DIVRS

DIVRS We connect people to opportunity, community and support. Working with people living, studying and volunteering in Darebin. We’re powered by volunteers.

We address food insecurity, financial stress, social isolation and build capacity to improve health and wellbeing. DIVRS is a community organisation working with people living, working and studying in the Darebin community. Our mission is to connect people to opportunity, community and support. We reduce financial stress and social isolation. We increase access to community information and build c

apability. We promote health and wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability. We create opportunities for community participation. Our services, programs and information are free. These include:

- Community Information and Support
- Emergency Relief (food parcel pick up operates Monday to Thursday 11am - 12.30pm)
- Financial help including No Interest Loans and Tax Help
- Darebin L2P Program (helping young people learn to drive)
- Urban Food Program
- Health and Wellbeing Programs
- Volunteer Resource Service

The focus of this World Environment Day is Climate Change - now more than ever. Climate change is already impacting all ...
05/06/2026

The focus of this World Environment Day is Climate Change - now more than ever.

Climate change is already impacting all of us and here at DIVRS we take practical action to address this. We:

🌿grow food locally to share with Darebin locals experiencing food insecurity
🍅compost food rescue donations that can't be shared into soil nutrients
🌼teach regenerative growing practices to a community of volunteers and workshop participants
☀ adapt our gardens, crops and practices for hotter, more extreme weather
👩‍🦳talk with people about low-cost practical ways to keep cool in summer and warm in winter and reduce energy costs - addressing the health, wellbeing and
financial impacts of extreme temperatures.

Last year our practices reduced carbon emissions equivalent to having an extra 462 trees in Darebin!

If you're looking for ways to take action on climate change now - Be a part of a locally-owned, climate resilient food system and support our work by donating at https://this-food-matters-keep-it-growing.raiselysite.com

We're still buzzing from the energy of our first ever Trivia Night!200 people. A sold-out room. Plenty of laughter. Some...
03/06/2026

We're still buzzing from the energy of our first ever Trivia Night!

200 people. A sold-out room. Plenty of laughter. Some tricky trivia questions. Generous bidding in the silent auction. Raffle tickets galore. And a fun, warm, vibrant atmosphere from beginning to end.

Together, we raised over $16,000 to support DIVRS's work across Darebin.

As we celebrate 50 years of supporting and strengthening our community, it was wonderful to see so many people come together: supporters, volunteers, community partners, friends, family members and people connecting with DIVRS for the first time.

A special thank you to Pomme de Terror, our fabulous host for the evening. Her warmth, humour and infectious energy kept 200 people entertained and engaged all night long.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, bought raffle tickets, bid in the auction and and contributed the wonderful prizes that made our silent auction, raffle and trivia competition possible.

For a first Trivia Night, we couldn't have asked for a warmer, more generous community to share it with. People have already been asking when we're having the next one!

The funds raised on the night will help ensure locals can continue to access food, information, connection and practical support. If you'd like to help build on that momentum, you can support our EOFY campaign here: https://www.divrs.org.au/donate

Supporting and strengthening our community for 50 years. Building the next 50 together.

It's National Reconciliation Week. This year's theme, All In, invites us all to reflect on how we can build a more just ...
01/06/2026

It's National Reconciliation Week. This year's theme, All In, invites us all to reflect on how we can build a more just and equitable future together, today and every day.

DIVRS stands for the empowerment and inclusion of all Australians and is committed to actively working with our First Nations community.

On 20 April DIVRS staff and students were able to attend a special event with hundreds of people including local school children at the Aborigines Advancement League welcoming the Walk to Truth to Darebin.

Travis Lovett has walked 905km walk from Victorian Parliament in Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra.

It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and what can happen when we listen deeply and how truth can lead to healing and meaningful change.

We are happy to introduce to you our new L2P Coordinator Theresa.I’m really excited to be joining the DIVRS team and wor...
26/05/2026

We are happy to introduce to you our new L2P Coordinator Theresa.

I’m really excited to be joining the DIVRS team and working right here in my local community 💛

After spending years across the NFP sector, this role just feels like the perfect fit. As a TAC L2P Coordinator, I get to bring together two things I care deeply about — volunteering and supporting young people.

The L2P program is such a powerful initiative. It helps young learners get their licence, opening doors to employment, education, and greater independence — plus a bigger social world. But what really makes this program special is the mentors. They’re at the heart of every success story — showing up, building trust, and celebrating every milestone along the way. It’s genuinely a two-way experience that’s incredibly rewarding.

