Emergency assistance and financial support

If you're having difficulty paying your current household energy bill because of a short-term financial crisis or emergency, such as unexpected medical bills, or reduced income due to COVID-19, you could be eligible for Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) $50 vouchers.

Find out more

Rebates and Savings

The NSW Government is helping ease the cost of living with more than 70 rebates and savings.

Simply browse NSW Government rebates and savings or use the Savings Finder to see which savings are relevant to you.

Visit NSW Government's Help with the cost of living

Salvation Army - Moneycare

Free & Confidential Financial Counselling & Financial Literacy Service to support people experiencing financial distress

Phone: 9633 5011

Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW is a free, fair and independent service that can assist consumers and small business experiencing difficulties with their energy and some water providers in NSW.

Phone 1800 246 545 or visit the website www.ewon.com.au

Home Delivered Meals

• We are delivering frozen meals only (with dessert and juice)
• We can accomodate medical/religious dietary requirements
• Delivery is offered once a week
• Delivery will take place Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday – day will be determined by Nutrition Services, and based on availability
• Customers/Representatives will be invoiced
• Direct Debit is the ONLY payment method accepted at this time

Food Bank and support for individuals and families who are seeking asylum or are refugees. By appointment only - Monday to Friday.

Phone: 9727 9290

Web:  www.houseofwelcome.org.au

Foodbank and limited Emergency Relief support for individuals and families who are seeking asylum, as well as some refugees and migrants on temporary visas in vulnerable situations.  Eligibility is determined by an assessment with our casework team.

Casework support is available for people seeking asylum and some refugees and migrants on temporary visas in vulnerable situations.

You can speak with a caseworker over the phone or in-person by appointment only (as office hours may vary).

Phone 9098 9336 - leave a message if phone unattended.

Karabi Food Safety Program

All food items are dependent upon availability on the day of the program from our suppliers.

1. Food Giveaway Program (parcel pick-up): Mondays all Karabi Community Centres have bread, milk, eggs, small amounts of fruit or vegetables when available for the community. Contributions: 2 breads for $2, $2 Milk, $2 eggs. Free fruits or vegetables when available. Bring your own bags.
2. Food Bank Program: 4 to 6 bags of produce, fridge items, freezer items and pantry items once a month at each centre. Seven Hills - First Wednesday of the month. Wentworthville - Second Wednesday of the month and Constitution Hill - Third Wednesday of the month. Bookings essential. Cost $25 to be paid in advance. Bring your own bags.
3. Contact your local centre for information and bookings: Karabi Seven Hills Phone 9688 1048, Karabi Wentworthville Phone 9631 6575, Karabi Constitution Hill Phone 9631 7055.

Help with emergency food hampers for community members who might be facing some challenges with food.

Where: 166-170 South Parade, Auburn.

For more information: Contact us from 9:30am to 3pm on 9646 3767.

Open for collections on Sundays from 10:30am to 12 midday.

Address: 14 Martha Street, Clyde
Phone: 0432 017 000
Email: turbans4australia@gmail.com
Website: https://www.t4a.org.au/

Assistance can be provided in the form of:

Food, clothing, emergency accommodation, toiletries and other everyday necessities, domestic violence refuges and services, and no interest loans.

For more information: Contact us by phone 13 18 12 or email vinnies@vinnies.org.au

Assistance with rental arrears and bonds, electricity and telephone bills and some food vouchers.

Phone: 8624 8600

Visit Anglican Community Services

Some assistance for eligible residents living in Auburn, Berala, Lidcombe or Regents Park.

Phone: 8737 5500

Email alison@adsi.org.au

Visit: Accessible Diversity Services Incorporated

Emergency Relief funding available including Woolworths food vouchers and payments for essential needs.

Phone: 9643 1666

Visit: Australian Anatolian Community Services Co-op Ltd

Assistance with electricity and gas bills (EAPA vouchers) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Phone: 9687 9901

Visit: Community Migrant Resource Centre

Assistance with electricity and gas bills (EAPA vouchers).

Phone: 9637 7600 

Visit: Cumberland Multicultural Community Services

Located in Merrylands and providing material aid to local residents. 

Further information: Holroyd Community Aid Inc.

Phone: 9637 7391

Assistance with food packs, toiletries, nappies, small household items and clothing.

Phone: 0402 787 571 

Visit: Prosper (Project Australia) Incorporated

Assistance with food parcels and vouchers.

Phone: 9643 7794 

Visit: St Vincent De Paul Society NSW

Assistance with electricity and gas bills (EAPA vouchers), and vouchers for food, petrol or other essentials.

Phone: 1300 371 288

Reporting a Child at Risk

Reporting a child at risk, signs of child abuse and neglect, child protection laws, family preservation, FACS services that keep kids safe, Mandatory reporters.

Phone: 132 111

Daniel Morcombe Foundation

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has some fantastic videos and activities for children and young people from 3 years old all the way to the high school years. We want to make sure all children and young people are empowered with the knowledge of how to get help if they need it. 

