CareWorks is a department of Churches of Christ Community Care and Ministry of Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania. CareWorks is committed to faith in action based on the faith community being intentionally involved in their geographical community.

CareWorks seeks to serve people in local communities, by working in partnership through local churches to develop, utilise resources and operate community-based welfare projects, for the direct relief of poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability or helplessness in the community.

CareWorks is committed to assisting churches to be effective in their ministry to the poor and marginalised in the community, providing direct relief but also facilitating empowerment and community development in the process.

Churches and Affiliated Agencies enter a formal partnering agreement, Memorandum of Understanding with Churches of Christ Community Care and Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania. CareWorks provides general oversight to assist project leaders and churches, networking and training and assists with resources where possible. Community Care is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is able to provide tax deductibility due to its DGR and Public Benevolent Institute status, which enables donors to receive a receipt for the benevolent ministry of the community programs initiated by the church.

Current projects range from meals and food parcels programs, literacy and writing programs, computer skills, Men’s Sheds and Youth Theatre and more.

CareWorks also oversee and network with our churches in assisting the community through Chaplaincy and Volunteering in times of crisis and large scale emergency. This is in conjunction with the Victorian Council of Churches and State Emergency Plan in Victoria.

For more information contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

News Stories

Victorian Floods

Picture of flood soaked Donald from air
Source: Herald Sun

Over the past month we have all heard the unfolding events of floods across the country. Although in Victoria there was more warning and water was moving slower it has nevertheless had a huge impact on regional and rural areas, and to a lesser degree Tasmania.

We have been and are continually encouraged by the community spirit and positive attitude and stories shared by churches involved but are also aware of a long road of recovery for many in affected areas. Some testimonies from our churches;

Blair Davis from Castlemaine Church of Christ writes; ‘We had about 30 houses affected in Castlemaine with one house belonging to a single mum connected to the church by a friend with one of our members. Everything in the house was completely destroyed. We have taken on the house as a project to try and help where we can. Some spent hours on the weekend in the clean up, your prayers would be appreciated.’

Steve Maggs from Echuca shared; ‘One of their families from Rochester was affected by water, mainly floor coverings and white goods damage. Once amenities are restored the church will assist in the cleanup. Two families from the Pyramid Hill were evacuated from the town Tuesday evening. Farming families have been busy moving feed and livestock to higher ground. All are in good spirits and thankful for God's graciousness in the light of what could have been.’

Kerang floods 6pm, January 18
Source: Herald Sun

Although few from our churches houses have been directly impacted by the flood water, churches in affected areas have been active in preparation and recovery, not to mention the devastating impact the preceding rains have had on our farmers and their crops. Our thoughts and prayers continue for those affected by the floods.

During the flood event Chaplains and Volunteers were, and at the time of writing this, continue to be deployed through the Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) Emergencies Ministries. On average the VCC have had 30 personnel actively involved per day including over 170 Chaplains and Personal Support Volunteers (24/1/2011). If you are interested in training as a Registered Emergency Ministries Chaplain or Volunteer you will need to train with the VCC Emergency Ministries, visit the Articles page for this year’s training dates.

While we are not presently planning to launch our own appeal, we encourage churches to consider supporting the government’s Victorian Floods Appeal 2011 being managed by Red Cross. You can do that at www.redcross.org.au. A volunteer register has also been established. 
For more information visit www.volunteer.vic.gov.au, also, BlazeAid is back and seeking volunteers see ‘other resources’ below.

Queensland Flood News

For the latest news from Queensland Churches of Christ, click on the link to view the latest Networking newsletter, Jan 18, 2011 update, or go to the website for the latest news and previous updates http://www.cofcqld.com.au/ or view the dedicated Queensland floods web page here http://www.cofcqld.com.au/floods/

Other Resources

Churches of Christ Victoria / Tasmania Flood Assistance Small Grants

To facilitate churches assisting in their communities small grants are available from an Emergency Relief Fund. The grants can only be used to assist families and communities directly affected by the recent floods.  Funds can only be accessed and applied for by a Church or Affiliated Agency. For more information and an application form contact Monique ten Hoopen on (03) 9488 8800 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Coping with Trauma

Australian Red Cross - After the Emergency Kids Booklet

Australian Red Cross - Coping with a Personal Crisis

Beyond Blue - Fact Sheet 28

Looking after yourself after a disaster

Telephone Counselling (free)

The Australian Flood Phone Counselling Services Register for Flood Victims is now active on the Australian Counselling Association website:
Click here for link

BlazeAid is back

We have in the past profiled BlazeAid and the work they were doing in the aftermath of the 2009 Bushfires.  They are answering the call for help in Queensland and Victoria (Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Qld; and Bridgewater, Vic currently) after the devastation of recent floods and are putting together teams to cleanup and fix fences as necessary. They urgently need volunteers in Queensland and Victoria to start working ASAP.  There is currently around 2000km of fencing that is damaged or destroyed in Victoria alone. If there are needs like this in your community please also contact BlazeAid. Go to www.blazeaid.com to find out more.

31 January 2011
Monique ten Hoopen
Director of Community Mission

Current Projects

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