GSA 

Independent student association offering representation, events training and support. Services include free breakfasts/lunches, wellbeing classes and social events. 
Location: 1888 Building, Parkville Campus 
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne graduate students 
Link: https://gsa.unimelb.edu.au/ 

UMSU 

Student union providing events, representation and support. UMSU Advocacy and Legal services also offer free and confidential advice to students about their rights. 
Location: Building 168, Parkville Campus 
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne students 
Link: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/ 

University of Melbourne Student Services Directory 

Full list of support services offered by the University of Melbourne, including free counselling, discounted dental health care, student employment opportunities and financial aid.  
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne students 
Link: https://services.unimelb.edu.au/finder 

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Services 

Information about housing and homelessness support services across Victoria (including regional and rural Victoria). Call the 24-hour, statewide, toll-free number below for help if you urgently need a place to stay. 
Link: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/getting-help 
Phone number: 1800 825 955

Launch Housing 

Homelessness and housing support in Melbourne, including crisis accommodation and rent assistance.  
Location: Access points in Cheltenham, Collingwood and St Kilda 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.launchhousing.org.au/ 

Melbourne City Mission 

Homelessness and housing support in Victoria, including crisis accommodation and housing support for families. 
Location: Various offices across Victoria. 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.mcm.org.au/services/homelessness 
Phone number: (03) 9977 0000

Ask Izzy 

Online tool to find support services near you. Allows you to connect with services in your area providing food, financial assistance, clothing, counselling and more. 
Link: https://askizzy.org.au/ 

Anglicare Victoria 

Support services for children, young people and families, including financial assistance, food relief, alcohol and drug support, family violence support and homelessness support. 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Location: Various locations across Victoria. 
Link: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/our-services/ 
Phone number: 1800 809 722

Brotherhood of St Laurence 

Social justice organisation working to prevent and alleviate poverty. Services include employment programs, food relief and family support programs. 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.bsl.org.au/services/ 

Red Cross Emergency Relief for Migrants 

Emergency relief payments to support temporary visa holders/people seeking asylum/people with an uncertain visa status to meet their basic needs. 
Eligibility: Available to temporary visa holders/people seeking asylum/people with an uncertain visa status who are experiencing financial disadvantage.  Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for.  
Link: https://www.redcross.org.au/migration/emergency-relief/ 
 

Sacred Heart Mission 

Assistance for people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage, including free meals, short term housing and crisis accommodation and wellbeing services. 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.sacredheartmission.org/our-services/ 

The Salvation Army 

Support services for people experiencing hardship and injustice, including crisis accommodation, family violence services and no-interest loans. 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Location: Various locations across Victoria. 
Link: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/ 
Phone number: 13 72 58 
 

Uniting 

Support for individuals, families and communities, including emergency accommodation, food vouchers, financial assistance and counselling services. 
Location: Various locations across Victoria 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/ 

St Vincent de Paul Society 

Support for people experiencing disadvantage, including soup vans, flexible accommodation options and interest-free loans.  
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.vinnies.org.au/vic/find-help 
Phone number: 13 18 12

City of Melbourne Helping Out Guide 

The Helping Out Guide provides information about free/low-cost food, accommodation, health and other services in the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs.
Link: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/homes-melbourne/ending-homelessness/resources/Pages/helping-out.aspx 

University of Melbourne Food Relief  

Food relief provided by the University to students experiencing food insecurity, including healthy frozen meals and high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables. See page for information about other food support programs at the Parkville and Southbank campuses. 
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne students.  
Link: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/food-relief

Foodbank, Oz Harvest and Second Bite 

Find organisations providing food and grocery relief, including free cooked meals and food hampers.  
Location: Various locations across Victoria 
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.foodbank.org.au/find-food/ 
https://www.ozharvest.org/food/receive-food-individuals/ 
https://secondbite.org/food-finder/
 

Cheaper Buy Miles 

Discount grocery store selling close to, and past best before date food with a 100% money back guarantee.  
Location: Footscray, Flemington, Brunswick and Fitzroy 
Link: https://www.cheaperbuymiles.com/ 

City of Melbourne Community Food Guide 

The Community Food Guide provides information about how to find affordable, fresh and healthy food in the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs. 
Link: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/health-services/Pages/community-food-guide.aspx 

