Domestic Violence Outreach Service

          What is Domestic Violence?

• Physical abuse such as hitting and choking
• Emotional abuse including threats and insults
• Sexual abuse
• Stopping you from seeing family and friends
• Financial abuse: unfair control of money
• Damage to property
• Stalking 

          Services available include:

• Information and referral
• Counselling
• Advocacy
• Court support
• Assistance with accommodation

Who is eligible for this service?

Residents of the Shires of Mitchell and Murrindindi.

          Domestic Violence Outreach Service activities 2005 have
          included (click on item to link to document - PDF format):

• Domestic Violence Camp 2005
• Lower Hume Family Violence Prevention Network

        Financial Counselling

          The Financial Counselling Program delivers a para-legal
          service based on a systematic approach to assisting clients.
          It endeavours to empower clients to be able to take control
          of their affairs after being given initial support to address
          this current crisis.

          The Financial Counsellor can:

• Explain what you can do if you can't pay bills, fines or debts
• Help you to work out payments to creditors
• Tell you about possible government assistance
• Advocate on your behalf with creditors
• Tell you about your legal rights
• Give you information about bankruptcy
• Refer you to other organisations that may help you

A referral is not required.

All appointments can be made by contacting reception at, 03 5784 5555, and requesting an appointment with the Financial Counsellor.

Latest News from the Financial Counselling Team:

Carted & Non Mains Water Rebate (tank water)

People on low income with a pension concession or health care card in rural Victoria , may be eligible for rebates on carted and non-mains water rebates (tank water).

 

The Non Mains Utility Relief Grant Scheme

This is also available for customers holding the above cards and usually provides a one off assistance for people suffering a short term financial crisis (within past 12 months) to purchase both tank water and bottled gas (LPG)

 

Application forms can be obtained from the Concessions Unit at Department of Human Services - toll free 1800 658 521

Problem Gambling Counselling

          Some motivations for gambling include:

• Entertainment
• The ‘Big Win’
• To recover losses from previous gambling
• Relationship worries
• To seek relief from anxiety, grief, boredom, money worries, unpleasant thoughts and feelings.

Behavioural Indicators for Problem Gambling include:

• Claiming to win when losing
• Increasing amounts of time and money spent at venues
• Repeatedly withdrawing money for gambling
• Inability to stop when losing-chasing losses

The Problem Gambling Counsellor offers:

• Individual, relationship or group based sessions
• Strategies to manage anxiety and depression
• Support to family and friends

This service is offered to people of all ages.

Social Work

Social workers provide counselling for many issues such as:

• Loss and grief
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship and family issues
• Self-esteem
• Stress
• Anger management

The social work service is available to individuals of any age living in the Mitchell Shire. Services are provided at facilities in Broadford, Wallan and Seymour .

A qualified Social Worker has a minimum of 4 years tertiary qualifications and is eligible to be a member of the Australian Association of Social Work.

Social Workers facilitate groups and provide education to the community. We welcome suggestions about running new programs, groups, workshops, forums or informational/educational sessions - please contact reception at, 03 5784 5555.

Referrals

Referrals are welcome from any source, including self referral. 

Consultations can be undertaken in the home or at the Centre.

Service Fees

There is no fees for counselling and support services

Contact Us