As a part of the substantial funding package, the Salvation Army (Queensland) will receive $1.1 million ($1,086,580), Each Ipswich $600,695, and Women’s Legal Service Queensland will receive $424,120 over five years from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
The Salvation Army and Women’s Legal Service Queensland are among 56 organisations across Australia that will receive a share of a $98.4 million Commonwealth investment over the next five years for financial wellbeing support.
Funding will be rolled out from 1 October and will enable them to provide free and confidential counselling to more clients, ensuring that people struggling to pay bills have the right tools to get out or stay out of debt. Counselling is available face-to-face, over the phone, or via online chat.
The Salvos Moneycare Ipswich and Bundamba financial counselling service can assist locals with debts or gambling problems, those impacted by a natural disaster or other financial crisis, or anyone who just wants some pointers on dealing with cost of living pressures.
Professional counsellors can provide personalised financial guidance to assist with financial problems, and build financial literacy and capability.
For more information, visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/moneycare-financial-counselling/ and to make an appointment, call 1800 722 363.
In addition, Each Ipswich is one of 32 providers across the country that will share in $31.2 million of Government funding over the next five years to meet demand for targeted support with gambling across the country.
Providers like Each will deliver high quality financial services to many people experiencing gambling harm, and link them to addiction and mental health support if they need.
The funding comes on top of more than $5.8 million ($5,784,860) over five years for several organisations to provide emergency and food relief to struggling residents in Blair, including Ipswich Assist, Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre, Riverview Community Centre and Vinnies.
Earlier this year, the Government announced an additional $44.1 million investment over the next five years to expand the National Debt Helpline. People in need of support can contact the Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit the website at https://ndh.org.au/
More information about financial counselling services is available on the Department of Social Services (DSS) website at https://www.dss.gov.au/financial-counselling
The Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or online at https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ can also provide free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More information on financial counselling for gambling is available on the DSS website at https://www.dss.gov.au/financial-counselling/financial-counselling-gambling
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann acknowledged many people in the local community were doing it tough and services were seeing a big increase in requests for assistance.
“I’m proud that we are continuing to support local providers, like the Salvos, with this extra funding so we can help people manage their money because when we invest in financial capability, we invest in stronger families and a better future for them,” Mr Neumann said.
“Whether it’s working out your budget for your weekly shop, or planning how to pay off a debt, understanding money matters.
“This is why we are boosting emergency and food relief, and financial wellbeing support to address the cost of living challenge and make sure no-one is left behind.”
Mr Neumann said he had seen the devastating impact gambling action can have on families.
“Behind every gambling statistic is a person, and a family. It’s not enough to just talk about harm. That’s why we are funding local services, like Each Ipswich, that prevent it, reduce it and support people through their recovery.
“Properly funded services mean people can get the support they need to take back control of their lives and get their finances back on track.”