Kids Helpline

Another great service that can be easily accessed is Kids Helpline. Kids Helpline is Australia’s free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25. If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone please call 1800 55 1800 or visit the Kids Helpline website

Online Safety

During the Coronavirus outbreak, many children will increase their online activity. To ensure they remain safe visit the Australian Government's eSafety site at www.esafety.gov.au

Or read the media release on eSafety

Blackdog Institute

Blackdog Institute Webinars

Domestic Violence Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, verbal, cultural or religious abuse please see below for telephone and online help services and resources. If you are in immediate danger please call Triple 000.

For further information and for resources in community languages, please also see Educational Video Resources

For a list of contacts and information on where to Get help now please visit the Domestic and Family Violence page.

• Lifeline, 24 hour telephone crisis support – confidential, professional and welcoming for all religions, ages, genders, and sexual orientation. For crisis support call 13 11 14.
• 1800RESPECT website – National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family violence Counselling Service. Online Chat available 24 hours a day.
• Translating and Interpreting service – free telephone or onsite interpreters in your own language. Available 24 hours every day of the year. Call 131 450.
• Australian Red Cross - Australian Red Cross’ Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Financial Assistance program will provide financial assistance and casework support to eligible people on temporary visas, or with uncertain visa status, experiencing family and domestic violence, and in need of financial support. Contact during business hours Monday to Friday on 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276).
• Indian (Sub-Cont) Crisis & Support Agency – ICSA - ICSA offer support to people from any cultural background experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV): families, migrant and temporary residents who are at risk of violence, abuse, or seeking support for someone they consider to be vulnerable and in need. Find out more about ICSA's Domestic Violence & Vulnerable Persons Program or email info@icsa.net.au

Legal Aid NSW’s Domestic Violence Unit is continuing to provide advice and assistance to clients during the COVID-19 pandemic over the phone to clients who are experiencing domestic violence and need help with any of the following issues:

• Duty representation in the Family Court;
• Duty representation in some ADVO lists in the Local Court
• Family law (Parenting and property issues);
• Care and Protection;
• Divorce;
• Child Support;
• ADVOs and
• Other legal issues the client is having because of domestic violence

Specialist support staff include lawyers, social workers and financial counsellors who work collaboratively to support clients.

To make a referral, please 9219 6300 or email domesticviolenceunit@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Family Support Factsheets

The following COVID-19 factsheets on topics such as Domestic Violence and Family Support are now available to view online:

COVID-19: Are you worried about domestic and family violence?
Domestic and family violence can become worse during a crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be worried about your safety, or the safety of someone you know. This factsheet has information about keeping safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
COVID-19: It's not safe for me to stay at home - what should I do?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be harder for you to find a time when it is safe to leave your home because of family and domestic violence. This factsheet provides information about things you should consider when making a plan to leave.
 
COVID-19: Apprehended domestic violence orders
Domestic and family violence can become worse during a crisis. Police can make an application in court for an apprehended domestic violence order to keep you and your children safer.
 
COVID-19: Child support and family payments
If care arrangements for your child change or your income changes because of COVID-19, this could affect your child support assessment and family tax benefit payments. This factsheet aims to help answer your questions.
 
COVID-19: Financial stress for separating families
Separation can be a time of financial stress for many families, and many people have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This factsheet offers tips for dealing with financial stress when you are going through separation.
 
COVID-19: Mediation by telephone
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been changes in the way family law courts operate. This factsheet is about how a mediation, or family dispute resolution conference, can help you resolve your family law problems quickly and without the need to go to court.

More resources

More family and civil law resources about COVID-19 and the law are being developed and will be made available soon. To view the latest resources relating to COVID-19 and the law, visit  and search using the keyword “COVID-19”.

• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14  24 Hour Telephone Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention – confidential, professional and welcoming for all religions, ages, genders, and sexual orientation.
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• 24/7 Support Line and Chat Line Available 
• Suicide Call-back Service: 1300 659 467
• Health Direct: 1800 022 022  If you are feeling unwell and can't reach your doctor
• Kids helpline: 1800 551 800
• 1800RESPECT:  National Sexual Assault ,Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: 1800 737 732
• Domestic Violence Helpline NSW: 1800 656 463
• NSW Ageing & Disability Abuse Helpline: 1800 628 221  9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

• Relationship support services 
• Headspace: Online and telephone Counselling for young people 
• Redcross Telecross
• Police Next of Kin Register - view or download PDF (130 KB)
• Coronavirus Scams

There are Early Intervention services that are funded by the NSW Government to support vulnerable children, young people and families. Some eligibility criteria may apply. This includes case management, counselling, information and referral. Many services are still operating during this period providing by phone support and referrals.

It is advised to call services first or check their websites to confirm opening hours and services available.

