By Callum Ludwig
Dawn Develyn has been the kind smile and caring demeanour behind Benwerren in Yarra Junction for decades, helping many people and families on their healing journeys.
Now, over 45 years since it was founded by her mother Olive, Ms Develyn is stepping back from the CEO role, though she will remain on the board and be invested in the refuge’s future.
Ms Develyn said she has mixed feelings about stepping down.
I’m tired, I can’t do the physical as much as I used to do, I used to lead by example, and everybody followed but I’m too old for that,” she said.
“I still have dreams for here, for a special space where the children in particular can be given what they need. I know things will change, Nichole’s far more aware of digital information and social media, so she’ll be able to do a lot of things in relation to that.”
Ms Develyn will be replaced by Nichole Kelly, who’s been working with Benwerren for over 10 years.
Ms Kelly said Dawn’s shoes are too big for one person to fill, and it will require a team effort.
“At our AGM, I made a confession that I actually can’t fill those shoesalone but we’ve got an awesome team here that have to share the same passion and vision for Benwerren and for our families,” she said.
“I don’t think Benwerren is a place that ever becomes irrelevant, you could say it’s needed more than ever, in a lot of ways. Our families, when they come, are just so grateful for the space.”
Benwerren’s goal is to provide a place of respite, care and joy at its lovely old guest house with an open log fire on two acres of land hidden away in Yarra Junction. Nearby bushland is tranquil to spend time in, meals are catered to the needs of their residents and there is plenty of opportunity to play and be calm and free.
Ms Develyn said she has loved seeing people grow at Benwerren.
“They’ll come with young children and lots of challenges, and then they’ll come again next year and there’ll be something that they’ve grown in or taken away and a lot of our staff and volunteers came here when they were children,” she said.
“There’s been lots of staff workers here over the more than 30 years I’ve been involved, there’s been some people who’ve been ongoing amazingly, there’s been others that have come in for a term and helped and they all kept us going.”
Benwerren was a recent recipient of one of Casey MP Aaron Violi’s Community Volunteer Grants, which have gone towards a mental health first aid training and helping staff build a culture of peace at Benwerren and in their own lives. Benwerren is also currently fundraising for an upgrade of their dining room.
Ms Kelly said Dawn will be very missed around the place.
“She’s been so loved, she’s been so much of a part of Benwerren for so many years and people still pop their heads in and ask ‘Is Dawn still here?’ When people come here and they’re often very vulnerable and so you do form strong connections with people,” she said.
“But of course we wish her the very best and hope she has lots and lots of fun in her retirement.”
