Strengthening Emergency Relief across Knox

For over 34 years, Knox Infolink has provided wrap around Emergency Relief, Information & Referral Support to the Knox Community. 

Knox Infolink is passionate about supporting the Knox Community and ensuring those in our community doing it tough can access the support they need in their local area.

Towards strengthening Emergency Relief across Knox, Knox Infolink coordinates the Knox Emergency Relief Network and is piloting the Community Support Outreach project.

Knox Emergency Relief Network (KERN)

KERN is community network of Emergency Relief providers operating within Knox or providing services for those in Knox.

The KERN Terms of Reference are available for review here: KERN ToR

Groups, organisations or community members interested in joining KERN, can contact Anne via email: or phone: 9761 1325.

Community Support Outreach Pilot

Thanks to a 2024-25 Victorian Government Local Food Relief Grant, Knox Infolink has established a Community Support Outreach pilot - an initiative that places our trained Community Support Volunteers directly within food relief agencies across the Knox region.

The Knox area is home to many fabulous place-based food relief providers, that offer access to free food and community connection. But we know food insecurity is rarely a standalone issue. Broader challenges - like housing, financial stress, and health concerns - often contribute to the need for food relief.

Knox Infolink has over 34 years of experiencing providing comprehensive, wrap around emergency relief, information and referral support to the Knox Community. All our Community Support Volunteers have completed a 50-hour accredited Community Support Worker course and undergone a minimum 20-hours supervised interviewing.

We are passionate about ensuring our Community Support Workers are equipped and skilled – to provide the best possible support, information and referral - to any community member courageous enough to seek assistance.

The Community Support Outreach Pilot is designed to deliver wraparound Emergency Relief, Information and Referral support right where it’s needed most. By embedding our trained and experienced Community Support Workers onsite at food relief providers, we’re making it easier for individuals and families to access information, support, and referrals - helping them address the root causes of food insecurity.

The Pilot commenced supporting three of our incredible food relief partners:

• Scoresby Uniting Church Drop-in Centre

• Share Space Sanctuary

• Boronia Road Uniting Church Food Relief

Knox Infolink Community Support volunteers play a different role at each of the food relief partner agencies. Allowing partners to continue doing what they do best – engaging their local community and distributing much needed food relief – with the additional benefits of connecting to immediate, onsite, community information and referral support. Together, we’re creating a more connected, resilient Knox.

What’s next?

Due to the success of the pilot in 2025, Knox Infolink will continue to partner with the three existing food relief agencies in 2026.

Any other food relief agencies interested in partnering to host Knox Infolink Community Support Workers please contact      Anne Bowkett, Emergency Relief Coordinator on 9761 1325 or email: