Are you or your family experiencing financial difficulty? Learn about City of Cockburn's free financial counseling service, and other support services available to residents and businesses.
The City of Cockburn offers a free, confidential, and non-judgmental financial counselling service that provides information, support, and advocacy to individuals and families who are experiencing financial difficulties.
Who is this service for?
The service is suitable people living in the Perth metro area who are experiencing financial difficulties or looking to improve their financial situation.
Some common issues that our clients face include:
- Difficulty paying bills
- Struggling with debts and loans
- Managing with insufficient income
- Dealing with the financial impacts of a crisis or life event
- Managing fines and infringements.
How we can help
Financial counselling aims to help people understand their financial situation, develop money management skills, and resolve financial issues.
Our financial counselors can assist with:
- Completing a financial assessment and managing money options
- Exploring options to increase income or reduce expenses
- Advocating with creditors when necessary
- Understanding consumer rights and responsibilities
- Accessing government assistance programs
- Developing a plan to resolve financial issues
- Providing information on bankruptcy and other debt-relief options.
About our financial counsellors
Our fully qualified financial counsellors are available to provide support and guidance. They have extensive knowledge of the financial industry and are skilled at helping people navigate through financial challenges. A strict code of ethics is adhered to, to ensure professional and confidential service.
Making an appointment
Appointments are available between 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You can meet a financial counsellor in person, by telephone or video call through Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp.
To book an appointment, please call 08 9411 3444 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The City's Small Business Financial Counselling Service is free and confidential and is for businesses with fewer than 100 employees experiencing financial difficulties.
Small business financial counsellors are qualified professionals who assist with independent information, advice, support, and referral. Flexible appointment options are available.
The City of Cockburn is a member of the
Financial Wellbeing Collective (The FWC) - a collaboration of organisations across the Perth Metropolitan region offering help and addvice to people expriencing financial hardship. The FWC delivers the Energy Ahead program. All services are free and independent.
The Energy Ahead program is available to Synergy residential customers who are experiencing financial hardship. Our team will advise you on how you're using your energy, then create a personalised plan to help you achieve your energy-saving goals. We can support you at home, over the phone or online, whatever works best for you.
Get a free household energy assessment and regain control of your energy use by visiting
Energy Ahead.
Visit the FWC to increase your knowledge, manage your debt, improve your money management confidence and build financial resilience and wellbeing for a brighter financial future.
Money Smart's Budget Planner
Visit the
Money Smart website for advice on creating a budget and a free Budget Planner.
Visit the wa.gov.au website to access a list of organisations that provide
assistance with debts and material aid (eg. food vouchers, electricity vouchers, clothing and furniture).
For more information on financial counselling and support, please contact us on 08 9411 3444.