2021 Local Community Support Services

CENTRELINK

All current recipients of income support payments and some other allowances (i.e. Carer allowance) will receive a $750 economic support payment in their next pay after 31st March.  It is important for families to make use of this allowance before seeking other financial support where appropriate.  Those who may not currently be in receipt of income support but become eligible and apply prior to 13th April will also receive this payment when their benefit commences. From 27th April all in receipt of income support payments will receive a $550 payment increase each fortnight for six months Eligibility and application processes for income support payments are also being simplified. Follow this simple flowchart to see if you are eligible for a payment: https://canigetcentrelink.com.au/ 

UTILITY SUPPORT

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 DHHS 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.

MUSTARD TREE

Located opposite Bunnings hardware in Lilydale. 

The Mustard Tree is an Op Shop and Café in Lilydale and they operate under the auspices of the Lilydale Baptist Church.  The Mustard Tree Op Shop accepts donations ranging from furniture, clothing and bric-a-brac and then these items are resold.  They offer the Food Bank service which operates from the office. They can also assist with one medical prescription per person per year. 

Address:

3/28 JOHN STREETLILYDALE Victoria 3140

Phone:  03 9735 3500

Mon-Thursday 10am-2pm

Please visit the Mustard Tree Face Book page for up to date information and bargains!   https://www.facebook.com/mustardtree.opshop/

Food Bank (office beside the OP shop) 

The Mustard Tree and Food Bank are offering food hampers to families in need.  They will accept walk-ins however it is better that people ring ahead in order to support personal privacy. Staff will then organise a food hamper to meet the family needs.   

LinC YARRA VALLEY

Community volunteers work to support welfare programs in community.  The programs are supported by Second Bite, Aldi (Seville), Sanders Apples, Village Greens, Three Sugars Café (Warburton) 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.

COVID-19 UP DATE:  LinC Yarra Valley continues to provide service support during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Increased hygiene and social distancing measures are in place for all our programs.  

Call 0472 644 476 for assistance between 10am -1pm each Monday and Tuesday.  Please leave a message or text outside these hours.

LinC accept enquiries for TRANSPORT that include medical, pharmaceutical and grocery trips.   For bookings please leave a message by calling 5967 2119 including your contact details and your transport request and staff will return your call.  For EMERGENCY RELIEF & material aid support staff are available for calling the following mobile number every Monday and Tuesday between 10am and 1pm - 0472 644 476.  Please call and leave a message outside opening hours. LinC Yarra Valley/Second Bite fresh food programs have home deliveries are available for people in need over 70 years of age and those with underlying health issues.   Please call Julie on 0455 268 457 by Thursday for this week's delivery.  

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. Please bring your own bags.

Millgrove Baptist Church, 4 Cavanagh Road, Millgrove Fridays 11:00am (Tickets from 10:00)

Contact:   Liz Love on 0422 270 178

River Valley Church – At the back of the Millwarra Community Centre Sundays 10:00am 

Contact:  Judy  0428 148 833

Yarra Junction Program – Community Room, Upper Yarra Family Centre, 2442 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction

Fridays 1:30pm, tickets from 12:30. 

Contact:  LinC on 5967 2119

Woori Yallock Program – Woori Yallock Presbyterian Church 1363 Healesville – Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock; Fridays 10:00am. 

Contact:   0410 529 657

EDVOS

Everyone has the right to feel safe and be respected in their own home. 

EDVOS operate their service at the Upper Yarra Family Centre, at Yarra Junction, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm for all enquiries please call the Ringwood Service on 9259 4200.

During this difficult time of social distancing and self-isolation, some people may be experiencing abuse, control and violent behaviours from a loved one or family member. This behaviour is not okay.

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 & COVID-19 information and support at https://bit.ly/2UutLwt