Supporting our Community

Jacqui Pasinis

Wellbeing Officer

The rising cost of living has placed significant financial strain on many families within BSC and the wider community, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. Fortunately, a variety of local services are available to assist with meeting basic needs, including food, clothing, and other essential items. 

We recognise that reaching out for support can be difficult, but we want to assure you that all contact will be met with respect and without judgment. Helping connect families with community services is a key part of our role at BSC, and we gladly welcome any enquiries.

Please contact us on 9387 6133 or email brunswick.sc@education.vic.gov.au.

Key Services that can be easily accessed

BSC offers some help to families, and can be contacted regarding the following:

State Schools Relief

State School’s Relief is a not-for-profit organisation providing free items such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, hats, textbooks, stationary, Myki cards, etc. Sometimes, they even have tech items such as laptops, iPads and graphic calculators in stock. To access SSR you will need to contact the Wellbeing Team to discuss your needs.

BSC Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club runs every morning from 8:00am to 8:45am in H2, offering students the opportunity to enjoy a hot or cold breakfast. Students can also take food for lunch or snacks for after school.

The Breakfast club relies on donations from families, local businesses and support from the Parents' Association, and is run by parent volunteers.

Fee Contributions

The General Office can help families who require assistance to pay their school fee contributions.  Payments can be managed via arranging instalment plans or direct debit plans.

School Savings Bonus - 2024 ONLY

The School Savings Bonus provides one-off support of $400 for Victorian school-aged students to help cover costs for textbooks, uniforms, excursions, and other school activities. Details on how to access these funds have been sent to the primary parent’s email, so be sure to check your inbox.

For more information, visit School Savings Bonus.

Some of the available services in the wider community include:

Merri-Bek Community Information & Support (CIS)

Address: 512 Sydney Road, Coburg 3058Phone: 9350 3737Services Offered: Pantry items, fresh fruit and vegetables, toiletries, cleaning products, knitted goods, sanitary products, fresh and frozen meals, food vouchers, and financial assistanceHours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00am - 2:30pm

St Vincent de Paul

Phone: 1800 305 330Services Offered: Financial assistance, food hampersHours: Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Salvation Army

Phone: 8873 5288 (Victorian Phone Assessment Line)Services Offered: Financial assistanceHours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Muslim Women's Council

Address: 220 Moreland Rd, BrunswickPhone: 0483 881 899Services Offered: Halal food hampersHours: Friday, 1:30pm (pre-booking required)

Albert Street Community Cupboard 

Seeds Communal Garden 

331 Albert Street, Brunswick 3056 

Services offered: Pantry items, bread, fresh produce

Hours: 24 hours per day, 7 days a week 

Really Really Free Market

Address: 144 - 146 Sydney Rd, CoburgServices Offered: Free food hampersHours: Wednesday, 11:00am - 5:00pm

Reynard Street Neighbourhood House

Address: 104a Reynard Street, CoburgServices Offered: Food hampers (cost $5)Hours: Wednesday, 10:30am - 12:00pm

For a full list of organisations offering food and material aid in Merri-Bek, click here.For a list of places offering free or low-cost meals in Merri-Bek, click here.

Financial Counselling

Financial counsellors work with individuals to assess their finances and identify ways to manage their situation. This free service is offered by Uniting Care. For more information, click here.Phone: 1300 882 035Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm