Cost of Living

Cost of living is hitting people in our community hard. I want you to know that you are not alone.

housing

The Victorian Homebuyer Fund supports people to enter home ownership. If you have a 5% deposit, we’ll chip in up to 25% of the purchase price for a share in the property - which you buy back over time, interest-free.

Council Rates have been capped at 2.75 per cent for 2024-25.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

  • Enquires relating to DFFH Housing should be raised with the Local Housing Office in the first instance. This includes maintenance requests, VHR application updates and DFFH tenant complaints.

    Preston Housing Office
    679/685 High St, Preston VIC 3072
    1300 598 521
    preston.housing@dffh.vic.gov.au

    Collingwood Housing Office
    229 Hoddle Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
    1300 598 521
    Collingwood.housing@dffh.vic.gov.au

  • If you have an enquiry relating to community or social housing, it must first be directed to the community housing provider.

    If the provider does not address the issue, the next step is to lodge a formal complaint with the Victorian Housing Registrar.

    A complete list of community housing agencies can be found here: https://www.homes.vic.gov.au/community-housing-agencies.

  • Crisis Accommodation
    1800 825 955
    Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 9 am and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.

    Haven: Home, Safe – Preston
    52-56 Mary Street, Preston 3072
    https://havenhomesafe.org.au/

    Launch Housing
    https://www.launchhousing.org.au/get-help

    Darebin Assertive Community Outreach
    http://merri.org.au/support-program/darebin-community-assertive-outreach/

  • Enquires regarding renting and your rights as a tenant, should be directed to the team at Consumer Affairs Victoria.

    I’ve created a Renters Handbook as a guide to know your rights, tips to negotiate and how to seek help. Order your free digital or hardcopy here:
    Kat Theophanous MP - Renters Handbook

Energy and bill relief

The Victorian Government also offers up to 50% off their annual water and sewerage bill to eligible pensioners and health care card holders:
Help paying your bills (water.vic.gov.au)

The Victorian Government’s Utility Relief Grant Scheme offers relief grants for paying overdue energy or water bills to help low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected hardship:
Utility relief grant scheme - DFFH Services

Rebates and interest free loans are available for installing solar panels:
Solar panel (PV) rebate | solar.vic.gov.au

Rebates for installing solar batteries:
Solar battery loans | solar.vic.gov.au

Victorian Energy Compare allows you to compare your energy bills to ensure you are getting the best deal:
https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/

Food relief & local charities

  • DIVRS
    www.divrs.org.au
    03 9480 8200

    Bridge Darebin
    www.bridgedarebin.org.au
    03 9484 5806

    Jika Jika Community Centre
    www.jikajika.org.au
    03 9482 5100

    SPAN Community House
    www.spanhouse.org
    03 9480 1364

    Thornbury Church of Christ
    www.thornburychurch.org.au
    03 9484 2918

    Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency
    www.vacca.org
    03 9287 8800

healthcare

Supports for families

transport

Container Deposit Scheme

Northcote is now home to two recycling drop off points for your cans and bottles - behind the Woolies on Plenty Rd & next to the Darebin Arts Centre off St George’s Rd. Get 10c back for every item as part of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.

Find your nearest refund point here: Victoria‘s Container Deposit Scheme | Find Locations