The Society proudly joined recent Bring Your Bills community days to help households access the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) program - providing practical, compassionate support to people experiencing energy hardship. 

“Attending the Bring Your Bills Days was incredibly grounding,” Dan Purchase, Programs & Reporting Coordinator, said. “Hearing individual stories and seeing the impact these days can have first-hand was truly moving.” 

The first day was held at Blacktown City Council’s Mount Druitt Hub, on Darug country, in September. Georgette Francis, Kriti Sharma, Syed Imran Ali, Sam McGuire and Dan Purchase supported 10 people on the spot and scheduled support for eight others, with bill help, EAPA assessments and general information.  

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW led the days, supported by representatives from multiple services and agencies, such as Services Australia, Service NSW, local Councils, the Society, and energy providers. 

The Bring Your Bills days were an opportunity for collaboration between agencies to increase community access to financial support. 

In late October, Jodie Davidson, Coordinator, Wyong Vinnies Support Centre, and student volunteers visited Gudjagang Ngara li-dhi Aboriginal Corporation in Wyong, assisting people on the spot and providing referrals. 

One person with a $5000 overdue energy bill received an important referral, and another person had their bill resolved on the spot. Both people we assisted expressed immense relief and gratitude.  

The final event was at Peninsula Community Centre, Woy Woy, with Nicole Mottlee and Sue Wilson, and Krystal Lyle, Coordinator, Gosford Vinnies Support. In addition to in-person support and referrals, follow-up EAPA assessments were scheduled for at the Gosford VSC.  

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW provided overwhelming positive feedback on the Society’s involvement, thanking our people for their professionalism, compassion, and willingness to go above and beyond. 

An enormous thank you to everyone who made our support possible at the Bring Your Bills days in 2025!