WA’s largest collective of financial counsellors reports its clients are operating on an average household budget deficit of $108 per fortnight. The 2024 data from the Financial Wellbeing Collective shows the fortnightly deficit has increased 52%, up from $71 in 2023. General Manager Helena Jakupovic says increasing costs of living means its clients’ financial position…
The Financial Wellbeing Collective’s Emergency Relief and Food Access Service, delivered by partner agency Anglicare WA, is a central point of access for Western Australians struggling to afford essentials, has experienced a record number of calls to the service in January 2025. ERFAS is a central point of access for Western Australians struggling to afford essentials such…
The Financial Wellbeing Collective has taken out the 2024 Business News Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector Award at the recent Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) WA Achievement Awards, recognising the Collective’s innovative approach and dedication to improving the financial wellbeing of Western Australians. Established in 2015 in response to the state government’s decision to…
As a single mother and primary carer of three children for some time, Kylie had always been able to financially get by. However, the rising cost of living over the last few years has propelled Kylie and her family into financial hardship. Every time a bill arrives, Kylie experiences anxiety knowing she will need to…
The Financial Wellbeing Collective, the largest service provider network of financial hardship programs in Western Australia, has released a first-of-its-kind report detailing the experiences of financial, food and utility stress in the state. Using data from the 29,000 Western Australians who accessed the Financial Wellbeing Collective’s hardship crisis interventions services in FY 23/24, The Financial…
When I was 14, my Dad died suddenly after a 3 month struggle with Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukaemia. My mum, a widow at 36, was now the sole carer and provider for a 7 month old, a 3 year old and a teenager. With Dad’s death and no paid maternity leave, our family had no income….
This week our Bunbury office celebrated its 5th anniversary. Taking calls from all over Western Australia, our Bunbury superstars work in our Hardship Utility Grant Scheme Service Centre. They help the WA community stay connected to essential utility services and assess applications for utility grants. Together with our Armadale team, they supported over 13,000 Western…
At a time when cost of living pressures are hitting hard, an industry leading collaborative network of not for profit organisations, government and corporates are working together to help build financial resilience and wellbeing in the Western Australian community. The Financial Wellbeing Collective is powered by 12 partner organisations all united in its mission to…