Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF)

The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) is a registered charity that was established in 1978 to provide immediate short-term funds to Gippslanders affected by natural disaster events.
It is completely funded by donations from businesses, community groups and individuals.
Run by volunteers, all donations are returned to the community.
One of the first responses we have to a bushfire, flood or storm disaster that affects our community, is “how can I help?”.
Donating to GERF means that your donation can be used to provide immediate financial assistance to Gippslanders when they urgently need it. This cash helps provide people with the necessities – food, accommodation and clothing.
It’s all about Gippslanders helping Gippslanders.
Since 1978, the fund has distributed a total of more than $17 million to Gippslanders in their time of need.
By far our biggest appeal was the 2020 Bushfire Appeal. It launched on 31 December 2019 and closed on 20 March after raising more than $10.4 million from local, national and international donors. This money helped more than 2000 individuals, families and farmers in eastern Gippsland.
We are very proud of this effort, but it is only possible because of the generous support provided by so many individuals, community groups and businesses.
We know this won’t be the last time Gippsland residents will need support after an emergency. That’s why donations can be made to GERF at any time. The more money we raise, the more we have to distribute in times of need.
Please be assured that your donation will be distributed to people in Gippsland when they are next in immediate need.
Visit our website to donate, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
GERF Inc. is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2012 (Registered number A0020241A) and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and is covered by item 1.