Financial Counselling

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.

Financial counselling service

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 for City of Cockburn residents 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. 

Financial counselling for small business

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. 

Financial Wellbeing Collective 

Get a free household energy assessment to you regain control of your energy use and electricity bills.

The Energy Ahead program is available to Synergy residential customerts who are experiencing financial hardship.
Out team will help you with an assessment of how you're using your energy, then create a plan to help you achieve your energy-saving goals. We can support you at home, over the phone or online, whatever works for you.

To find out more or apply, visit thefwc.org.au/energyahead

The City of Cockburn is a member of the Financial Wellbeing Collective. All services are free and independent. 

Visit the Financial Wellbeing Collective website to increase your knowledge, manage your debt, improve your money management confidence and build financial resilience and wellbeing for a brighter financial future. 

Creating a budget

Money Smart's Budget Planner

Visit the Money Smart website for advice on creating a budget and a free Budget Planner. 

Debt assistance and material aid

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). 

More information and contact

For more information on financial counselling and support, please contact us on 08 9411 3444. 

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Language Support

Social Media

Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.