University of Melbourne Student Loans and Grants 

Interest-free loans and grants to assist students experiencing financial difficulties with living and/or course-related expenses.  
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne students. Other eligibility factors may also apply. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/scholarships-and-financial-support/financial-aid/student-loans-and-grants 

UMSU Legal Financial Counselling 

Free financial counselling provided by the UMSU Legal Service. 
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne students.  
Link: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/support/legal/financial-counselling/  

Centrelink 

Income support payments and services provided by the Australian Government.  
Eligibility: Many services are only available to Australian citizens or permanent residents. Other eligibility factors may also apply. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink 

RentAssist Bond Loan 

Interest-free bond loans provided by the Victorian Government to assist private renters.  
Eligibility: Available to permanent Australian residents. Other eligibility factors may also apply. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/rentassist-bond-loan 

Victorian Government Concessions & Benefits 

Cost of living support for Victorians on low incomes or experiencing hardship, including energy bill relief, affordable health services and public transport concessions.  
Eligibility: Available to Australian concession card holders. Other eligibility factors may also apply. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link:  https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits 

Moneysmart 

Free tips, tools and guidance to assist you with budgeting, reducing debt, and saving, including free financial counselling services.  
Eligibility: Free financial information available to everyone. Eligibility factors may apply for other services. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for.  
Link: https://moneysmart.gov.au/ 

National Debt Helpline 

Free, independent, confidential advice on how to manage financial troubles from trained financial counsellors.  
Link: https://ndh.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 007 007 

University of Melbourne Career Support 

Careers development advice and resources for every stage of the job application process, including one-on-one advice, practice interviews, a resume reviewer, jobs boards and online learning modules. 
Eligibility: Available to University of Melbourne students 
Link: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/careers
 

Skills and Jobs Centres 

Free career, employment and training support services, including careers counselling, employability workshops and help preparing a job application.  
Location: Various locations across Victoria.  
Link: https://www.vic.gov.au/skills-and-jobs-centres

Jobs Victoria 

Targeted support for people facing challenges finding employment, including personalised assistance with applications and interviews.  
Eligibility: Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers 

Online Jobs Boards 

Online resources to find and apply for internships & graduate jobs and casual/part-time/full-time work.  
Links: https://au.gradconnection.com/ 
https://au.prosple.com/ 
https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/ 
https://www.seek.com.au/ 
https://au.indeed.com/ 

Workforce Australia 

Online resource to help Australians search and apply for jobs or find employment information. 
Link: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals 

Healthcare

University of Melbourne Medical Services 

Free and discounted medical services available at the University, including dentistry, psychology services, eyecare, hearing care and speech pathology.  
Link: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/medical-services 

Healthdirect Service Finder 

Directory of healthcare professionals and services across Australia. Search for bulk billing GPs, pharmacies, hospitals and other services in your suburb.  
Link: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services  

Priority Primary Care Centres 

Centres providing free care for people who need urgent attention, but not an emergency response (e.g. – for mild infections and burns or suspected fractures).  
Link: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/priority-primary-care-centres

NURSE-ON-CALL 

24-hour telephone service providing immediate health advice from a registered nurse.  
Link: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nurse-on-call 
Phone number: 1300 60 60 24 

Better Health Channel 

Free, reliable medical and health information quality assured by the Victorian Government. 
Link: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Mental Health & Wellbeing 

13YARN 

Free, confidential 24-hour national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  
Eligibility: Available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
Link: https://www.13yarn.org.au/ 
Phone number: 13 92 76

Beyond Blue 

Free mental health support, including 24-hour telephone and online counselling.   
Link: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1300 22 4636  

Headspace 

Free and low-cost mental/physical health, alcohol and other drugs or work and study support for young people. Support is available online, over the phone and in a headspace centre.  
Location: headspace centres located across Victoria 
Eligibility: Available to people aged 12-25 
Link: https://headspace.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 650 890  

Kids Helpline 

Free, confidential 24-hour counselling and mental health information for children and young people. Support is available online and over the phone. 
Eligibility: Available to people aged 5-25. 
Link: https://kidshelpline.com.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 551 800 

Lifeline 

24-hour crisis support for people experiencing a personal crisis or contemplating suicide. Support is available online, over the phone and via text. 
Link: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 
Phone number: 13 11 14

