School Lunches and Uniforms:
Canteen lunches can be provided for families experiencing hardship, due to COVID-19, illness or the passing of a family member. Please contact the school office for further information. We can assure confidentiality is maintained in these circumstances.
The school P&C can assist families in need by provision of school uniform items from our 2nd Hand uniform supply. Please contact the school office for further information. There is no shame in wanting your child/ren to look their best for school and we understand the importance of ‘dignity’ for both parents and children, hence will ensure your privacy is respected.
Meals, Groceries and Food Packages:
List of Local Community Groups which offer free or subsidised meals, food and groceries. Click here for PDF summary (PDF 393KB) of all groups, what they offer, where and when they are open, or click website links below.
- The Link Community Care, Mona Vale, North Narrabeen & Cromer
- Grace City Community Food Care, Dee Why
- Lifesource Community Food Care, Chatswood
- Salvation Army, Manly
- The Community Pantry Food Van, North Narrabeen (Facebook link)
- Street Mission, Dee Why
- Manly Warringah Women's Refuge - list of free meals during COVID-19
- Northern Beaches Council also has a great webpage of local charities and organisations who supply free or low cost meals, especially during COVID-19.
Household Rates:
Northern Beaches Council:
Council are offering financial hardship support for ratepayers. https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/community-support/financial-hardship
Financial Counselling:
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provide free financial counselling for those having difficulty maintaining mortgage and other household payments. A ‘NILS’ – No Interest Loan Scheme is also available to those who meet eligibility criteria.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/financial-counselling/
Navigating ‘Centrelink’:
The Salvation Army
During COVID-19 The Salvation Army are assisting individuals who may be new to or have difficulty in navigating the Centrelink application process/es.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/covid-19/
Insurance and Banking:
- Banking - many Banks are offering lower interest rates or mortgage repayment freezes on certain loan products. Please contact your Bank directly to ask if you can benefit.
- Insurance - some insurance companies are offering 3 months premium free, or other reductions for Health, Home, Travel, Car, Pet, etc insurance cover for existing customers. Head to your Insurance company's website.
Legal Assistance:
The Salvation Army
Salvos’ offer free telephone legal services for a range of matters including Credit and Debt, Police matters and Family and Children’s Law. The service is available, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays from 10am – 4pm. Please call 02 8202 1500 to make an appointment or email enquiries@salvoslegal.com.au
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/legal-services/
Legal Aid NSW
Free legal helpline - 1300 888 529
Free family law advice clinics are held every Tuesday at Manly Community Centre, 12 Wentworth St, Manly. Call 8688 3868 to make a booking.
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
Tax Advice Assistance:
The National Tax Clinic program is a government-funded initiative to help people who may not be able to afford professional advice and representation with their tax affairs.
This program is available to eligible individuals, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and charities.
10 universities across Australia have been funded to run the program which means there are tax clinics in every state and territory.
Qualified clinic managers supervise students, studying tax-related courses, to provide free tax advice and support at the clinics.
https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Gen/National-Tax-Clinic-program/