Support
What do you need help with?
Programs, concessions and local services that can take pressure off — from the Victorian and Australian governments and from organisations here in the west. Pick what's closest to your situation.
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01
General Services
Vehicle Registration Rebate, Half price travel from 1 June until 1 January 2027, Free L-Plate and P-Plate Tests…
Vehicle Registration RebateFrom Monday 1 June to Friday 31 July 2026 Victorians can apply for a 20% rebate on their vehicle registration payments. This will save the average driver up to $186 per vehicle on their 2025–26 vehicle registrations.service.vic.gov.au ↗
Half price travel from 1 June until 1 January 2027When the free travel period ends on 31 May, public transport in Victoria will be half price for all passengers until 1 January 2027. The 50% discount will apply to full fare as well as concession passengers.
Free L-Plate and P-Plate TestsWith the costs of licence and hazard perception test fees being waived, L-Platers can save up to $51.40 and P-Platers can save up to $133.30.premier.vic.gov.au ↗
Solar Homes ProgramThe Solar Homes Program offers eligible Victorian households solar panel rebates and the option of an interest-free loan for purchasing solar panels, hot water rebates, and an interest-free loan for solar batteries.solar.vic.gov.au ↗
Victorian Default OfferThe Victorian Default Offer will reduce electricity bills for households by an average of $100 and for small businesses by $260.esc.vic.gov.au ↗
Victorian Energy CompareFind the best deal on your energy bills by comparing through Victorian Energy Compare.compare.energy.vic.gov.au ↗
Vehicle Registration Payment SchemeYou can now choose to pay your vehicle registration in smaller installments.vicroads.vic.gov.au ↗
Winter Gas ConcessionThe Winter Gas Concession is available for concession card holders, giving those eligible a discount on their gas bills.services.dffh.vic.gov.au ↗
Capped V/Line Fares at Metro RatesV/Line fares have been reduced to the daily capped fare, which is currently a $10.60 full fare and $5.30 for concession travellers.ptv.vic.gov.au ↗
Council RatesThe rate cap limits the maximum amount a council can increase general rates and municipal charges. The 2024-25 rate cap is 2.75 per cent.esc.vic.gov.au ↗
Savings FinderVictorians can quickly and simply access discounts, rebates and savings available to them through a new Savings Finder on the Service Victoria app and website.premier.vic.gov.au ↗
02
Early Child Care & Healthcare Support
Free Kinder, Baby Bundles, Nurse-On-Call…
Free KinderThe Victorian Government has introduced free three and four-year-old kinder, saving families up to $2,500 per child each year.vic.gov.au ↗
Baby BundlesBaby bundles are being provided free of charge to parents at the time of birth, containing key parenting information and resources to support the health, development and wellbeing of the babies.health.vic.gov.au ↗
Early Parenting CentresEarly Parenting Centres are a free primary health service, providing specialist support for Victorian families with children from birth to 4 years.health.vic.gov.au ↗
Urgent Care ClinicsUrgent care clinics provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response, helping you receive urgent care whilst keeping emergency departments for critical, life-threatening situations.betterhealth.vic.gov.au ↗
Victorian Virtual Emergency DepartmentThe Victorian Virtual Emergency Department allows you to access care for non-life-threatening emergencies, from anywhere in Victoria.vved.au ↗
Nurse-On-Call
Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24) provides immediate, confidential expert health advice from a registered nurse, available at any time.
- Phone
- 1300 60 60 24
03
Support for Families with Children
Prep Bags, Get Active: Kids Voucher Program, School Breakfast Clubs Program…
Prep BagsEach Prep student attending a Victorian government school will now receive a Prep Bag, with learning items and information for parents and carers to help families have a great start to the year.vic.gov.au ↗
Get Active: Kids Voucher ProgramEligible parents may receive up to $200 to cover sporting costs for their children.
