VICSWIM is back for 2025!

We can't wait to see you for VICSWIM in 2025! Bookings are now open for January 2025. VICSWIM has provided Victorians with fun and educational aquatic holiday programs since 1976. VICSWIM focuses on learn to swim and water safety skills, both in pools and open water venues across the state. VICSWIM now offers new locations to meet an increasing demand.

VICSWIM seeks to ensure that all Victorians have the opportunity to access water safety, survival and swimming programs for children, that maximise safety and attitudes ensuring confidence and the ability to enjoy aquatic environments.

The program cost is $35 for a 5-day intensive summer program teaching swimming and water safety to children from 4 years of age. Each program consists of 5 x 30 minute lessons starting at the same time each day throughout the week. Venues can be found here: https://vicswim.com.au/all-venues/

Program Dates for 2025:

Week 1: Monday 6 January - Friday 10 January

Week 2: Monday 13 January - Friday 17 January

Week 3: Monday 20 January - Friday 24 January

For every dollar you save, you will receive another dollar from ANZ to spend towards educational costs, up to $500.

Saver Plus gives you down-to-earth money talk – and a $500 incentive to build your savings! You can double your savings. If you reach your savings goal each month for 10 months, ANZ will match it up to $500. What can the $500 be spent on? Laptops and tablets Uniforms and shoes Vocational education Lessons and activities Books and supplies Camps and excursions Saver Plus was developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and is delivered in partnership with The Smith Family and Berry Street. It is funded by ANZ and Department of Social Services. To join Saver Plus: Be 18 years or older, Have a Health Care or Pensioner Card, Have a child in school, starting school next year, or be studying yourself, Get a regular income (you or your partner), Agree to join in free online financial education workshops. To join Saver Plus saverplus.org.au 1300 610 35.

How does Saver Plus help families? Saver Plus helps parents save $50 each month over 10 months, with savings matched up to $500—providing $1,000 for educational expenses!

Saver Plus is offered in 6 languages: Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Karen, Burmese, and Dari.

Families can check their eligibility via Saver Plus Enquiry Link or by calling 1300 610 355 for a callback from a local coordinator.

UTILITY RELIEF GRANT SCHEME -DFFH $650 x2

Relief grants for paying overdue energy or water bills are available to low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected hardship. What is the grant?

The grant provides help to pay a mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.

How much is the grant?

The amount of the grant is based on the amount you owe at the time of application. It is also based on the reasons you have given for applying in your application form.

You can receive a maximum of $650 on each utility type in a two-year period (or $1,300 for households with a single source of energy (for example, electricity only).

You can apply for separate grants for each utility (electricity, gas and water).

Who can apply for the grant?

An account holder who has one of the following eligible concession cards:

Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.

If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply. Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form.

The grant is available to renters and homeowners.

What are the criteria for the grant?

You must show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance and are at risk of disconnection, and

you must meet one of the following criteria:

You or someone in your house has experienced family violence.
You have had a recent decrease in income, for example, lost your job.
You have had high unexpected costs for essential items, eg: medical expenses/car repairs.
The cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.
How do I apply for the grant? Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer to request an application. Your retailer will ask you some preliminary questions before starting your application.

The application can be completed online, or your retailer will post you a paper form to complete.

Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer or the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 for more information.

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