Can you join me in making a difference in the lives of women and children in need? Our generous donors and volunteers have worked tirelessly to keep BENWERREN running since 1978, with no government funding or support.

Benwerren provides time out for women and children in need. We aim to serve and strengthen families through short stays in a supported and safe environment. Benwerren is largely run by volunteers and situated in the beautiful Yarra Valley. It provides life changing support and follow up care to its guests.

In 2024/2025 financial year Benwerren supported 157 women and 128 children in our short stay program, this included 11 families who were homeless. 5,903 homemade meals were served and 115 women were provided with ongoing support in our "Follow Up Program". We have 68 regular volunteers who provided 12,281 hours of unpaid service and we employed the equivalent of 2.5 full-time staff.

In order to stay open and keep providing services, we now need to install a generator, have wiring set up and other electrical works done to comply with current Australian Standards. While fundraising and donations cover day to day running costs, there is not enough in the budget to pay for this as well. We have the support of a qualified electrician who will be doing the work at cost which has reduced the amount that we need. We have raised about a fifth of the required funds but we still need $17,000 to pay for the generator and associated costs.

***UPDATE*** Due to a generous donation of $10,000 that has come in directly from the community, the goal amount has been changed to reflect this. We really appreciate the generosity of those that have given. We have nearly reached our target! Amazing!!!

Any donation will help us reach the goal to keep the lights on, even during black outs which happen frequently in the Yarra Valley. Currently, if there is a prolonged black out we are required to send people in need away from Benwerren, some having nowhere else to go.

If you would like more information on this great charity, please visit the website Benwerren, or drop in and talk to our passionate volunteers at the Op Shop in Yarra Junction. Thanks in advance for any and all contributions to this cause, that will enable us to keep helping so many women and children in need.

Benwerren is a registered charity with Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.