Programs

Financial counselling helps you manage your debts and get your finances back under control.

Get advice about

- Your financial situation, to help you fully understand your position.

- How to prioritise your debts

- The pros and cons of the options that might work for you in addressing your debts (for example, repayment of loans, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy and so on. There are always options.

- Your rights and responsibilities around credit and debt.

- How to access other services you may need, such as legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

- Bushfire specific Financial Counselling advice

Financial counselling is free, confidential and independent.

There are two Financial Counselling providers on the Island.

The Salvation Army operates Wed - Friday with an FC based on the Island.

Uniting Communities can offer face to face appointments on an as needs basis (around every six weeks) or phone counselling appointments.

The Department of Human Services provides assistance and a wide range of recovery programs and information for people affected by the recent bushfires in Cudlee Creek, Kangaroo Island, Keilira and Yorke Pensinsula.

If you need:

- advice about what to do after an emergency or disaster

- information about the help available after an emergency or disaster

visit the [Disaster Recovery pages on SA.gov.au](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/recovery).

Provides food, food vouchers, blankets, clothes, assistance with bills and furniture. Help may also include medications, access to free glasses, and referrals for assistance with dental care and community programs.

Available from the Centre and provided by Junction Australia. Service is only available when Junction Australia staff available.

Financial counselling helps you manage your debts and get your finances back under control.

Get advice about

- Your financial situation, to help you fully understand your position.

- How to prioritise your debts

- The pros and cons of the options that might work for you in addressing your debts (for example, repayment of loans, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy and so on. There are always options.

- Your rights and responsibilities around credit and debt.

- How to access other services you may need, such as legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

- Bushfire specific Financial Counselling advice

Financial counselling is free, confidential and independent.

Financial Counselling is provided by The Salvation Army Money Care program and based at the Recovery Centre Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

Rural Business Support’s Small Business Financial Counselling (SBFC) program is a free, independent and confidential program to assist eligible small business owners in rural areas who have been impacted by drought, or bushfire and COVID-19. The program is modelled on the successful Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), which has been supporting farmers and rural-related businesses for more than 30 years.

Small Business Financial Counsellors live and work in those areas that have been affected by drought or bushfire, so they understand firsthand the complex challenges that small business owners are facing. With the added impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government has allocated additional funding through the Regional Recovery Small Business Support Program to help eligible business owners find a way forward.

A small business financial counsellor can provide support with:

- Considering different options to manage financial issues

- Developing budgets and cash flows

- Negotiating with creditors

- Accessing dispute resolution services

- Connecting with broader professional advice and support

- Applying for government and community grants, programs or schemes

If your small business has been affected by a bushfire or COVID-19, free help is available from a financial counsellor. [Small business financial counsellors](https://www.smallbusinessbushfire.org.au/) are qualified professionals who provide advice to small business owners and sole traders in financial difficulty. Their services are non-judgmental, free, independent and confidential.

A specialist small business financial counsellor can talk to you about:

- options for managing business debts as well as personal debts

- the implications for directors who have guaranteed a business loan or other service/supply

- how to dispute business debts in external dispute resolution schemes

- how to negotiate repayment arrangements:

- on a tax debt (company or individual)

- on a lease or utility bill

- with suppliers

- on any other business debt.

Please contact the Support Line for financial counselling support.

The South Australian Government provides many recovery programs and assistance for those affected by Fire and disasters.

If you need:

- advice about what to do after an emergency or disaster

- information about the help available after an emergency or disaster

visit the [Disaster Recovery pages on SA.gov.au](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/recovery).

If your having problems with debt and financial difficulties, your starting point should be the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.

Financial counselling helps you manage your debts and get your finances back under control.

Get advice about

- Your financial situation, to help you fully understand your position.

- How to prioritise your debts

- The pros and cons of the options that might work for you in addressing your debts (for example, repayment of loans, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy and so on. There are always options.

- Your rights and responsibilities around credit and debt.

- How to access other services you may need, such as legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

- Bushfire specific Financial Counselling advice

Financial counselling is free, confidential and independent. The National Deb Helpline is a not-for-profit, community based service that's available to people in Australia experiencing financial difficulty.

The 2019-2020 bushfire season has had a devastating effect on people and businesses in South Australia.

A recovery package and a range of support services for businesses effected are available to help.