We are the Financial Wellbeing Collective.
12 partners working together to reduce the drivers and impacts of financial hardship in WA.
Our story of collaboration over competition
The partnership started after government funding was under threat for financial counselling services and thousands of families risked being left without vital support.
The State Government reinstated funding, and a consortium model led by Anglicare WA and Uniting WA was established and launched as the Financial Counselling Network. Originally 9 partners across 14 sites, we pooled resources, shared expertise, and created new pathways to support.
Later we broadened to 12 partners and 25 sites, expanding our service offering beyond financial counselling and initiating statewide support.
In 2023, the network rebranded to the
Financial Wellbeing Collective, known as the FWC.
services
support staff
organisations
managers
delivery staff
What began as a necessity has become a powerful model of collective impact.
Over 10 years we’ve supported
273,981
West Australians doing it tough
seeking financial resilience and wellbeing
that’s 1 in 10 in our state.
Our impact goes beyond numbers. It’s in a client finding the courage to advocate for their family; parents who no longer dread opening their bills; and households where financial relief brings stability, dignity, and hope.
We’ve walked alongside people in their most difficult moments…
Our journey is one of progress
response
prevention programs
services
Together, we are changing the narrative. We want to break the stigma around financial setbacks and recognise the deep strength of those who reach out for support and connection.
How we’ve built a system of support
Building knowledge
- workshops
- mindset
- education
We’ve reached 91,885 people through community engagement, group education and one-off support.
Setting up for success
- coaching
- confidence
- building habits
3,242 clients have been supported through energy coaching and a further 875 through financial coaching.
Advocacy & negotiation
- counselling
- debt relief
- resilience
We’ve seen 56,779 financial counselling clients, and advocated for over $66m in debt waivers.
Access to relief
- food
- bills
- essentials
56,760 people supported through the Emergency Relief and Food Access Service and a further 64,440 through Hardship Utility Grant Scheme.
Emergency Relief & Food Access Service
Hardship Utility Grant Scheme
We are here in times of financial crisis and to address the root causes of hardship, empowering people to manage their money with confidence.
Financial wellbeing touches every aspect of life.
Through wraparound support and strong partner networks, we connect you with the right services at the right time so you never navigate challenges alone.
support Family and
domestic violence Financial
Wellbeing Legal
services Child safety
and wellbeing Emergency
Relief
programs Energy
Coaching NDIS Tenant
advocacy Mental
health Disability
advocacy Migrant
services
Financial wellbeing touches every aspect of life.
Through wraparound support and strong partner networks, we connect you with the right services at the right time so you never navigate challenges alone.
The Changing Landscape of Financial Wellbeing
Cost of Living
Cost of living is the main reason for needing hardship assistance.
Average utility debt has risen by 39% in the last 4 years.
Housing Stress
The majority of our financial counselling clients are mortgage owners.
Homelessness has risen 8% since 2016 and rough sleeping is up by 114%.*
$740 p/w
The median weekly rent has increased 76% since 2020.*
Income has not kept up with rising inflation.
Inadequate Income
Inflation rose 22% in Perth in the last 5 years, but wages only rose 17%.*
Cost of Living
Cost of living is the main reason for needing hardship assistance.
Average utility debt has risen by 39% in the last 4 years.
Housing Stress
The majority of our financial counselling clients are mortgage owners.
Homelessness has risen 8% since 2016 and rough sleeping is up by 114%.*
$740 p/w
The median weekly rent has increased 76% since 2020.*
Inadequate Income
Inflation rose 22% in Perth in the last 5 years, but wages only rose 17%.*
Income has not kept up with rising inflation.
*Source: Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Housing Affordability in Western Australia 2025
*Source: ABS
Right now, financial wellbeing is low for many Australians.
Behind these statistics are people. Parents skipping meals so their children can eat, workers facing eviction despite holding down jobs and seniors forced to choose between heating and healthcare.
A broken washing machine, an unexpected bill or a sudden rent rise can be the difference between coping and crisis.
More and more individuals and families are going without a financial safety net, unable to cover an emergency or weather a sudden shock.
Financial wellbeing means breathing room – being able to absorb unexpected costs, feeling in control of your day-to-day finances, and having the freedom to make choices that let you enjoy life.
Our work matters now more than ever, and we know that collaboration isn’t just part of our history, it’s the foundation of our future.
Meet Andrew
Energy Ahead
Meet Michelle
Financial Coaching
Meet Sean
Financial Counselling
Meet Kathryn
Financial Coaching
Advocating for the next decade of
financial wellbeing in Western Australia
As we look to the next decade, our vision is bold
A WA where affordable housing and decent wages are the norm.
A community where no one is left behind when costs rise.
A system where people can access the support they need, when they need it.
Looking at the road ahead
This is not a journey one organisation can walk alone. But together with partners, funders, communities, and individuals we can build a more financially resilient Western Australia.
This is the power of collective impact. Ten years in, we’ve seen what’s possible.
Download A Cost of Living Strategy for WA
Join us in building a future where
financial wellbeing is a right, not a privilege.