The NSW government has a very useful website with lots of tips to help you save money, including finding rebates and vouchers you may be eligible for.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/cost-of-living-hub
National debt helpline can provide advice on home loans at https://ndh.org.au/debt-problems/home-loans/
You may also be eligible for Rent assistance. Information can be found at
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/rent-assistance
Helping to put food on your table
These are some local organisations offering emergency food relief and meals to families and individuals.
Foodbanks are available at
Taree
Salvation Army Community Services Centre Taree
67 Pulteney Street, TAREE 2430 NSW
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au
Samaritans Foundation, Emergency Relief, Taree
103 Victoria Street, TAREE 2430 NSW
https://www.samaritans.org.au/services/community-support/emergency-relief
Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services, WINGHAM
4 Farquhar Street, WINGHAM 2429 NSW
Mid Coast Outreach Incorporated, Lansdowne
27 Cundle Road, LANSDOWNE 2430 NSW
Dungog
Dungog Shire Community Centre
103 Dowling Street, DUNGOG 2420 NSW
Wauchope
4Life Care & Training, Mobile Food Deliveries, Wauchope
Mobile Material Aid Food Pantry
Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre
96 Cameron Street, WAUCHOPE 2446 NSW
https://www.hastingsneighbourhoodservices.org.au
Salvation Army Community Services Centre Wauchope
7 Mackay Street, WAUCHOPE 2446 NSW
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au
St Vincent de Paul Society, Wauchope
40 Cameron Street, WAUCHOPE 2446 NSW
https://www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/find-help
Mid north Coast
4Life Care & Training, PORT MACQUARIE
10 Bellbowrie Street, PORT MACQUARIE 2444 NSW
Dignity Food Relief Program, Port Macquarie
12 Owen Street, PORT MACQUARIE 2444 NSW
https://dignity.org.au/dignity-food-relief-centres
Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
2-4 Dodds Street, PORT MACQUARIE 2444 NSW
http://www.hastingsneighbourhoodservices.org.au
4Life Care & Training, Mobile Food Deliveries, Laurieton/Lake Cathie
Mobile Material Aid Food Pantry
No Street Access, LAURIETON 2443 NSW
Salvation Army Community Services Centre Forster-Tuncurry
Produce Market
7 South Street, TUNCURRY 2428 NSW
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au
Wingham, Buladelah and Landsdowne
Mid Coast Outreach Incorporated, Bulahdelah
56 Stroud Street, BULAHDELAH 2423 NSW
Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services, WINGHAM
4 Farquhar Street, WINGHAM 2429 NSW
Mid Coast Outreach Incorporated, Lansdowne
27 Cundle Road, LANSDOWNE 2430 NSW
For other FoodBank sites go to the website and use the search function to find sites near you.
https://www.foodbank.org.au/find-food/?state=nsw-act
Manning Valley Emergency Relief Service Directory
A comprehensive listing of services across the Manning Valley
https://mvns.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ER-Service-Providers-August2024.pdf
Taree
CatholicCare Community Kitchen.
They provide assistance to families, children and individuals who need it most in our community.
https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Outlet/226629/CatholicCare_Taree_Community_Kitchen
Samaritans Emergency Relief.
Assessment is by phone appointment only - please phone between 9am and 9.45 on a Tuesday for an assessment same day (phone is not monitored for messages) Service is not open on public holidays.
Forster-Tuncurry
Forster Neighbourhood Centre Emergency Relief Services
https://fnc.org.au/emergency-relief-services/
Gloucester
Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group
Their donated food pantry is available to everyone in the community from 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday and is based at their office, at 88 King Street Gloucester NSW 2422.
https://bwng.org.au/safety-net-program
Hastings Neighbourhood Services
Wauchope
Monday
9.30 am Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre –Groceries
11.00 am – 1 pm Wauchope Country Club – Lunch
Wednesday
5 pm Soup van and friendship
10.00 am – 3 pm Uniting Hall (Hastings St next to the Court House) coffee/bread essential items.
Laurieton
Wednesday
3.00 pm – 5.00 pm United Services Club 2 Seymour St – Meal and shower available
Friday
8.30 am – 9.30 am Laurieton United Services Club carpark – Breakfast, groceries
Lake Cathie
Friday
10.30 am - 12 noon Lake Cathie Community Hub - Groceries
Dungog Shire
Dungog Shire Community Centre
The Community Centre Emergency Relief Program is one on one, free and confidential. The service aims to;
- Help people address basic needs in times of financial hardship.
- Provide support, information and advocacy regarding housing issues.
- Connect people with appropriate available services to provide support.
Maitland
There are many local services in Maitland that provide food hampers, parcels, takeaway meals, vouchers and other emergency food. Some organisations in the Food Assistance Network also provide additional services such as hygiene packs and clothing.
https://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/services/community-services/food-assistance-network