WHAT DO WE DO?

 

Information and Referral

 

Information and referral is available on a wide range of subjects including:

 

• Community Groups
• Consumer Issues
• Counselling Services
• Domestic Violence Support Services
• Employment & Education
• Emergency Relief Assistance
• Financial Counselling
• Legal Services
• Recreation
• Tenancy Rights
• Volunteering

 

Information is provided in person or over the phone by trained volunteers.  An information database, pamphlets , booklets and manuals enables access to many agencies and services etc.  DCAB acknowledges and welcomes the cultural diversity of this area and when appropriate the Telephone Interpreter Service (T.I.S.) is accessed.

 

 

Crisis Support

 

DCAB provides an intervention service for people in crisis which includes providing support, information and referrals to other agencies such as financial and personal counselling.  Emergency relief assistance, including supermarket vouchers, may be available for residents of Dandenong (3175) and Keysborough (3173) if people have unexpected financial expenses.  Appointments are made for this service to avoid people having to wait for lengthy periods to be seen.  A Centrelink referral or a referral from another service is required.  People who live outside these areas can be given information about an agency closest to their home.

 

 

Advocacy and Negotiation

 

The Dandenong Community Advisory Bureau (DCAB) can act on behalf of enquiries with government departments, service providers, and other organisations, with regard to issues including overdue accounts, services, procedures and many others.

 

 

No Interest Loan Scheme

 

This program is available to eligible applicants living in 3175 (Dandenong) and 3173 (Keysborough) postcode area, providing an interest free loan for new white goods, essential household items or medical equipment such as asthma nebulisers. If a loan is approved and people are receiving Centrelink payments arrangements can be made to have loan repayments taken out each fortnight from this income through the Centrepay scheme. There is an eligibility criteria including:

 

• Applicant having lived at their present address for at least six months.
• Applicant not having any other loans or debts such as a Centrelink advance loan.

 

 

Tax Help

 

Volunteer staff are trained by the Taxation Department to assist people on low incomes with their tax returns.  This service is available from July to the end of October. Contact DCAB to check your eligibility for the program, to make an appointment or a referral to a Tax Help centre closest to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

186 Foster Street East
DANDENONG 3175

VICTORIA

Hours of Operation

9.30am to 4.30pm Mon - Fri

 

Contact Details

Phone:   (03)   9791 8344
             (03)   9791 8366
Fax:       (03)   9792 1111
Email: dandcab@vicnet.net.au