We’re currently looking for volunteer mentors to join the program. If you’ve ever thought about giving back in a meaningful way, this could be it.
Visit our website to find out more: https://www.divrs.org.au/driver-mentors

This week is National Volunteer Week and every day we're sharing a story about volunteering with DIVRS. Today, meet Judy...
20/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week and every day we're sharing a story about volunteering with DIVRS.

Today, meet Judy - a volunteer with our Urban Food Program where we grow and harvest fresh fruit and veg to share with people experiencing food insecurity in Darebin. This produce is lovingly propagated and cared for to make a nutritious addition to our food parcels.

Her advice for others who may be interested in volunteering: “Find something that you are passionate about and try volunteering. It is very rewarding and an opportunity to learn and make new friends working as a team. The bonus is that you need not feel isolated as you are soon part of the community within the organisation.”

Is this your year to volunteer with DIVRS? Head to www.divrs.org.au/volunteer-with-divrs and find out more.

This week is National Volunteer Week and every day we're sharing a story about volunteering with DIVRS. Today, meet Nick...
19/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week and every day we're sharing a story about volunteering with DIVRS.

Today, meet Nick - a volunteer mentor with our Food Sharing Program where last year the team sorted, packed and shared more than 98,550kg of fresh food and pantry essentials and almost 11,750 ready to eat meals with people experiencing food insecurity in Darebin. The food shared made over 208,850 meals!!

What does Nick love about volunteering? “The people I volunteer with. It isn’t surprising that the people that give up their free time to volunteer are really lovely people”.

His advice for potential volunteers. “Just do it. What have you got to lose? It has been a net positive in my life and I’m sure for others it will be the same.”

Is this your year to volunteer with DIVRS? Head to www.divrs.org.au/volunteer-with-divrs and find out more.

Final tickets released! We've added a couple more tables, so if you were waiting to this week to get your tickets do so ...
19/05/2026

Final tickets released!

We've added a couple more tables, so if you were waiting to this week to get your tickets do so now. It's going to be great.

For 50 years, DIVRS has been part of the fabric of Darebin, supporting people through tough times and strengthening community connection.

This night is about coming together, having a laugh, and backing that work.

🎟 $65 per person
👥 Grab a table of friends, family or colleagues

Can’t make it? You can still be part of it. A donation helps keep essential services free and accessible for our community.

Supporting and strengthening our community for 50 years.
Building the next 50 together.

🎟 Book tickets at www.divrs-trivia-night.raiselysite.com
💛 Donate at www.divrs.org.au/donate

This week is National Volunteer Week and every day we're sharing a story about volunteering with DIVRS. Today, meet Carr...
18/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week and every day we're sharing a story about volunteering with DIVRS.

Today, meet Carrie - a volunteer mentor with our Darebin L2P Program which matches young people without access to a car or supervising adult get the 120 hours on the road driving experience to get their licence.

Her advice for mentoring: “The L2P team at DIVRS provides fantastic support to us mentors, and you will never feel isolated or wondering what to do if you have any questions about the program or how to progress with your learner – the staff, other mentors and the professional driving instructors are on hand to support you whenever you need it!”

Is this your year to volunteer with DIVRS? Head to www.divrs.org.au/volunteer-with-divrs and find out more.

It's National Volunteer Week. As a volunteer powered organisation deeply embedded in the Darebin community, for 50 years...
18/05/2026

It's National Volunteer Week. As a volunteer powered organisation deeply embedded in the Darebin community, for 50 years we have celebrated many volunteers, acknowledging their skills, passion and leadership.

This year's theme is “Your Year to Volunteer” encouraging us all to take the plunge and join the team. We currently have over 160 volunteers and students who have found a place for their passion and talents across our programs to connect and strengthen the Darebin community.

Thank you for sharing these with us and the community!!

Will this be your year to volunteer too? Join us. Find out more at https://www.divrs.org.au/volunteer-with-divrs

Everyone makes up community, everyone belongs in our community. We believe and actively work to create a connected and i...
16/05/2026

Everyone makes up community, everyone belongs in our community.

We believe and actively work to create a connected and inclusive community.

Address

285/287 High Street
Preston, VIC
3072

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 3:30pm
Thursday 10am - 3:30pm

Website

https://www.divrs.org.au/donate

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