2026 Local Community Support Services
Andre Campbell
2026 Local Community Support Services-
DHhS Relief Gants
https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/utility-relief-grant-scheme
For people experiencing financial difficulty you may be eligible to apply for the DFFH Relief 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 must show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance, 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
The cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.
You can apply for separate grants for each utility (electricity, gas and water)
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. A friend, support worker or financial counsellor can help you complete the application.
To access the non-utility relief grant (fire wood and bottled gas) please call 1800 658 521. This grant may cover up to $650.00 per utility.
What you need to know before completing your application-
The $250 Power Saving Bonus for Pensioner/DVA Concession Card holders and Job Seeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Abstudy recipients, is now available. Before submitting an application for the bonus, please read the eligibility requirements. If you would like to claim the Power Saving Bonus please call 1800 830 029
Or, you can make a claim online at-
Power Saving Bonus https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/
Eligibility requirements
You must be a Victorian residential energy consumer (i.e. have a residential electricity account)
You must be receiving payments under one of the following concession programs:
- Centrelink Pensioner Concession
- Job Seeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy
- Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession
- Or hold a Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card
Centrelink
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
Offer government payments & sevices
Centrelink can help with raising kids, living arrangements including moving house, relationship changes and imigration.
Community relief and support agencies
Shire of Yarra Ranges have provided a list of services that are available to residents of the Yarra Ranges:
LinC Yarra Valley community volunteers work to support welfare programs in community. The programs are supported by Second Bite, and many other local businesses. They assist people in crisis of many types by referring them within our network and to other local agencies.
LinC Yarra Valley will help anyone that needs some extra support. You might know someone who is experiencing a health crisis, loss of a job, injury at work, low income, challenges as a single parent, grief and loss, the death of a loved one, family stresses, financial stresses, mental health concerns, addictions, a disability, or an unexpected expense while living on the pension.
Go to the website for more details_ https://www.lincyarravalley.org.au/
or email-linc.yarravalley@gmail.com
Local church’s in partnership with LinC, help to deliver free food program called Second Bite. Every Friday and Sunday fresh food is available to those in need to help everyone have the opportunity to access fresh ingredients to prepare healthy meals. Everyone is welcome, you don’t need to have a health care card. Please bring your own bags.
Millgrove Baptist Church, 4 Cavanagh Road, Millgrove Fridays 11:30am
Second Bite every Tuesday by appointment ph: 59 662 320
Yarra Junction Program – Community Room, Upper Yarra Family Centre, 2442 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction
Wednesday 1-4pm.
Woori Yallock Program – Woori Yallock Presbyterian Church 1363 Healesville – Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock; Fridays 10:30am.
Wandin Fresh Food Program-Wandin Senior Citizens
Warburton HWY, Wandin
Fridays 10:30am
Free Community Meals
Koha Café-Warburton RSL-vegetarian meals by donation every Thursday 6-8pmpm
Everyone has the right to feel safe and be respected in their own home.
FVREE Contact:
If you or someone you know needs support, we are ALL here for you!
- If you are in danger call 000.
- For confidential crisis support, information and accommodation: Safe Steps 24/7 family violence response line on 1800 015 188. If it is unsafe to call, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au.
For confidential phone help and referral: 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
For a specialist LGBTIQ family violence service: W|Respect on 1800 542 847 or visit www.withrespect.org.au.
For support for women who live in the Eastern suburbs: Eastern Domestic Violence Service 9259 4200 or email edvos@edvos.org.au. Open Mon-Fri 9am – 8pm, Sat 9am-5pm.
For support for men: Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
Find family violence information and support at https://bit.ly/2UutLwt
