Financial Hub 2026
Description
Local services and supports are gathering at the ParentZone Hub. Come and chat with them about ways to help with the rising cost of living
Services on offer:
Information and support with your tenancy, fines and energy use.
Tools to build on financial skills and increase your savings.
Assistance accessing employment or education.
Community and CALD support with accessing Services Australia.
Free goodies:
Groceries from the AV Food Van.
Brand new Thread Together clothes.
Services
Berry Street, Saver Plus Program
Would $500 help with back to school costs in 2027? Saver Plus is a free, 10-month financial education program that provides elible participants the opportunity to receive matched savings from ANZ for every dollar they save once they have completed the program (up to $500 for education items, such as school uniforms, computers and textbooks). Saver Plus was developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence and is delivered in partnership with The Smith Family and Berry Street Yooralla. It is funded by ANZ and Department of Social Services.
Cardinia Shire Council - Cardinia Support
Council's Community Support Facilitator can help you learn more about Cardinia Support, Council's online service directory that connects you with a wide range of Cardinia's social, health and community services. They can also provide information on: Reducing energy bills through improved home efficiency, accessing emergency relief and welfare services, contacting Council's Rates team for assistance in understanding your rates notice, and support with pet registration.
Casey North CISS
Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals who provide a free and confidential service to people experiencing financial difficulties. We provide information and options, help with budgeting, and advocate on your behalf to your creditors and other organisations. Financial Counsellors aim to empower you by providing the knowledge, skills, and tools to successfully manage your personal finances.
ECHO - Cockatoo NILS
No Interest Loans (NIL's) is a safe alternative to pay day lenders, supported by not-for-profit, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand. NILS helps parents and carers on low incomes (including Services Australia) to buy school uniforms, laptops, books, and other education essentials with NO interest, NO fees, and NO charges ever. What you borrow with a NILS lean is exactly what you pay back - not a cent more!
Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Tenancy Assistance & Advocacy Program
The team provides advice, assistance, and potential VCAT representation in relation to renters living in private rentals, rooming houses, an caravan parks (support with communication, negotiation, VCAT etc). PCLC also offer assistance and advice for outstanding Fines, like driving on toll roads without an e-tag, parking and public transport fines (including WDP).
Services Australia, Community Engagement & Multicultural Services Support
Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will be available to help promote and improve access to Services Australia. They build relationships with local communities, connecting them to the services and payments they need in a cultural informed way. They can help you navigate the system and communicate with staff using language services.
South East Community Links, Financial Counselling
In these challenging times of the cost-of-living crisis, financial counsellors are here to support you. They are qualified, non-judgmental professionals dedicated to helping individuals navigate financial difficulties. Whether you need guidance on managing debts, exploring your options, or negotiating with creditors, financial counsellors provide free information and advocacy you deserve. Don’t face these struggles alone—reach out today and access the financial counselling services available to you.
The Salvation Army, Employment Plus
Our voluntary program can help with some of the barriers to employment or education. These may include helping with driving lessons and gaining a driving licence. We can also assist with paying for courses, laptops to complete courses, engagement vouchers, paying for childcare bond fees or holding fees, referral to English classes, referral to family services and career guidance to name a few things.
Thread Together - New Clothing
Thread Together collects end-of-line brand new stock from fashion retailers all around the country. Volunteers sort clothes ready for distribution to people in need through networks of charities and social services agencies. You will be supported in making an order from Thread Together. Orders are sent to the ParenZone Hub and you will be contacted when your clothes are ready for collection.
Anglicare Victoria - AV Aid Food Van
Everyone needs a hand now and then. The AV Aid food van can provide you with pantry goods, fresh groceries and other household items. All you need to do is bring some shopping bags!
Anglicare Victoria - Energy Assistance propgram
The Energy Assistance Program is a free over-the-phone service designed to support Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills. The program supports families: manage the rising cost of living by saving money on energy bills, find and move to an affordable energy plan, share tips on how to save money by changing the way you use energy around the home, understand bills and fix possible errors(if any), The team also supports you to talk to energy retailers and get help with debt, check and apply eligible concessions to bills. All you need is a copy of your most recent bill.
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