Many people experience financial stress at different stages of their lives. Rising housing costs, utility bills, groceries and other everyday expenses can place pressure on household budgets and affect overall wellbeing.
Help when you need it
Whether you need immediate assistance or are looking for practical ways to manage living costs long term, this page provides links to services, programs and resources that can help.
While the City of Stirling does not provide direct financial assistance, we can help connect residents with trusted organisations and support services available in the local community.
Quick links
If you're finding it difficult to pay for food, bills or other everyday essentials, support may be available. Emergency relief services can provide assistance with immediate needs, connect you with local support services and help you access longer-term financial support where appropriate. Availability and eligibility requirements may vary between services.
Financial Wellbeing Collective Emergency Relief
The Emergency Relief and Food Access Service (ERFAS) can connect people experiencing hardship with emergency food, financial assistance and referrals to support services.
Website: Emergency Relief and Food Access Service (ERFAS) | Anglicare WA
Centrelink
Centrelink may be able to help with income support payments, one-off crisis payments, linking to a social worker and referrals to other services. You may also be eligible for a Health Care Card, which allows you to get cheaper medicines and some other discounts.
Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink
WA Connect
Directory of community support services throughout Western Australia.
Website: WAConnect - Community Services Directory
WA Seniors Card
Provides discounts, rebates and special offers for Western Australians over the age of 65. Visit the website to learn about eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Website: www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
Many people experience financial stress at different times in their lives. If you are struggling to manage household expenses, debt or unexpected costs, free and confidential support is available. Financial counsellors can help you understand your options, create a budget, negotiate with creditors, access hardship arrangements and connect with other support services where needed. Eligibility requirements and service availability may vary between providers.
Financial Wellbeing Collective
Support to build financial resilience and wellbeing.
Website: thefwc.org.au/
National Debt Helpline
Free financial advice and support.
Website: ndh.org.au/debt-solutions/emergency-assistance/
Money Smart
Free information to improve the financial capability of all Australians
Website: MoneySmart
Financial Counselling WA
WA free, government-funded financial counselling
Website: Find a Financial Counsellor - FCWA
WA No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)
No Interest Loans (NILS) can help eligible individuals and families purchase essential goods and services without paying interest, fees or charges. Loans may be available for items such as household appliances, medical expenses, education costs, technology and vehicle repairs. Eligibility requirements apply.
Website: www.wanils.com.au/
Housing costs can place significant pressure on household budgets. If you are struggling to pay rent, worried about keeping your tenancy, or experiencing housing stress, support services may be able to help. Assistance may include rent relief, financial counselling, tenancy advice, advocacy and referrals to other housing support services. Eligibility requirements and service availability may vary between providers.
Homelessness Support
Housing circumstances can change unexpectedly and support is available for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The City of Stirling's Homelessness and Support Services page brings together information about accommodation, outreach services, crisis support and other local resources that may be able to help.
Website: City of Stirling - Homelessness and crisis support
WA Rent Relief Program
The WA Rent Relief Program assists eligible private tenants experiencing rental stress and at risk of eviction by providing temporary rent assistance, housing support and financial counselling.
Website: https://www.warentrelief.org.au/
Phone: 1800 979 777 (select option 3 to speak to the Rent Relief Triage team).
City rates and concessions
Find out how to reduce your rates if you are a pensioner/senior or if there are any other concessions available for your property.
Website: City of Stirling - Rates and concessions
City rates and financial hardship
If you are unable to pay your rates and charges due to financial hardship, the City offers support to help you manage your rates.
Rising energy and utility costs can place added pressure on household budgets. A range of programs and services are available to help eligible households manage utility bills, access payment assistance, improve energy efficiency and reduce ongoing household costs. Support options and eligibility requirements vary between providers.
Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS)
Provides financial assistance for eligible households experiencing difficulty paying utility bills.
Website: www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/grants-and-subsidies/hardship-utility-grant-scheme
Energy Ahead
Free service for eligible Synergy residential customers experiencing financial stress.
Website: thefwc.org.au/energyahead/
Synergy Financial Hardship Support
Payment plans, concessions and rebates.
Website: www.synergy.net.au/Your-home/Manage-account/Need-help-with-your-bill/Financial-hardship-support
Household cost reduction tips
Discover practical ways to reduce household energy and water use through energy-saving advice, home efficiency tips and free energy audit resources. Free home energy audit kits are available through City of Stirling Libraries. Residents can also access discounts on products and services that help houeholds save money and live more sustainably.
Website: switchyourthinking.com/energy/
Access to affordable, nutritious food is important for health and wellbeing. If rising living costs are making it difficult to buy groceries or meet household food needs, a range of food relief and community food services may be able to help. Support options vary between providers and may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Foodbank WA
Food relief and emergency food support.
Website: thefwc.org.au/foodbank-online-form/
Dianella Community Pantry
Community food pantry supporting local residents.
Website: Dianella Community Pantry
Woodlands Community Pantry
When: Wednesdays, 9.00am to 11.00am
Location: 48 Lombardy Street, Woodlands WA 6018
Website: www.cofchrist.com.au/perth
Generations City Care (Mirrabooka)
Food hampers by appointment.
