincent de Paul Society that provide assistance to people in need, with food vouchers, help with utility bills, Vinnies clothing vouchers and referrals to other support services.
“It takes a community to help a community, and a lot of people are doing it tough right across the state,” said Mr Lawrance.

“People are struggling to find employment, they’re finding it difficult to pay their bills and keep warm this time of year, and many are struggling to put food on the table.”

“These are the same issues faced by people in the city but in the country we don’t have the same sort of resources available, so this is about facilitating access to these resources. What Vinnies offers will be a great benefit to the community.”

“We had our first client through the doors last Thursday, which was fantastic. We’ve just opened so I’m hoping for that snowball effect once people know we are back on deck.”

The Conference will operate from the Margaret River Vinnies, at 40 Station Street, from 10am to 2pm every Thursday.

Bookings for the Margaret River Emergency Relief Conference can be made by calling the Emergency Assistance and Support number – 1300 794 054 – between 9am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday.

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