February 11th, 2026Seek help for financial relief

Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is encouraging individuals and families across the Central Highlands region to seek support early if they are feeling overwhelmed by financial stress, following new research released by The Salvation Army.
The nationwide survey revealed that nearly half of all Australians (44 per cent) will start 2026 in debt, and almost nine out of 10 people report feeling the same or more stressed about their finances compared to last year. Cafs’ Financial Counselling service provides free, confidential, and independent support to anyone experiencing financial difficulty. The service helps people negotiate with creditors, understand debt options, and work towards greater financial stability. Cafs also provide a Financial Capability Program to support and strengthen budgeting skills and financial literacy.