School Breakfast Clubs ProgramThe School Breakfast Clubs program, providing free breakfasts to students, has been expanded to include all government schools that opt in across Victoria.vic.gov.au ↗
Kinder KitsKinder Kits are activity boxes filled with books, educational toys and activities made especially for three-year-olds to enjoy at home. Your kindergarten will provide the kits to children in Term 1.vic.gov.au ↗
Help With School Costs and FeesHelp is available through the Affordable School Uniforms program to meet the costs of uniforms and other key school items. Victorian state government school students are eligible to receive uniform items, school shoes, stationery packs and other essential school items at no cost.vic.gov.au ↗
Camps, Sports and Excursions FundThe Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund provides payments for eligible students to attend school camps, excursions, and sports and outdoor education programs.vic.gov.au ↗
Free Zoo and Museum Visits for KidsOn weekends and during school holidays, kids may visit Victorian Zoos, the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museum free of charge.zoo.org.au ↗
Glasses For KidsGlasses for Kids provides free vision screening and, if needed, further testing and free glasses for Prep to Year 3 students at participating schools.vic.gov.au ↗
Smile SquadThe Smile Squad program is delivering free dental care and treatment to Victorian government school students.health.vic.gov.au ↗
Free Sanitary Pads and Tampons in all Government SchoolsFree pads and tampons are now available to students in every government school in Victoria.vic.gov.au ↗
04
Jobs, Education & Training
Free TAFE, Jobs Victoria, Free Nursing & Midwifery Degrees…
Free TAFEThe Victorian Government now provides over 80 free TAFE courses, providing free vocational training for Victorians across many in-demand industries.vic.gov.au ↗
Jobs VictoriaJobs Victoria provides personalised support for job seekers, with services including mentorship, upskilling and re-training.djsir.vic.gov.au ↗
Free Nursing & Midwifery DegreesThe Victorian Government is now covering the entire cost of nursing degrees, giving new nurses a HECS-free education before embarking on a rewarding career.health.vic.gov.au ↗
Free Secondary Teaching DegreesThe Victorian Government is now covering the entire cost of teaching degrees, giving prospective teachers a HECS-free education before entering their new career.premier.vic.gov.au ↗
05
Women
Women’s Health Clinics, Free Pads and Tampons, Chemist Care Now
Women’s Health ClinicsThe establishment of 20 new Women's Health Clinics over 4 years to address service access barriers faced by women, girls and gender diverse people. The Women's Health Clinics provide multidisciplinary, quality healthcare under one roof, enabling women to access services or advice on issues from contraception and abortion care to endometriosis, pelvic pain and menopause.health.vic.gov.au ↗
Free Pads and TamponsThe Victorian Government is providing free pads and tampons in vending machines located in up to 700 public locations across the state.vic.gov.au ↗
Chemist Care NowFree consultations at participating local chemists, with no prescription or Medicare card needed. Pharmacists can resupply menopausal hormone therapy and the contraceptive pill, and treat conditions such as UTIs, shingles and mild eczema. You only pay for any medication.betterhealth.vic.gov.au ↗
06
Seniors & Veterans
Concessions and Discounts for Veterans, Care Finders, Better Health Channel & Help At Home…
Concessions and Discounts for VeteransThe Victorian Government provides many concessions and discounts for veterans and their families or carers.vic.gov.au ↗
Care FindersCare Finders is a free support service that helps vulnerable older Australians access quality aged care services.myagedcare.gov.au ↗
Better Health Channel & Help At HomeThe Better Health Channel and Help at Home provide a range of resources to assist seniors to live at home for as long as possible. Additional resources can be found here.betterhealth.vic.gov.au ↗
Ageing and Aged CareA range of supports and services offered by the Victorian Government are available and can be found here.health.vic.gov.au ↗
Brimbank City CouncilA number of services are offered by the Brimbank City Council for seniors.brimbank.vic.gov.au ↗
Victorian Pensioner Free Travel VouchersPensioner Concession Card holders are eligible for annual free travel vouchers. The travel vouchers can be used on trams, trains and buses, including V/Line trains and coaches.services.dffh.vic.gov.au ↗
Services AustraliaThrough the Commonwealth Government’s Services Australia website a range of services and supports can be accessed, including the Aged Pension, Disability Support Pension, Mobility Allowance.servicesaustralia.gov.au ↗
NURSE-ON-CALL
Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24) provides immediate, confidential expert health advice from a registered nurse, available at any time.
