Connecting communities across the west

Mwajuma arrived in Melbourne from Congo with her three young sons. Landing in a new country as a refugee often means starting with nothing – no furniture, no household essentials and sometimes no community connections.

West Welcome Wagon, a community organisation that supports newly arrived families, stepped in and delivered beds, a fridge, household essentials and toys for Mwajuma and her three young sons.

"I could never have set up my home without the support of West Welcome Wagon. Now my sons and I can enjoy a warm, comfortable sleep, store our food and wash our clothes." said Mwajuma.

The organisation was established in 2013 after founder, Mia McGregor posted a request on Facebook for household donations for her asylum seeker neighbours and has grown to support over 2,200 homes across the western suburbs.

This year, West Welcome Wagon received funding through our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program.

West Welcome Wagon connects asylum seekers and refugees with donated furniture, whitegoods and household essentials, helping families transform empty houses into comfortable homes. The organisation's 250 registered volunteers have contributed over 400,000 hours, distributing $5.5 million worth of quality, pre-loved items to more than 8,000 individuals.

The Thriving Communities grant is helping West Welcome Wagon expand their Community Reach Out Days (RODs). At these monthly events, attendees can choose the essential items they need like clothing, shoes, toiletries, homewares and kitchenware. Local service providers will attend the RODs to share information and local resources.

These pop-up, op shop style events foster dignity while providing opportunities for social connection and helping to create a comprehensive support network for newly arrived families.

Beyond meeting immediate community needs, West Welcome Wagon's work has diverted 45,000 household items - over 500 tonnes - from landfill, promoting sustainability while supporting families in financial hardship.

West Welcome Wagon is one of many community organisations supported through our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program. Learn more about the program on our Thriving Communities page.

West Welcome Wagon volunteers and staff members in their Sunshine West warehouse.

Media enquiries
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media@gww.com.au