Related: Financial hardship rising in Bendigo
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Rising energy costs, a lack of affordable housing, and family violence are pushing more people into financial hardship in the region.
Anglicare Victoria regional director Francis Lynch said some people seeking help from the organisation had electricity and gas bills of up to $2000 each.
Some people, he said, were spending up to 20 per cent of their Centrelink payments on energy costs.
Bendigo Family and Financial Services microfinance manager Tracie Driscoll said people who had relied on Centrepay, a voluntary deduction from benefits to pay expenses, were finding that was no longer enough to cover their ever-increasing energy bills.
The Newstart job seeker payment is, at most, $582.80 a fortnight – the maximum payment for a person with dependent children.
Related: Cost of living too high: agencies
BFFS general manager Jenny Elvey said there was also not enough affordable housing in the Bendigo area to meet demand.
Mrs Elvey said some people seeking the organisation’s financial counselling service had a lot of mortgage debt, too.
Family violence is also a driver of financial hardship, particularly for women.
Some people have also found themselves with driving fines incurred by their former partner.
Mr Lynch said women who had to flee their home also sometimes found themselves financially responsible for damage that might have been caused by the violence that was inflicted upon them.
The costs associated with leaving the home and establishing another can put people in more debt.
The availability of jobs exacerbates the level of financial hardship in the community.
Mr Lynch said it was not easy to land an entry-level job in Australia at the present time.
According to Anglicare Australia, there are nearly four people looking for an entry-level job for each entry-level position available in Victoria, and the number of job vacancies suitable for low-skilled workers has fallen.
If you need help managing finances, Anglicare Victoria can be reached on 5448 1000 and BFFS on 5441 5277.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