- Phone
- 1300 60 60 24
07
Support for Renters
Restricting Rent Increases, Long-Term Rental Agreements, Rental Stress Support Package…
Restricting Rent IncreasesNew rules now exist for landlords for increasing rent between successive fixed-term rental agreements and limiting the number of increases to once annually. Any increase must now have 60 days’ notice in writing.consumer.vic.gov.au ↗
Long-Term Rental AgreementsRenters can now enter into rental agreements for 5 or more years, giving renters added security and stability.consumer.vic.gov.au ↗
Rental Stress Support PackageThe Government has provided $8 Million of additional funding for organisations who provide essential support for those facing rental stress.premier.vic.gov.au ↗
Rental BiddingThe Victorian Government is cracking down on rental bidding through a new renting taskforce on landlords, helping keep rental costs down.premier.vic.gov.au ↗
08
Support for First Home Buyers
Homebuyer Fund, Under-Quoting, Stamp Duty…
Homebuyer FundThe Victorian Government’s shared home equity scheme is making buying a home easier for first home buyers, who can put forward as little as 5% for a house deposit with the Government contributing up to 25% of the purchase price.sro.vic.gov.au ↗
Under-QuotingNew legislation means that real estate agents need to follow strict rules about how to estimate property prices.vic.gov.au ↗
Stamp DutyStamp duty has been abolished for first home buyers buying a property valued at less than $600k and is reduced for homes between $600k and $750k.sro.vic.gov.au ↗
Stamp Duty - Off the Plan PurchasesIf you buy off the plan, you will now only pay stamp duty on the land the property is sitting on.sro.vic.gov.au ↗
First Home Owner GrantThe $10,000 First Home Owner Grant is available when you buy or build your first new home.sro.vic.gov.au ↗
09
Housing & Emergency Assistance
Sunshine Housing Office, Housing Establish Fund, Utility Relief Grant Scheme…
Housing Establish Fund - Up to $700Eligible clients can receive $700 annually for the maintenance/establishment of private rental housing, emergency & short term housing and removalist/storage costs.housingchoices.org.au ↗
Utility Relief Grant Scheme - $650 PaymentLow-Income Victorians can access a $650 payment to help cover their bill costs.services.dffh.vic.gov.au ↗
National Debt HelplineA service for financial counselling.ndh.org.au ↗
St Vincent de PaulPhone for delivery of food, vouchers and other material aid.vinnies.org.au ↗
Sunshine Housing Office
Access for people with disability: office and one interview room fully accessible. Accessible parking is not available on site.
- Address
- 16–18 Hertford Road, Sunshine VIC 3020
- Hours
- 8.45am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Phone
- 1300 360 462
IPC Health – St Albans
Provides support to those at risk or experiencing homelessness including primary healthcare, case management and other supports.
- Address
- 1 Andrea St, St Albans VIC 3021
- Phone
- (03) 9296 1200
- harh@ipchealth.com.au
Good Shepherd - Sunshine
Can provide loans, financial advice and other services.
- Address
- Level 1/24 Devonshire Road, Sunshine
- Phone
- (03) 8312 8800
- sunshine@goodshep.org.au
Anglicare Emergency Relief - St Albans
Walk-in service for food parcels available on the first and third Monday of each month from 9.30am-12.30pm.
- Address
- The Martyr Anglican Church, Corner Alexina St & East Esplanade St Albans
- Phone
- 1800 809 722
Anglicare in St Albans
Can provide financial counselling, emergency relief and other services
- Address
- Parish of St Alban the Martyr, Alexina Street, St Albans, Victoria, 3021
- Phone
- 0408 316 414
- Web
- anglicarevic.org.au
Holy Eucharist Parish
For people in Brimbank. Must have a Centrelink or Immigration Card.
