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
Bring Your Bills – Springvale City Hall
Springvale City Hall – 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
10:30am – 3:00pm
Free, friendly and confidential day of support.
Need help with bills, mortgages or loans, utilities, tenancy, fines or concessions? Come along to Bring Your Bills Day and get support and guidance from trusted services all in one place.
🫱 No appointments needed, just show up!
On the day, you can:
✅ Chat directly with banks and utility providers
✅ Get support from legal and tenancy specialists
✅ Meet with financial counsellors
✅ Connect with ombudsman and complaint services
✅ Access interpreters in multiple languages
🤝Meet our partners and supporters:
City of Greater Dandenong, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Australian Government – Services Australia, Fines Victoria, Victorian Public Transport Association, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, Ambulance Victoria, Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria), AGL, Alinta Energy, Australian Gas Networks, Lumo Energy, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy, South East Water, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Optus, Recoveriescorp and the Office of Eden Foster MP (Member for Mulgrave).
⚠️ Please note: No payments will be made toward bills on the day, but we’re here to support you with next steps, options, and confidence.
GET IN TOUCH
Our central intake service operates Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
03 9549 5288
✉️ fcs@secl.org.au
For telephone advice call:
National Debt helpline
1800 007 007
To find financial counsellors in other areas visit the Money Smart website.