Bring your Bills

A Community-First Approach to Financial Support

At South East Community Links, we understand the rising cost of living is affecting individuals and families across our region. That’s why we created the Bring Your Bills series of events, a community-centred initiative connecting people with the expert help they need to navigate complex financial challenges.

Since its launch, Bring Your Bills has brought together people from all walks of life and empowered them to take control of their financial wellbeing. Importantly, we offer interpreters to support community members feel more comfortable communicating in their own language.

What Is Bring Your Bills?

Developed in collaboration with organisations across financial, legal, utility and government sectors, the program provides practical, in-person support on issues like:

  • Unpaid bills and debt
  • Fines and credit cards
  • Mortgages and personal loans
  • Centrelink and government services
  • Housing and tenancy rights
  • Consumer rights and legal issues

Participants receive free, confidential advice from experienced financial counsellors, lawyers, tenancy workers, and community service representatives often all in the same room. Interpreters are available to ensure every conversation is clear and culturally safe.

Between 2023 and 2024, Bring Your Bills events were held across Dandenong, Noble Park, Cranbourne West, Pakenham, and Springvale, supporting 1,847 people in practical, measurable ways.

As at June 2025, together with our partners, we:

  • Resolved $1.49 million in community debt
  • Facilitated 462 grants and concessions
  • Boosted 95% of participants’ confidence to seek support again
  • Built trust in services for 86% of attendees

Our work shows that when services meet people where they are physically, culturally and emotionally, a significant difference can be made to their lives.

Upcoming Bring Your Bills Day events

First Nations Bring Your Bills – Frankston 
 
Need help with bills, fines, or tenancy issues? Come along to our First Nations Bring Your Bills Day for free, friendly, and confidential support from local services and organisations who care.
 
📅 Tuesday, 11 November 2025
🕙 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Jubilee Park Stadium, Frankston
 
Our team and partners can help with:
✅ Fines and concessions
✅ Utility Relief Grants and bills
✅ Tenancy and housing support
 
This event is proudly delivered in partnership with:
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Australian Government, Australian Securities & Investments Commission, Frankston City, NAB, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, Optus, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV), Westpac, South East Water – Melbourne, Australia, Origin Energy, Australian Financial Complaints Authority, Recoveries Corp, Victorian Ombudsman, Commonwealth Bank, ENGIE, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Victoria Police, Australian Government Services Australia Centrelink, Victorian Public Tenants Association, Alinta Energy, AGL and Indigenous Business Australia
 
⚠️ Please note: No payments will be made on the day, but we’ll support you with next steps, practical options, and peace of mind.

Bring your bills. Bring your questions. Walk away with support and confidence.

 

 

GET IN TOUCH

Our central intake service operates Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.

white phone emoji03 9549 5288
✉️ fcs@secl.org.au

For telephone advice call:

National Debt helpline
white phone emoji1800 007 007

To find financial counsellors in other areas visit the Money Smart website.