31/08/2026
$2.5 million in relief. 800 reasons why it mattered.
Last week at Bring Your Bills Day in Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park, more than 800 people came seeking relief from rising costs — and left with practical support, clearer options and a plan forward.
By the end of the day, we'd helped address over $2.5 million in bills, debt and financial pressure, with $40,000 waived outright and close to $100,000 in grants and concessions accessed for attendees. More than half of everyone who came through was seeking help with gas and electricity bills alone — a clear sign of where the pressure is landing hardest right now.
Bring Your Bills is a free community event program in Victoria that connects people with experts to get help with utility bills, debt, fines, housing, and government services.
SECL also joined with local community groups on the day to provide extra relief for attendees, including food and water — going above and beyond for the community is something SECL is known for, and days like this are built on the relationships we hold with local residents and partners.
We're also incredibly appreciative of the commitment and time given by our partners across the energy, banking and finance, telecommunications, ombudsman and broader relief support sectors. Bring Your Bills Days give them a genuine opportunity to meet their own clients and customers face to face and solve issues on the spot.
Our Head of Cost of Living, Mark Stilve, reflected on the day:
"What struck me most was seeing the culture of SECL in action. Staff, volunteers, and students working alongside an incredible group of service providers and interpreters, all focused on helping the person in front of them. And then there were the community members themselves — asking for help isn't always easy. It takes courage to walk through the door with a problem and trust someone enough to help you work through it."
It's exactly that one-SECL culture — staff, volunteers and translators, all pulling in the same direction — that makes days like this work. We're incredibly proud of the impact this program has had since it began in 2024.
Hampton Park was one event, but the need continues. Bring Your Bills is heading to Craigieburn, Frankston and Sunshine West over the coming months — so if you know someone who would benefit from attending one of our Bring Your Bills days, let them know we're here to help.
Thank you to our proud supporters, Consumer Affairs Victoria
👉 Share our Bring Your Bills website details or find an event near you:
www.byb.org.au
