Financial Hardship & Community Support Resources

If you or someone you know needs urgent emotional or safety support, please reach out to these community resources:  

Lifeline - 13 11 14  

Crisis support and counselling, available 24/7.  

1800RESPECT - 1800 224 636  

Confidential support for family violence and abuse.  

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636  

Mental health support any time of the day or night.  

Additionally, if you require financial counselling, don’t hesitate to seek help from local services that specialize in providing financial assistance and advice.

National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007

Access free independent financial counselling through community resources to assist you with hardship arrangements, overdue bills, debts and collections, budgeting support, and negotiating with lenders.

Utility Relief Grant (Victoria)

Access community resources to help with overdue electricity, gas, and water bills if you're experiencing temporary financial hardship.

Electricity/Gas Retailer Hardship Teams

Most providers offer payment plans, extensions, and tailored hardship programs, along with connections to financial counselling services.

Telco Hardship Programs

Most providers also provide flexible options if you're struggling with phone and internet bills, including resources that may assist in financial counselling.

Ask Izzy - https://askizzy.org.au/

A national direction for food relief, housing support, essentials, and community resources in local areas.

Low-cost or free food assistance across Australia:

Foodbank - https://findfood.foodbank.org.au/vic/find-food/

OzHarvest - https://www.ozharvest.org/food/receive-food-individuals/

For emergency financial assistance, food parcels, clothing, and family support, consider reaching out to:

St Vincent de Paul: https://www.vinnies.org.au/vic 

Salvation Army: https://salvationarmy.or.au 

Additionally, if you're seeking financial counselling, these community resources can help guide you through your options.

WIRE Women's Information - 1300 134 130

Support, counselling, financial capability, and wellbeing services for women and their families, along with essential community resources.

Good Shepherd Australia - https://goodshep.org.au/

Programs for family support, safety, wellbeing, and financial resilience, including access to financial counselling.