- Address
- 1A Oleander Drive St Albans
- Hours
- Fridays 10.30am-2pm
- Phone
- (03) 9366 1310
Victorian Homeless Crisis Line
Open 24/7 to speak with a support worker if you are at risk or experiencing homelessness.
- Phone
- 1800 825 955
Salvation Army Social Housing Service Sunshine
This is a provider of short-term, emergency and transitional housing.
- Address
- 6/147 Harvester Road, Sunshine, VIC 3020
- Areas
- Brimbank - Sunshine, Albion, Ardeer and Sunshine West
- Phone
- (03) 9313 4300
- Sunshine.IAP@SalvationArmy.org.au
Melbourne City Mission - Youth
Provides long or short term accommodation and other personal supports including education, training and employment.
- Phone
- (03) 9614 3688
Unison Housing
This is a provider of short-term, emergency and transitional housing. Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) – Homelessness assistance
- Areas
- Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong
- Phone
- (03) 9688 8300
- Seddon
- (03) 9689 2777
- Werribee
- (03) 9216 0300
- info@unison.org.au
11
Legal Services
WEstjustice, JobWatch, Victoria Legal Aid…
WEstjusticeWEstjustice provides free legal help to people in the western suburbs of Melbourne.westjustice.org.au ↗
JobWatchJobWatch provides free legal information living in Victoria regarding any employment related matters. Please call (03) 9662 1933 for their Telephone Information Service.jobwatch.org.au ↗
Victoria Legal AidVictoria Legal Aid provides free legal information and advice to people with legal problems. If you would like to speak with a staff member at the Victorian Legal Aid, please call 1300 792 387 (Monday to Friday between 8:00am - 6:00pm).legalaid.vic.gov.au ↗
Consumer Affairs VictoriaConsumer Affairs Victoria provides a range of services to support consumers to exercise their rights and ensures businesses, professionals and organisations comply with the law. If you would like to speak with a staff member at the Consumer Affairs Victoria, please call 1300 558 181 (Monday to Friday between 9:00am - 5:00pm).consumer.vic.gov.au ↗
Tax Cuts for all AustraliansTax cuts for every taxpayer starting 1 July 2026 The Government is rolling out two more tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer. From 1 July 2026, the 16 per cent tax rate on taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000 will drop to 15 per cent. From 1 July 2027, the tax rate will drop to 14 per cent. Every Australian taxpayer will receive a tax cut of up to $268 from 1 July 2026, then up to $536 every year from 1 July 2027, compared to the 2024–25 tax settings.
Paid Parental LeaveParents of babies born or adopted on or after July 1st 2025 will, in addition to receiving Government-funded Paid Parental Leave, will now also receive 12% superannuation payments during this period as well.
Pharmaceutical Benefits SchemeMedicines on the PBS are capped at a price of $31.60 for two years. For pensioners and concession card holders, prices are capped at $7.65 per medicine for a period of five years. The list of medications covered by the PBS can be found here.pbs.gov.au ↗
12
Federal Support
Jobseeker Payment, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, Paid Placement for Uni Students
Jobseeker PaymentUnemployed Australians can apply for Jobseeker payments, which will provide them with a fortnightly payment to cover living expenses. You can apply for JobSeeker through Centrelink.servicesaustralia.gov.au ↗
Commonwealth Rent AssistanceAustralians living in private rentals or community housing can apply for Commonwealth Rent Assistance, which has been increased by an additional 10% in the 2024 Federal Budget. You can apply for Commonwealth Rent Assistance through Centrelink.servicesaustralia.gov.au ↗
Paid Placement for Uni StudentsStudents who are required to undertake an unpaid placement as part of their course, including teaching, nursing and social services students, will now receive up to $319.50 a week to support them while they undertake this placement. You can apply for this payment during your placement period through Centrelink.servicesaustralia.gov.au ↗
Social & Transitional Housing
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG), Victorian Social & Community Housing, Women’s Housing…