$100,000 in food and fuel vouchers as rising costs push working households to the brink
South East Community Links
South East Community Links will deliver immediate relief to struggling households today, announcing a $100,000 package of food and fuel vouchers will be made available for people attending its Bring Your Bills event in Pakenham.
The vouchers will be distributed on the day to community members experiencing financial hardship, with a focus on essential workers and families impacted by rising living and fuel costs.
South East Community Links is a community-based organisation that has supported people across Melbourne’s south-east for decades, working to ensure everyone can access the support they need with dignity and without judgment.
The announcement comes as financial pressure intensifies across Victoria, with 1.1 million households in mortgage or rental stress and rising housing costs placing increasing strain on everyday budgets.
Chief Executive Officer, Peter McNamara, said the organisation is seeing a clear shift in who is seeking help.
“Around 35% of clients accessing our support are working, that’s a 10% increase on previous years,” he said.
“The basics like food, fuel, housing are just getting too expensive. This isn’t a responsibility issue - it’s an affordability issue.”
Since the start of 2025, SECL’s Bring Your Bills program has supported around 2,000 people and families, helping to address $9.9 million in debt and bills.
Data from previous Bring Your Bills events also highlights barriers to early help-seeking, with:
- 75% attending for the first time
- 75% having never contacted their provider about their debt
- Around 80% from multicultural communities
Mr McNamara said the organisation is working with more than $72 million in debt and many people try to manage alone before reaching out.
“People are trying to manage on their own for as long as they can, and only reaching out when things become overwhelming.”
Demand for financial counselling is also increasing, with financial counsellors helping resolve $33.2 million in debt in the last financial year, almost triple the previous year.
“Even people in steady work are struggling to keep up with everyday costs. This is affecting people right across the community.”
Head of Financial Wellbeing Rachna Madaan Bowman said the data reflects a broadening affordability crisis.
“We’re seeing more essential workers and middle-income earners coming through our doors, people who never expected to need support,” Ms Madaan Bowman said.
“They’re cutting back on food, putting off bills, and still falling behind.”
The Bring Your Bills program brings together banks, utilities, legal services and financial counsellors in one place, helping people understand their options, resolve issues and access support.
Attendees can:
- Speak directly with banks and utility providers
- Access legal, tenancy and financial counselling support
- Connect with ombudsman and complaint services
- Use interpreters in multiple languages
Mr McNamara said the voucher initiative is designed to provide immediate relief alongside longer-term support.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed by bills or costs, just come along. You don’t have to have it all figured out we’re here to help. People can walk in with a problem and leave with a plan.”
EVENT DETAILS
Bring Your Bills - Pakenham
Today: Tuesday 21 April 2026
10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Pakenham Hall, 6E Henry Street, Pakenham
Free event. No bookings required
Contact details:
Edwina Pearse:
M) 0417 303 811
E) [email protected]
Renee Hancock:
M) 0417 055 299
E) [email protected]