Support for Essential Workers and Families
South East Community Links (SECL) has announced a $100,000 package of food and fuel vouchers to support Melbourne families struggling with rising living costs. The vouchers will be distributed today at the ‘Bring Your Bills’ event in Pakenham.
This initiative provides immediate relief to community members, focusing on essential workers and families affected by increased living and fuel expenses. SECL has supported Melbourne’s south-east communities for decades, ensuring access to necessary support with dignity.
Peter McNamara, CEO of SECL, highlighted a shift in those seeking assistance, noting that “around 35% of clients accessing our support are working, that’s a 10% increase on previous years.” He emphasised that the issue is affordability, not responsibility.
Rising Demand for Financial Support
The ‘Bring Your Bills’ program, active since the start of 2025, has helped approximately 2,000 individuals and families manage $9.9 million in debt and bills. Data shows that 75% of attendees are seeking help for the first time, with many from multicultural communities.
Financial pressure continues to intensify across Victoria, affecting 1.1 million households experiencing mortgage or rental stress. Rising housing costs contribute significantly to the strain on everyday budgets.
Rachna Madaan Bowman, Head of Financial Wellbeing, noted the broadening affordability crisis, stating, “We’re seeing more essential workers and middle-income earners coming through our doors, people who never expected to need support.”
The Bring Your Bills programme brings together banks, utilities, legal services, and financial counsellors in one place. This setup helps people understand their options, resolve issues, and access support. Attendees can speak directly with banks and utility providers, access legal, tenancy, and financial counseling services.
The event will take place at Pakenham Hall, 6E Henry Street, Pakenham, on Tuesday, 21st April 2026, from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It is a free event with no bookings required, offering attendees a chance to speak directly with banks, utility providers, and financial counsellors.
Demand for financial counselling is increasing, with financial counsellors resolving $33.2 million in debt in the last financial year, almost tripling the previous year’s figures. Many try to manage on their own for as long as possible, reaching out only when overwhelmed.
Mr. McNamara stated, “People are trying to manage on their own for as long as they can, and only reaching out when things become overwhelming.”
Since the event’s inception, barriers to early help-seeking have been evident. Around 80% of attendees are from multicultural communities, demonstrating the widespread impact of rising costs.
Last updated: 21 April 2026, 12:34 pm
