Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) commenced in 1997. It was established to assist people in the local community, providing them with the basic necessities of life in times of crisis.
The Committee of Management acknowledge the importance of creating a strong and sustainable organisation and the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council in acknowledging the important function of DRERS employed the services of St-wise to work with the committee to produce a 3 year strategic plan.
St-wise commenced the planning process through researching the existing services offered, the current structure of the Management Committee, analysing the programs offered and surveying of volunteers. Once the background work was completed a stakeholder visioning workshop was held. The workshop participants identified the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation in general and current partnerships, agreed upon future opportunities, and developed their vision and mission statements.
Once all the background information was gathered, we were then able to list future priorities, goals and a realistic three year action plan.
Out of the planning process came a number of positive outcomes. In a very short space of time the Management Committee has grown in numbers and St-wise has already commenced working with the committee to solidify the organisations structure.
"This has been a personally very rewarding project" said Mandy Black, director of St-Wise. "The services offered by DRERS are vital to the local community and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work along side such a fantastic organisation".
