Bring Your Bills day at Pakenham saw a record turnout of people seeking help in these times of hardship.
Around 400 people attended the event at the Pakenham Hall on Tuesday 1 July, organisers South East Community Links (SECL) expected about 200.
Bring Your Bills is a free, one-stop community event that helps people tackle financial stress by bringing agencies and businesses together in one place.
The event partners with many services and businesses including AGL Energy, Consumer Affairs Victoria, ANZ and Cardinia Shire Council.
“We are really appreciative of South East Community Links and all of their partners for coming to help with our community, whether it’s bill relief, concessions that they are entitled to and all the other services that they can bring,“ Cardinia Mayor Kowarzik said.
It offers access to household bill providers, financial counsellors, legal services, housing advocates, and government services, all in a welcoming and accessible local setting.
The event has been held across the South East since 2023 and has supported more than 2000 people.
Residents receive advice around waiving fees and charges, payment plans, debt reductions, and referrals to hardship programs that have so far relieved $2 million of debt.