MensLine 

Free, confidential mental health support, information and referral services for men. Support is available online and over the phone. 
Eligibility: Available to men. 
Link: https://mensline.org.au/
Phone number: 1300 789 978

Sexual Health 

1800 My Options 

Free, confidential information about contraception, pregnancy options, sexual health and relevant services in Victoria. 
Link: https://www.1800myoptions.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 696 784 

University of Melbourne Safer Community Program  

Support for members of the University community about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviours, including sexual assault, family violence, stalking, bullying and discrimination.  
Link: https://safercommunity.unimelb.edu.au/ 

Victims of Crime 

Free advice and support for people affected by crime, including information about victim entitlements, assistance to communicate with police and get ready for court and help to prepare a Victim impact Statement. 
Link: https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 819 817 

1800RESPECT 

Free, 24-hour counselling, information and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.  
Link: https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 737 732 

Safe Steps 

24-hour crisis support for people experiencing family violence, including safety planning and access to crisis accommodation. 
Link: https://www.safesteps.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 015 188 

CASA House (Centre Against Sexual Assault) 

Counselling, crisis response and support for victim survivors of sexual assault. 
Link: https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-professionals/violence-and-sexual-assault/casa-house 
Phone number: (03) 9635 3610 
 

Djirra 

Culturally safe and holistic assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing/have experienced family violence or sexual assault.   
Eligibility: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
Location: Various locations across Victoria 
Link: https://djirra.org.au/contact-us/ 
Phone number: 1800 105 303 

inTouch 

Culturally responsive services and programs for migrant and refugee-background women experiencing family violence, including legal support, case management and migration support.  
Eligibility: For women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. 
Link: https://intouch.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 755 988
 

Red Cross Family and Domestic Financial Assistance 

Financial assistance and referral services for people on temporary visas who are experiencing domestic and family violence.  
Eligibility: For people on temporary visas who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Other eligibility factors may also apply. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.redcross.org.au/migration/family-and-domestic-violence-financial-assistance-program/
 

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission 

Free and confidential information about discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, or racial or religious vilification. You can also report experiences of racism, sexual harassment or discrimination of any kind through their Community Reporting Tool or make a formal complaint. 
Link: https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/get-help/ 
Phone number: 1300 292 153
 

Tenants Victoria Family Violence Protection Kit 

Toolkit containing detailed information about protections in renting laws for people affected by family violence. Includes information about getting an intervention order, changing the locks, safety modifications and applying to VCAT. 
Link: https://tenantsvic.org.au/articles/files/resources/Family_violence_protection-tenancy_kit.pdf  

UMSU Legal 

Free and confidential legal help from qualified lawyers on a variety of issues, including renting, employment law, consumer law, family violence, fines and car/bike accidents. 
Eligibility: Available to enrolled University of Melbourne students. 
Link: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/support/legal/ 

International Student Employment and Accommodation Legal Service (ISEALS) 

Free, independent legal advice for international students about employment and accommodation concerns.  
Location: Study Melbourne Hub located in Melbourne CBD 
Eligibility: Available to international students.  
Link: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/living-here/legal-support/ISEALS 
Phone number: 1800 056 449

Tenants Victoria  

Free and confidential legal advice, assistance and advocacy for Victorian renters, including through their renter support line.  
Link: https://tenantsvic.org.au/ 
Phone number: (03) 9416 2577

Victoria Legal Aid 

Free legal information and advice on a variety of issues, including housing, immigration, public transport offenses, violence and abuse, fines and employment. Support services include legal representation and family dispute resolution. 
Location: Various locations across Victoria. 
Eligibility: Free legal information available to everyone. Eligibility factors can vary for legal representation/help. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/ 
Phone number: 1300 792 387 
 

Anika Legal 

Free online legal service for Victorian renters. 
Eligibility:  Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.anikalegal.com/ 

Community Legal Centres 

Community Legal Centres provide free legal information, advice, representation, casework and education.  
Location: Various locations across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria. 
Eligibility:  Eligibility factors can vary. Please contact the service to find out what support you are eligible for. 
Link: https://www.fclc.org.au/find_a_community_legal_centre 

