Frankston mortgage stress jumps 22% as financial help comes to town
Published on 09 October 2026
Frankston households struggling with mortgages, rent, bills and everyday costs will be able to access free, face-to-face help when South East Community Links’ Bring Your Bills day comes to Frankston Arts Centre on Tuesday 20 October.
New data estimates 7,818 households across Frankston are experiencing mortgage stress, up 22.4 per cent over the past year and 11.6 per cent in just three months. Frankston is ranked fourth among Melbourne’s leading mortgage-stress postcodes (Source: OurTop10 Mortgage Stress Report, powered by Digital Finance Analytics).
Research also shows:
- One in three private rental households are experiencing rental stress (Source: .id Housing Monitor).
- More than one-third of local households have worried about running out of money for food, and one in eight has run out of food and been unable to afford more (Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2023).
- More than 2,900 Frankston City residents sought emergency relief in 2024–25, with 30 per cent seeking help for the first time (Source: Frankston City Council).
South East Community Links CEO Peter McNamara said the figures show financial pressure is reaching households that may never have expected to need support.
“There are thousands of households around Frankston doing everything they can to keep up, but with higher interest rates and the rising cost of everyday essentials, there simply isn’t much room left in the household budget,” Mr McNamara said.
“When another expense lands, people have to find the money somewhere. That can mean putting groceries on credit, delaying a bill, skipping a doctor’s appointment or cutting back on small family treats.”
“People often try to manage on their own for as long as possible and only ask for help when things become overwhelming. Bring Your Bills is about reaching people earlier, while there are still more options available.”.
Frankston City Council already has a strong partnership with South East Community Links through the local Community Connectors program.
Mayor Cr Sue Baker said Council was pleased to support Bring Your Bills and help connect more residents with practical, face-to-face assistance.
“We know cost-of-living pressures remain very real for many households across Frankston City, and local families are having to make increasingly difficult decisions about how they manage everyday expenses,” said Cr Baker.
“Bring Your Bills gives our community the opportunity to sit down face-to-face with a range of services in one place, ask questions and get practical help. We’re pleased to support an event that makes it easier for residents to access assistance when they need it.”
“I encourage anyone who is worried about bills, debt or their household finances to come along. Seeking advice early can make a significant difference, and support is available.”
Bring Your Bills brings financial counsellors, banks, energy and water retailers, telecommunications providers, Centrelink, legal services, ombudsman schemes, community organisations and interpreters together in one place.
Residents can bring their bills, letters, fines or other paperwork and speak directly with organisations that can help them understand their options and take practical action.
Data from previous Bring Your Bills events also highlights:
- 73% seeking help for the first time
- 74% having never contacted their provider about their debt
- 83% reporting reduced financial stress
- 86% reporting increased confidence in making financial decisions
Since the start of 2025, Bring Your Bills has generated an estimated $13.5 million in debt and savings support, reaching approximately 13,000 individuals and families.
Free and confidential. No appointment or referral required. Interpreters available.
For more information visit: bringyourbills.org.au