Find your local service at www.linker.org.au

Talking to kids about Coronavirus

• World Health Organisation 
• Child Mind Institute 
• Comic strip info on Coronavirus 
• Coronavirus information booklet for children

General Advice

• The Australian Parenting website 
• National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health
• NSW Education - Learning from home

Physical activities

• Cosmic Kids Yoga 
• Action song for Kids

Play ideas

• Raising Children Network (video opens on YouTube)
• ABC.net.au

Education support

• https://education.abc.net.au/home#!/resources

Auburn Youth Centre provides the following services for young people aged 12 to 24 years:

• Free counselling for young people and their families living in Cumberland, provided in English and Arabic, face to face, online and by phone
• Individual support, assessment, referral, advocacy for young people and their families by phone, face to face and online
• Online programs for young people:
  • Monday - Lifeskills
  • Wednesday - Cooking
  • Thursday - Critical Thinking Discussion Group
  • Friday - Girls Social Group
• Young women’s empowerment group, helping young women have a voice
• Grocery packs for a gold coin donation, available for young people and their families in financial hardship living in Cumberland
• Music mentoring program
• Wellbeing calls, if you know a young person who just needs to have a talk we can call them.

Contact: Auburn Youth Centre on 9646 2122 or https://www.ayc.org.au/

Transitional accommodation for families with dependent children and young pregnant women - 16 to 24 years.

Phone: 8752 0300

This information and referral telephone service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It helps to accommodation and services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Callers to Link2home will receive one or more of the following:

• Information about local services
• An assessment to determine what kind of help is needed
• Referral to appropriate specialist homelessness services (SHS), support services, temporary accommodation and/or other services.

Link2home also provides information about homelessness services across NSW to SHS providers and homelessness advocates acting on behalf of clients.

Phone 1800 152 152

Parramatta Mission, working in partnership with Mission Australia and St Vincent de Paul Society operate the Western Sydney Single Men’s Homeless program. This incorporates crisis accommodation (from Hope Hostel) and transitional accommodation and provides outreach services to rough sleepers and clients with complex needs.

Phone: 0419 696 673 or 8880 8234

Western Sydney Homelessness Outreach Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Service (HOPARRS) supports people over the age of 21 years, and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes rough sleepers, people with mental health issues, people leaving custody, and people with a disability. Strong focus on Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Phone: 1800 384 331

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please contact us or visit our store.

Phone: 9646 3767

Visit: The Salvation Army, Auburn Homeless Services - Corner of Park Road & South Parade, Auburn
(across from Auburn train station)

Cumberland Homelessness Service for Single Women and Women with Children Escaping Domestic Violence

This service targets single women over 25 years of age who are homeless or at risk of homelessness within the Parramatta, Auburn and Holroyd areas, and women with children experiencing domestic and family violence within the Parramatta and Holroyd areas. 

The service provides prevention and early intervention, and crisis and transitional accommodation with support to exit clients out of homelessness. It has a strong focus on responses for Aboriginal women and is accessible to women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This service provides the women’s refuges: 

• Thelma Brown Cottage: Phone: 0407 903 362 
• Kelly’s Cottage (formerly known as Adele Dundas): Phone 9636 2380

Lead provider: UCA-Parramatta Mission

Phone: 9891 2277

Homelessness support for couples with children or singles with children who are Australian Citizens or permanent residents.

Phone: 9797 2312

Visit: Wesley Community Services Limited

The Youth Hub is the centralised intake point into the youth accommodation services. The Youth Hub provides intake into Outreach and Early Intervention Case Management, Crisis accommodation and referral pathways to transitional accommodation.

Phone: 8880 8222

A mobile-friendly website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby - find shelter, food, health and other critical support services.

Visit askizzy.org.au

A link to services provided from the State Library. Legal help can be found for a wide range of COVID-19 related crisis issues - from rent and employment, to financial disputes. 

Visit: legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/getting-help

MindGuide is a free online website/app to help people in Western Sydney navigate mental health information, support and services. MindGuide provides information for available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Available via Apple Store or Google Play as an app or via the internet.

Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest) Below is a list of categories currently included in the Mental Health Directory:

• Allied Health
• Children and Young People
• Community Health Care
• Counselling
• Drug/Alcohol
• General Practitioners and Medical Centres
• Helplines
• Housing Services
• Mental Health Services
• Primary Mental Health Care Providers
• Respite/Carer Support
• Support Group/s

Be aware of scams

Unfortunately the chaos and confusion of COVID-19 has also provided opportunities for scammers to pray on unsuspecting people. Be aware of the many scams that have developed recently by visiting the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's ScamWatch.

The NSW Government will fund temporary crisis accommodation for international students in crisis. International students enrolled in NSW can also have free access to the Redfern Legal Centre’s multilingual legal advice app for international students, My Legal Mate.

Phone: NSW Government COVID-19 hotline 13 77 88

Online: Redfern Legal Centre’s International Student Legal Service NSW  

The Australian Government has provided a dedicated email and hotline for international students if they have questions on support available.

• Email: international.students@dss.gov.au or
• Phone:1300 981 621 from 8am to 8pm AEDST Monday to Friday - calls within Australia only.

Red Cross can provide you with a daily telephone call to check on your wellbeing through a service known as Telecross. This provides peace of mind if you are at risk of an accident or illness that may go unnoticed, such as falling and being unable to call for help. The volunteer will check to see that you are well and provide a friendly voice to wake up to each morning.

For more information and to register for this service visit Telecross