Living on a low, fixed income, June and Kevin* were already carefully managing their finances when serious illness changed everything. Ongoing medical needs gradually drained their savings and superannuation, leaving the couple overwhelmed and exhausted, with little capacity to recover on their own. As older renters in the private rental market, their financial position became…
A Win for WA Households A recently released Rank the Energy Retailer 2025 Report highlights how energy retailers across Australia are supporting customers in financial hardship. Compiled by Financial Counselling Victoria in partnership with Energy Consumers Australia (ECA), Financial Counselling Australia (FCA), and the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), the report was informed by feedback…
As we enter 2025, Australia continues to grapple with an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis that is pushing individuals and families to the brink. Essentials like safe housing, food security, and basic utilities are becoming increasingly out of reach for many. At The Spiers Centre in Perth’s northern suburbs, we see the human impact of these challenges every day—and we know that real solutions require a collective effort.
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…