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 – Hampton Park
Feeling overwhelmed by unpaid bills, loan stress, or rental issues? You’re not alone and help is on the way.
Join us at Bring Your Bills Day in Hampton Park for a free, friendly, and confidential day of support. Whether you’ve got overdue electricity bills, Centrelink questions, or need help understanding your rights, we’re here to listen and help.
Event Details:
📍 Location: Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park
🗓️ Date: Tuesday 2 September 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🫱 No appointment needed – just walk in!
At Bring Your Bills Day, you can:
✅ Speak directly with banks and utility providers
✅ Get guidance from legal and tenancy support services
✅ Talk to qualified financial counsellors
✅ Connect with ombudsman and complaints services
✅ Access multilingual interpreters who can support you in your own language
Whether you’re dealing with overdue electricity bills, struggling to understand a loan, or unsure about your Centrelink rights, we’re here to listen and help.
This event is proudly delivered by South East Community Links, with the support of City of Casey, AGL, Alinta Energy, Australian Gas Networks, Commonwealth Bank, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Energy Australia, Energy and Water Ombudsman, Latitude, NAB, Victorian Ombudsman, Origin, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Services Australia, South East Water, Recoveries Corp, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Victorian Public Tenants Association, Westpac and Windermere.
⚠️ 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.
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.