ERT, which stands for Emergency Relief Team Inc., was established by a dedicated group of volunteers in Melbourne on February 10, 2023. The organization was founded in response to a plea for assistance from Bea Tercan, our founder, following the devastating Turkiye Earthquake on February 6th, 2023.
Bea Tercan’s vision in creating the Emergency Relief Team was to deliver critical supplies to individuals impacted by emergency situations and to aid in the process of rebuilding lives, both domestically and internationally.
The initiative gained rapid momentum throughout Australia and garnered global recognition, with news outlets highlighting the outpouring of community support for those facing dire circumstances.
The primary mission of the Emergency Relief Team is to foster stronger, more resilient communities by providing essential resources to support the restoration of livelihoods.
Emergency Relief Team Mission Statement
ERT is a global organisation that connects the public and businesses to help support the wider community in times of crisis. We aim to serve one purpose, help those that can’t help themselves.
Emergency Relief Team Vision Statement
Our Vision at ERT is to be committed to providing aid to all people in need, regardless of their background or location. We believe that by working together we can make a difference in the world and create a safer place for everyone.
2019 Gippsland Bushfires
Before ERT was founded, our founder Birgül Bea Tercan was already answering the call to help those in need.
During the devastating Gippsland bushfires of 2019, she witnessed families facing unimaginable loss and hardship. Refusing to stand by, Birgül rallied her community into action and, within just 24 hours, coordinated 11 truckloads of essential supplies for fire-affected families.
What began as one person’s determination to help became a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when compassion leads the way.
This moment reflects the very values that would later inspire the creation of ERT — bringing people together to restore hope, dignity, and support to those facing life’s toughest challenges.
Because every act of kindness has the power to change a life.
Beginning of ERT – Turkiye Earthquake 2023
In February 2023, tragedy struck when a devastating earthquake impacted millions of people across Türkiye and Syria, leaving countless families without homes, loved ones, and access to basic necessities.
What began as a heartfelt plea from our founder, Birgül Bea Tercan, to the local community quickly became a movement of compassion and action. Determined to help those in desperate need, she called upon individuals, families, and businesses to unite in support of the earthquake victims.
The response was overwhelming.
People from all walks of life came together to donate, volunteer, pack supplies, raise funds, and offer hope to those facing unimaginable hardship. What started as an emergency community response soon revealed something much greater — a shared commitment to helping others during times of crisis.
From that collective spirit of generosity and humanity, Emergency Relief Team Inc. was born.
Today, ERT continues to carry forward the same values that inspired its creation: bringing communities together, restoring dignity, and delivering practical support to people facing adversity both locally and around the world.
Hand in Hand for Humanity ❤️🌏
Emergency Relief Team Inc 