PEOPLE struggling with bills and debt often try to manage on their own until financial pressure becomes overwhelming, according to South East Community Links.
The organisation is bringing its Bring Your Bills event to Frankston Arts Centre on Tuesday 20 October, giving residents free, face-to-face access to a range of services in one place.
Data from previous Bring Your Bills events shows 73 per cent of attendees were seeking help for the first time, while 74 per cent had never contacted their provider about their debt.
South East Community Links Head of Cost of Living, Mark Stilve, said uncertainty about where to start could stop people seeking help early.
“Financial problems rarely arrive one at a time. Someone might be worried about an energy bill, but they may also be struggling with rent, a fine or another debt,” Mr Stilve said.
“When people are already stressed, being told to make five different phone calls or navigate multiple systems can be enough to put them off seeking help altogether.”
Bring Your Bills brings financial counsellors, banks, energy and water retailers, phone companies, Centrelink, legal services, ombudsman schemes and community organisations together under one roof.
“The idea is simple: bring whatever bills, letters or paperwork you have and talk to someone face-to-face,” Mr Stilve said.
“You don’t need to know exactly what service you need before you walk through the door.”
The free and confidential event runs 10.30am–3pm at Frankston Arts Centre, 27–37 Davey Street. No appointment or referral is required.
More information: byb.org.au
First published in the Frankston Times – 13 October 2026