Call (08) 9440 6446.
Margaret Court Community Outreach (Osborne Park)
Emergency food hampers for families and individuals.
Website: Food Hampers & Assistance in Perth — Margaret Court Community Outreach
Call (08) 6319 2727.
Uniting Aid (Nollamara)
Food assistance and financial counselling services. Drop in Tuesdays and Fridays 9.00am – 11.45am at 19 Monterey Street, Nollamara
Website: Uniting Aid | Services
Call (08) 9344 3840.
Balga Salvos
Offer a range of assistance including food support through Food Support and grocery store on Tuesday between 9 and 11.30am and Oz Harvest on Thursday at 1.30pm
Website: The Salvation Army Australia | The Salvation Army Australia
Call (08) 6210 3288
Community Meals and Food Services
Residents may also wish to explore local community meals, neighbourhood centre food programs and community kitchens.
- Community kitchen: City of Stirling - Events calendar
- Meals on wheels: City of Stirling - Stirling Senior Services
Community gardens
Community gardens can help residents build skills, connect with others and grow fresh produce.
Website: City of Stirling - Community gardens
Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you make informed decisions during challenging situations. Free and low-cost legal services are available to provide information, advice and support on a range of matters, including tenancy issues, debt, family law and consumer concerns. Eligibility requirements and service availability may vary between providers.
Circle Green Community Legal
Website: circlegreen.org.au/
Legal Aid WA
Website: www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/
Encompass Legal and Community Services
Combination of legal, social and financial support.
Website: elcs.org.au/
Supporting children to learn, grow and thrive is important for families and communities. A range of programs and services are available to assist with education, sport and recreation, healthy living and family wellbeing, helping children and families stay active, connected and engaged. Eligibility requirements and service availability may vary depending on the program or service.
The Smith Family
Support for children's education and family wellbeing.
Website: www.thesmithfamily.com.au/
Parent Pathways
Mentoring, financial support for eligible expenses and connections to services to help families achieve education, training, and employment goals.
Website: Parent Pathways - Training Alliance
KidSport
Financial assistance to help children participate in organised sport.
Website: www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/kidsport
Better Health Program
Free healthy lifestyle program for children and families.
Website: betterhealthprogram.org/
Active8
Programs to help children and young people stay active.
Website: theactive8.org
Grandcarers Support Scheme
Financial support for eligible grandparents raising grandchildren.
Website: Grandcarers Support Scheme | Financial Support for Carers
Children and family support
The City offers a range of free and low-cost activities for children and families throughout the year, including school holiday activites.
Looking after your physical and mental health is important, particularly during times of stress or uncertainty. A range of support services, health programs and community activities are available to help residents improve their wellbeing, stay connected and access assistance when needed.
Lifeline
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
Website: www.lifeline.org.au/
Phone: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Mental health support and information.
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au/
Better Health Coaching Service
Free coaching to support healthy lifestyle changes and wellbeing.
Website: betterhealthcoaching.com.au/wa-home/
Reclink Australia
Sport and recreation programs that support connection and wellbeing.
Website: reclink.org/programs/what-we-do/find-a-program
Green Book
Directory of alcohol, other drugs and mental health service providers
Website: Green Book
Think Mental Health
Free mental health information and resources.
Website: Think Mental Health
My Services
Directory for immediate help with mental health, alcohol or drug support
Website: My Services
Headspace Osborne Park
Free health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12-25.
Website: headspace Osborne Park | Youth Mental Health Centre & Services
Call 08 9208 9555.
Mirrabooka Mental Health Centre
Free access to mental health information, services and support. Walk-ins welcome at
5/3 Doncaster Rd, Mirrabooka.
Website: Mirrabooka Medicare Mental Health Centre - WAPHA
Call 1800 595 212.
City of Stirling Community Support
Find local support services, wellbeing programs and information.
The City of Stirling offers a range of free and low-cost programs, activities and services that can help residents stay active, connected and engaged in their community. From libraries and local events to recreational spaces and sustainability initiatives, there are many opportunities to access support, build skills and enjoy affordable activities close to home.
Libraries
Access a range of free resources and services, including:
Books and eBooks
Wi-Fi and internet access
Community programs and workshops
Events and activities for all ages
Energy audit kits to help reduce household energy costs.
Website: Libraries website page
Parks, beaches and playgrounds
Explore the City's parks, beaches and playgrounds for free outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities.
Website: www.stirling.wa.gov.au/attractions-and-recreation/parks,-beaches-and-playgrounds
Play Trails
Discover themed play experiences across the City that encourage families to explore local parks and neighbourhoods.
Website: www.stirling.wa.gov.au/attractions-and-recreation/parks,-beaches-and-playgrounds/play-trails
What's On
Find free and low-cost events, workshops and community activities happening throughout the year.
Website: www.stirling.wa.gov.au/attractions-and-recreation/arts-and-events/events-calendar
Sustainability programs
Access programs, workshops and resources that support sustainable living and may help reduce household costs over time.
Website: City of Stirling - Sustainability
Community support
Find information about local support services, community programs and wellbeing initiatives available across the City.
Website: www.stirling.wa.gov.au/community-support
Or:
City of Stirling (WA) - Community Directory
