More than 150 community members are expected to attend South East Community Links’ ‘Bring Your Bills Day’.
In response to increasing costs of living, South East Community Links is hosting a drop-in session where people can bring their bills and meet experts from the water, power and service sectors, and receive free confidential advice.
A team of experts will be providing assistance and advice on:
- Electricity, gas, and water bills
- Tenancy rights
- Financial and consumer rights
- Ombudsman services
- Centrelink
- Fines, and much more.
Time: 11am to 3pm
Date: Wednesday 13 September 2023
Location: South East Community Links, 186 Foster Street East, Dandenong, Victoria
Our event is proudly supported by City of Greater Dandenong, Victorian State Government, Australian Financial Complaints Authority, South East Water, Energy and Water Ombudsman, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, and Peninsula Community Legal Centre.
Opportunity:
- Media opportunity with filming and photography allowed (with consent of talent)
- Interview with South East Community Links, Chief Executive Officer, Peter McNamara
- Interviews with qualified and experienced financial counsellors
- Opportunity to speak with local community members (with their permission)
Background:
- 63% of clients accessing emergency relief services at South East Community Links report mental health, cost of living, and housing stress.
- 74% of clients presenting to financial counselling indicated the cost of living and mortgage stress as the reason for their financial hardship from January-June 2023.
- There are also increases in people with council rates and body corporate levy arrears. Increases in energy prices have led to increased debt and/or having to reduce usage in a Melbourne winter … meaning going cold.
- The National Debt Helpline reports a 29% increase (+15,404) in calls during the six months to June 2023 compared with last year. There’s also a major increase in calls regarding credit card, rentals, Buy Now Pay Later and mortgage payments.
About us:
South East Community Links (SECL) is a leading community services organisation serving one of Australia's most diverse and multicultural regions for over 50 years. We promote social and financial inclusion for all, with the belief that every person counts and every system should be fair. We are the largest provider of financial counselling services to multicultural communities. More information: www.secl.org.au
Contact details:
Renee Hancock, South East Community Links, 0417 055 299 or [email protected]