2026 will mark DIVRS’s 50th anniversary of community support, strengthening and commitment to Darebin.

DIVRS started as the Northcote Citizens Advice Bureau AND the Preston Citizens Advice Bureau in 1976.

Northcote was staffed by just six volunteers. In the first year they answered more than 214 enquiries.

Names changed along the way including:

  • Northcote Citizens Advice Bureau and Information Centre

  • Northcote Community Information and Support Service

  • Preston Community Information and Support Service

  • Darebin Community Information & Support Centre

  • And now Darebin Information, Volunteer & Resource Service (DIVRS).

Working with our local community we have grown to meet the changing needs and strengths of the Darebin community.

Throughout our 50 years, we have always been a place for any person with any issue to seek opportunity, community and support.

We now have 11 part-time staff and 160 volunteers and students engaging with over 6000 community members.

share your story with us

If you were involved in any of our iterations, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for:

  • Stories of your involvement

  • Photos

  • Press clippings or promotional material

  • Annual reports – especially from 1976 to 1983

  • Brochures

Complete the form or email volunteer@divrs.org.au with your memorabilia.