The Financial and Consumer Rights Council Inc (FCRC) is the peak body for Financial Counsellors, Consumer Rights Workers, and other advocates of vulnerable consumers in Victoria. 

The FCRC actively supports Financial Counsellors by promoting the needs of those experiencing financial hardship.  The FCRC works with government (both state and federal), the banking, utilities, debt collection and other industries, and with many other sectors and organisations that impact upon those that do it tougher than most.

Debt problems, bankruptcy, financial difficulties, fines, and consumer disputes are among the many problems that a Financial Counsellor may be able to help with whether it is due to the recent bushfires or other reasons.

Financial Counsellors in Victoria are highly skilled paralegal professionals who provide assistance, advocacy, and information to those who are experiencing financial difficulty or who have problems with debt.

Financial Counsellors offer their services free of charge to their clients and provide advocacy impartially.  Financial Counsellors are usually employed by community agencies or other not-for-profit enterprises.

There is information on this site that will help many consumers deal with a situation they are confronting.  Also, have a look at our links page to see if another organisation may be of more use to you.

To find out if a Financial Counsellor can help you, telephone the Consumer Affairs Victoria helpline on 1300 55 81 81.

For those that have been affected by bushfire, click here to view brochure of financial counselling services.