Support close to home during rising fuel costs

With the rising cost of fuel placing additional pressure on households and farmers across South Gippsland, Manna Gum can offer information and support for people facing financial hardship.

Our Services Australia Agency is open Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm, providing free, face-to-face assistance to help people understand and access payments, concessions and government services. Whether it’s help setting up a myGov account, lodging a claim online, or simply understanding what you might be eligible for, our staff will try to assist.

For our farming community, there are targeted supports available. The Farm Household Allowance provides income support for farmers and their partners experiencing financial hardship, along with access to additional supplements and concessions. Free services such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service can also help farmers understand their financial position and plan ahead.

We can also connect community members with financial counsellors, who provide free, confidential support to help people manage debt, negotiate with creditors and develop practical plans to regain financial stability. 

Beyond this, many people may not realise they are eligible for concessions and grants that can ease day-to-day pressures. The Utility Relief Grant Scheme, for example, can assist households facing unexpected hardship, such as job loss, medical diagnosis or reduced income. Other concessions are available to help with essential costs including energy, water, transport, healthcare and education. Concession card holders who source non-mains energy for their heating, cooking and hot water can apply for a concession to help cover their yearly energy costs.

We also welcome the Victorian Government’s recently announced food relief package, which is designed to strengthen frontline organisations like Foodbank and FareShare. These organisations play a critical role in sourcing, preparing and distributing food to communities like ours through our food pantry.

Drop in and see us at Manna Gum—we’re here to help. Rebecca Matthews