Resources to support First Nations people.
First Nations people shared the resources of the lands and waters of Australia, without any need for money for many thousands of years, prior to European settlement. Since colonisation, this collective way of life has been displaced.
The displacement of First Nations families and communities, along with past and present acts of colonial persecution, dispossession and violence, has had a severe impact.
The following resources and services have been developed to support First Nations people’s financial wellbeing.
General links and resources
Some of the services available include First Nations-led support, free literacy programs and legal advice.
| Resource | What to expect |
| Indigenous money tips and resources Moneysmart | Financial information specifically for First Nations Australians |
| Mob Strong Debt Help Financial Rights Legal Centre | Helps First Nations People with credit, debt and insurance matters |
| Education, advocacy and financial counselling Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network | For Indigenous consumers across the nation |
| Financial prosperity for Indigenous Australians First Nations Foundation | In partnership with community organisations and financial institutions |
| My Money My Dream First Nations Foundation | Online financial literacy program |
| Yarnspace forum Headspace | Chat forum moderated by First Nations people |
Centrelink payments
The Australian Government provides income support payments through Centrelink. You can use this tool to learn about your eligibility for payments, including payments for First Nations people, or go to Services Australia to learn more about the services and support they offer.
Dealing with Centrelink
Many people find dealing with Centrelink difficult. Applying for payments can be confusing. Most payments are set too low and have overly strict requirements.
📌 See our dealing with Centrelink page.
Helplines
From free financial counselling to 24/7 crisis support, we’ve included phone numbers (mainly free or the price of a local call) and some online chat services if you prefer to type, not talk.
| Organisation | How to get help |
| Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) Free financial counselling for people living in Townsville, Cassowary Coast, Cairns, Tablelands, Cape York and the Torres Strait | 1800 369 878 |
| National Debt Helpline Free financial counselling services Australia-wide | 1800 007 007 |
| 13YARN The first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping | 13 92 76 |
| Brother to Brother Supports First Nations men | 1800 435 799 |
| Lifeline Crisis support services | 13 11 14 Online chat |
| Beyond Blue Mental health support services | 1300 224 636 Online chat |
First Nations legal services around Australia
| Australian Capital Territory | Aboriginal Legal Service 02 9213 4100 and 1800 765 767 |
| New South Wales | Aboriginal Legal Service 02 9213 4100 and 1800 765 767 |
| Northern Territory | North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency Alice Springs 1800 636 079 Darwin 1800 898 251 Katherine 1800 897 728 |
| Queensland | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) 1800 012 25 |
| South Australia | Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement 1800 643 222 |
| Tasmania | Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service 1800 595 162 |
| Victoria | Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service 1800 064 865 |
| Western Australia | Aboriginal Legal Service 1800 019 900 |
📌 See our free legal services page.
Brotherhood of St. Laurence and reconciliation
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence is committed to working towards reconciliation, and part of that effort is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to live a life of economic security and dignity. Read more about how we promote reconciliation in Australia.
This information was last updated 5 June 2023.
The links and resources in this article have been compiled and reviewed by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. We aren’t responsible for what you’ll find at the links, though we do hope you find the information useful. See our disclaimer if you’d like to know more.
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