Blogs
Nhanya
Help with Energy Bills in Victoria: Grants, Payment Plans and Concessions
Behind on your electricity, gas or water bill? How the Victorian Utility Relief Grant works, what your retailer must offer, and where to get free help.
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Staying Safe in Hot Weather: Heat Tips for People with Disability and Carers
Who is most at risk in hot weather, the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, simple ways to stay cool, and when to call 000. A guide for Victoria.
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Common Job Interview Questions for Young People, and How to Prepare
Common job interview questions for a first job, simple ways to answer them, what to ask the employer, and your rights around unpaid trial shifts.
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Guardianship and Administration in Victoria: A Plain-English Guide
What guardians, administrators and supportive guardians do in Victoria, how VCAT decides, and where families can get free advice before applying.
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Housing Stress in New South Wales: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in New South Wales: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress in Queensland: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in Queensland: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress in South Australia: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in South Australia: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress in Western Australia: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in Western Australia: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress in Tasmania: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in Tasmania: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress in the ACT: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in the ACT: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress in the Northern Territory: Where to Get Help
Free help for renters and families in the Northern Territory: the housing crisis line, bond and rent help, tenancy advice, rent increase rules and bill support. Checked 22 October 2026.
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Housing Stress and the Cost of Living: Where to Get Help in Victoria
What housing stress means, what new surveys say about rent and mortgage pressure in Australia, and free help in Victoria for renters and families who are struggling.
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Housing Stress in Australia: Where to Get Help in Every State and Territory
Struggling with rent or mortgage costs? The free homelessness and housing help line for every Australian state and territory, plus national support anyone can use.
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NDIS and Autism: Getting Support, Funding and Reviews
A plain-English guide to the NDIS for autistic people and families: applying, what evidence helps, how plans can be used, and what to do if you disagree.
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Disability Support Pension: Who Can Get It and How to Claim
A plain-English guide to the Disability Support Pension: the medical and non-medical rules, the 20-point impairment rating, and how to claim.
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How to Apply for the NDIS: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to apply for the NDIS in plain English: who can apply, the evidence that helps, how long it takes, and what to do if you're found not eligible.
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Psychosocial Disability and the NDIS: What You Need to Know
What psychosocial disability means, how the NDIS assesses mental health conditions that come and go, the evidence that helps, and where to get support.
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Children's Mental Health: Signs to Look For and Where to Get Help
World Mental Health Day is 10 October. The signs a child may be struggling, when to see a GP, and free support for children and families in Australia.
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NDIS Changes from 1 October 2026: What Participants and Families Need to Know
What's changing in the NDIS from 1 October 2026, when it applies to your plan, what you can do if your needs change, and where to get free help.
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Thriving Kids: Early Support for Children 8 and Under, Explained
Thriving Kids began rolling out in October 2026 for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism. What it offers, who it's for and where to start.
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Free Financial Counselling in Australia: What It Is and How It Can Help
Struggling with bills or debt? Learn what free financial counselling is, how the National Debt Helpline works, and other help available in Victoria.
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Mental Health Month: Where Young People in Victoria Can Get Support
October is Mental Health Month. A plain-English guide to free mental health support for young people in Victoria, and how parents and carers can help.
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Victoria's New Rough Sleeping Plan: What It Means
Victoria's new plan sends outreach workers to people sleeping rough and links them to housing. What's in it, why experts are hopeful, and where to get help.
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Rough Sleeping in Australia: What's Changing and How Outreach Helps
Housing stress is rising and services are stretched thin. Here's how assertive outreach helps people disengaged from support find a path forward.
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Support for Carers in Victoria: A National Carers Week 2026 Guide
Carers Week 2026 runs 11 to 17 October. Find free support for carers in Victoria, from Carer Gateway and respite to local help in Melbourne's west.
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Homelessness and Families: Supporting Parents and Children Doing It Tough
Family homelessness is often hidden - crowded housing, couch surfing, cars. Learn the signs, the causes, and how Nhanya Foundation helps parents and kids.
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Victoria's Rental Reforms: What the End of “No Reason” Evictions Means for Renters
Victoria has banned “no reason” evictions from 25 November 2025. Here's what renters should know, and where to turn for advice and support.
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Couch Surfing: A Hidden Form of Homelessness
Couch surfing counts as homelessness in Australia. Learn why it's often missed, the risks involved, and how Nhanya Foundation can help you find stability.
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Why Your Donation Matters: How Your Gift Supports Nhanya Foundation's Work
Learn how your tax-deductible donation to Nhanya Foundation funds accommodation, allied health and community programs for people facing hardship in Melbourne's west.
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How to Volunteer with Nhanya Foundation: Roles, Requirements and How to Get Started
Discover how to volunteer with Nhanya Foundation in Melbourne's west - the roles available, safety requirements, and how to register your interest.
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Youth Homelessness in Australia: Why It Happens and Where to Get Help
Understand why young people become homeless in Australia and where to find real help in Melbourne, from crisis lines to Nhanya's youth support programs.
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Older Women and Homelessness in Australia: A Growing and Often Invisible Crisis
Older women are Australia's fastest-growing homeless group. Learn why the crisis often stays hidden and how Nhanya can help you find and keep safe housing.
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Autism-Friendly Workplaces: What Employers Can Do
Autism-friendly workplace practices help autistic employees do their best work. Practical, low-cost changes employers can make.
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Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces in the Community
Sensory-friendly community spaces and events help far more people participate comfortably. Practical ideas for making spaces more accessible.