Dear Landlord 

A free online self-help tool to assist Victorian private renters currently/at risk of being behind on rent to understand their options, draft a letter to negotiate a payment plan with their rental provider and prepare for VCAT. 
Link: https://apps.justiceconnect.org.au/dear-landlord/ 

Inner Melbourne Community Legal International Student Legal Information Resource 

A free resource for international students with information about a variety of legal issues (e.g. – rent increases, fines, unpaid wages, etc.). 
Link: https://ishelp.org.au/ 

Local Councils 

Your local council may provide resources and services, including health support services, social events and financial assistance. You can also visit your local library for access to computers/free wi-fi and other resources. Visit the link below to find your local council. 
Link: https://www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council 

Op Shops 

Op shops (opportunity shops) sell second-hand clothing, kitchenware, homewares, books and more at discounted prices. 
Links: https://www.sacredheartmission.org/op-shops/ 
https://www.salvosstores.com.au/ 
https://www.savers.com.au/ 
https://www.vinnies.org.au/vinnies-shops 

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Murrup Barak 

Services provided at the University of Melbourne to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student community to excel in their studies, including study spaces and one-on-one tutoring. 
Link: https://murrupbarak.unimelb.edu.au/
 

Deadly Story Service Directory 

Directory of support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Search for legal, health, cultural, sport, youth services and more. 
Link: https://deadlystory.com/page/service-directory 
 

Support for International Students 

The Couch International Student Centre 

A space for international students to meet, connect with support services, volunteer and access free cooked meals. 
Location: Melbourne CBD 
Links: https://www.facebook.com/thecouch614 
https://www.instagram.com/thecouch614/

Insider Guides 

Information to assist international students to live and study in Australia, including information about accommodation, visas, language, employment and health and safety. 
Link: https://insiderguides.com.au/
 

Study Melbourne 

Information and support provided by the Victorian Government at the Study Melbourne Hub, including legal support, free events, study spaces and employability services.  
Location: Study Melbourne Hub located in Melbourne CBD 
Links: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 056 449
 

Support for LGBTQIA+ people 

Q Switchboard 

Peer-based, volunteer-run support services for LGBTQIA+ people, their families, allies and communities. Resources include Rainbow Door (a free helpline providing information, support and referrals), QLife (anonymous and free peer support) and CHARLEE (a suicide prevention hub).  
Link: https://www.switchboard.org.au/ 
 

Support for parents 

StartingBlocks.gov.au Child Care Finder 

A tool to find children’s education and care services in your area.  
Link: https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/find-child-care
 

Parentline 

Confidential and anonymous counselling on parenting issues, including parent-child relationships, bullying, family breakdown and parental stress. 
Link: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline 
Phone number: 13 22 89

Raising Children Network 

Free, reliable information about parenting, including articles, videos and interactive videos on raising children of all ages.  
Link: https://raisingchildren.net.au/

Support for people with disabilities 

University of Melbourne Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS) 

Support and study adjustments for students with disabilities/ongoing health conditions, caring responsibilities and more, including alternative exam arrangements and assistive technology. 
Link: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/student-equity-and-disability-services
  

Disability Gateway 

Information and services for people with disabilities and their family/friends/carers, including information about aids/equipment, financial support, discounted/accessible travel and assistance with everyday living.  
Link: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ 
Phone number: 1800 643 787 
 

Support for women, non-binary and gender diverse people 

Fitted for Work 

Support for jobseekers to find and maintain employment, including providing work-appropriate clothing and resume/interview help.  
Link: https://fittedforwork.org/core-services/ 
Phone number: (03) 9662 4289

WIRE 

Free information, support and referrals for a variety of issues, including family violence, financial guidance, migration, employment and parenting support. 
Location: Support Centre located in Melbourne CBD 
Link: https://www.wire.org.au/ 
Phone number: 1300 134 130
 

Support for young people (aged 25 and under) 

Centre for Multicultural Youth  

Programs and opportunities for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, including mentoring and leadership opportunities.  
Eligibility: For young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. 
Link: https://www.cmy.net.au/
 

the drum 

Youth programs and services in the City of Melbourne and City of Yarra, including homelessness support, social events, career advice and family support. 
Link: https://thedrum.ds.org.au/
 

Youth Central Victoria 

Free information and advice about finding work, studying, moving out of home, managing money and more, provided by the Victorian Government.
Link: https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/