Rapid changes to restrictions and protocols meant volunteers were playing catch up implementing new rules around services provided.

Stawell Interchurch Council didn't get through unscathed.

With ageing volunteers, the emergency relief calls were forced to transition from face-to-face service to calls over the phone and home deliveries.

Volunteer Mary Rita Thomas said it was necessary to keep the service going and ensure volunteers' safety and those in need.

Despite the unemployment rate rising and many jobs on hold, Mrs Thomas said there was a decline in calls for assistance, partly due to the increase in benefits delivered through the commonwealth government.

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The emergency relief assistance helps those in need in Stawell and across the region.

It aims to help with immediate basic needs in times of financial crisis whilst maintaining the dignity of those who seek help.

"We provide food aid and a limited number of vouchers for the supermarket, chemist, fuel, V/Line etc.," Mrs Thomas said.

"We also refer and make appointments for those we help to access local community support services."

Staffed solely through volunteers, the Stawell Interchurch Council have been helping those in need since 1970.

In the 2018-19 financial year, the cottage received 1075 visits.

They helped 280 households made up of 672 people, 265 of whom were 19 years or younger.

In 2019-20 the cottage experienced an on par number of calls but slowly started dropping off after the first COVID-19 assistance payments came through.

Mrs Thomas said in so many ways, the payments were a blessing.

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"We transitioned into telephone call consults and home deliveries of basic groceries," she said.

"We wouldn't have been able to do that if we were still sitting at about 100 visits per month.

"We are slowly rising up again as the payments have stopped and people are slowly getting back to living off the smaller amount."

Mrs Thomas said the welfare expenditure each month was over $3000.

"This is made possible through grants, donations and fundraising," she said.

"We are also welcome of any donations we can get and can take in a variety of items for families.

"Last year, we were able to supply families with emergency blankets and bedding during winter after the op shops were forced to close."

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