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Why Autism in Girls Is Frequently Missed
Autism in girls is diagnosed later and less often than in boys, largely due to masking. Learn the signs that are often overlooked.
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Supporting a Child with ADHD at School
Practical, non-clinical guidance on supporting a child with ADHD at school, including working with teachers and reasonable adjustments.
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Why ADHD in Girls Is Often Missed
ADHD in girls is diagnosed later and less often than in boys. Learn why it is so often missed, and the signs that can look different in girls.
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Blended Families: Common Challenges and What Helps
Blended families face predictable challenges when new partners and step-siblings join the picture. Practical guidance on what helps them settle.
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Co-Parenting After Separation: What Actually Helps
Practical, non-legal guidance on co-parenting well after separation, based on what genuinely reduces conflict and supports children.
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The Financial Impact of Divorce on Women
Divorce and separation still affect women's finances more than men's on average in Australia. Learn why, and practical steps to protect your position.
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Helping Kids Through Separation: An Age-by-Age Guide
Children respond to parental separation differently depending on their age. Practical, age-by-age guidance for supporting kids through the transition.
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Recent Changes to Australia's Family Law Act, Explained Simply
Australia's Family Law Act has been amended in recent years. Here is a plain-language overview of what changed for parenting arrangements.
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How Children Are Affected by Witnessing Family Violence
Children who witness family violence are affected even if they are never directly harmed. Learn the signs and how adults around them can help.
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Leaving an Abusive Relationship Often Means Facing Homelessness
Family violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness in Australia. Learn why, and where to find housing support if you are leaving.
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Tech-Facilitated Abuse: Trackers, Spyware and Smart Devices
Tech-facilitated abuse is a growing form of family violence in Australia. Learn how it happens and practical steps to protect yourself.
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Financial Abuse: The Hidden Form of Family Violence
Financial abuse is one of the least visible forms of family violence. Learn the common signs and where to find confidential support in Australia.
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Coercive Control Is Now a Crime in Some States: What That Means
Coercive control is becoming a criminal offence across Australia. Learn what the law actually covers, which states have acted, and where to get help.
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Supporting CALD Families to Navigate Australia's Community Services
Practical ways CALD families in Melbourne can navigate community and support services, and how culturally responsive support can help.
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Service Navigation Support Melbourne: How to Access Services | Nhanya
What is service navigation? How Nhanya Foundation helps families navigate complex NDIS, housing, health, and community service systems across Melbourne.
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Emotional Regulation in Children: NDIS Support & Strategies | Nhanya
Understand emotional regulation in children and how paediatric psychology & occupational therapy support self-regulation and family wellbeing in Melbourne.
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Cyberbullying: Seven Practical Steps Parents Can Take
Seven practical, Australia-specific steps parents can take if a child is experiencing cyberbullying, including how and where to report it.
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Loneliness in Young People: How Community Connection Can Help
Youth loneliness is a growing concern in Australia. Learn the warning signs and how community connection and small, consistent supports can help.
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How to Help a Young Person Build Confidence in an AI-Changed Job Market
Practical, non-technical ways to help a young person build real job readiness and confidence as AI reshapes entry-level work in Australia.
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Homelessness Does Not Always Look Like Sleeping Rough
Hidden homelessness affects far more Australians than rough sleeping alone. Learn what it looks like, why it is often missed, and where to find support.
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When a Child Refuses School: Understanding What May Be Happening Beneath the Behaviour
School refusal in Australia is a growing concern for families. Learn the common causes behind a child avoiding school and practical, supportive next steps.
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Behaviour Is Communication: What Children May Be Trying to Tell Us
Understand why a child's behaviour is often a form of communication, and how parents and carers can respond with curiosity instead of punishment.
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Australia's Under-16 Social Media Rules: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
Australia's under-16 social media rules explained: what the law changes, which platforms are affected, and practical steps parents can take in 2026.
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Carer Payment & Carer Allowance: Eligibility, Rates, How to Apply
Carer Payment Australia 2026: current rates, eligibility, income test, assets test, Carer Allowance difference, and how to apply through Centrelink.
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Kinship Care in Australia: Kinship Carer Payments and Support
What a kinship care arrangement is, the Centrelink payments and state care allowances kinship carers can get (formal or informal), and where to get free help.
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Family Violence Support Melbourne: A Complete Local Guide
Family violence support in Melbourne: Safe Steps, The Orange Door, Leaving Violence Program, legal help, NDIS, and how to get help right now.
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Free Food Vouchers in Australia: How to Get Help With Groceries
3.5 million Australian households face food insecurity. Find food vouchers, parcels, free meals, and emergency food relief services near you.
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Volunteer Opportunities Australia: Types and How to Start
A complete guide to volunteering in Australia: types of roles, how to find opportunities, what to expect, rights, checks required, and how to start today.
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Homelessness in Australia: Causes, Statistics and Support
A complete guide to homelessness in Australia: current statistics, causes, at-risk groups, state-by-state data, and how to access support services.
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Social Housing Australia: Types, Eligibility, How to Apply
Guide to social housing in Australia: types of housing, eligibility, how to apply by state, waitlists, rent assistance, and financial support options.
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Foster Care Australia: Types, Payments and How to Apply
Guide to foster care in Australia: types of care, how to become a carer, carer payments, kinship care, the ATSICPP, and leaving care. AIHW 2024 data.
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Emergency Housing Australia: Crisis Accommodation Help
Find emergency housing in Australia. Crisis hotlines by state, accommodation types, NDIS housing supports, financial aid, and how to access help now.
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