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Financial Wellbeing

The Salisbury Council recognises the struggle that many community members are experiencing due to the cost-of-living crisis. The rising costs of everything – from food, to petrol, to electricity, to housing – is placing enormous strain on household budgets. We also understand that financial struggles can place significant strain on our health, our relationships, and our sense of security. Poor financial wellbeing is a leading cause of social exclusion, preventing many of us from participating fully in society, and restricting our freedom to pursue our goals.

The City of Salisbury supports community members who may be facing financial difficulties in a range of ways.

Flexible payment options for your council rates

Council is committed to assisting ratepayers who are experiencing difficulty paying their rates to manage their payments and assist them to better manage their rates on an ongoing basis. Those experiencing financial hardship may be eligible to apply for assistance in managing their rate payments, while Sate Seniors Card holders may also have the option of postponing their rates. Click here to find out more.

Are you a residential Salisbury Water customer?

Please contact Council to discuss our Hardship Policy for Residential Salisbury Water Customers, including the possibility of flexible payment options and information on water saving measures. SA Water Customers experiencing financial hardship should contact SA Water’s Customer Assist Program team on 08 7424 1650, or email customerassist@sawater.com.au.

FREE resources from your local library

DVDs, video streaming services, magazines, newspapers, e-books, audiobooks, computers with MS Office, WIFI, educational resources, children’s entertainment – save your own money because our libraries offer all of this for FREE! Drop into one of our 5 modern and friendly libraries, or visit our website to see the huge variety of free resources, activities, and programs on offer. Many of our library services – such as the Kanopy movie streaming service and our range of e-books and audiobooks – are even accessible online! Visit here to learn more.

Support and information sessions in our community centres and libraries

As well as offering a vast range of free resources for entertainment, self-development, and research, our libraries and community centres offer a regularly-updated program of low-cost career development classes, including Adult Community Education classes at the Morella and Pooraka Farm Community Centres, and a youth self-employment program at the Twelve25 Youth Centre. Click here to find out more.

FREE and low-cost entertainment options

As household budgets tighten, it can become increasingly difficult to find things to do outside the house that are local and affordable. That’s why the City of Salisbury provides a wide range of FREE community activities, with entertaining and enriching options to suit all interests and age groups, including:

  • a diverse and exciting program of Major Events, including a Salisbury Fringe Carnival, Community Christmas Parade and Carols, Starlight Cinemas, and Harmony Week celebrations.
  • exciting Community Markets held throughout the year, which are not only a fun day out for the family, but also an opportunity for local producers and artisans to promote their goods.
  • a calendar of regular musical and theatrical performances, author talks, youth activities, and artistic exhibitions in the Salisbury Hub, providing cultural and educational activities for all ages.

FREE social fitness options

The City of Salisbury supports a range of cost-free initiatives to help our community members stay fit and healthy in a social environment. We partner with the Heart Foundation to run walking groups across Salisbury and surrounding suburbs. We also partner with Bike SA to run the Cycle Salisbury Social Rides Program – a calendar of group bicycle rides catering for all ages and abilities. In addition, we have installed outdoor fitness equipment at parks across the Council area, offering a strengths-based training option without the gym fees! Finally, community members can spend the day getting in touch with nature through a relaxing walk along on of our beautiful trails.


To support longer-term financial wellbeing and resilience in the North, we also deliver initiatives to support local employment, stimulate business growth, and address the housing affordability.

Economic development and business development services

Located in Mawson Lakes, The Polaris Business Development Centre is a one-of-a-kind service dedicated to levelling-up the economy of Northern Adelaide. The Polaris Centre can help your business to start, grow or become more competitive by providing access to affordable general business information and expert advice, mentoring, workshops and seminars. Polaris serves start-ups, as well as micro, small, medium and large sized business owners and operators in the region. If you or your business resides in the City of Salisbury you have access to special discounts. Don’t know where you start? Do you own a business or are you a sole trader experiencing some financial hardship? Get in touch and make an appointment with one of our qualified business advisors. For more information, please visit here.

Housing affordability

Rising housing and rental prices are placing enormous strain on families’ ability to access secure housing. Rising prices also make it increasingly difficult for people to remain in their chosen communities, close to work, school, friends and support networks. While housing affordability is a complex problem with many causes, the City of Salisbury is committed to doing what it can to address the issue. The Affordable Housing Implementation Plan identifies housing affordability issues affecting the City of Salisbury and puts forward practical solutions to increasing affordable housing supply and facilitate better housing outcomes for the Salisbury Community.

Work experience

Unsure what you would like to do when you leave school? Council employs over 400 people working in a huge variety of professional roles, from engineering to horticulture, business analytics to community services. Learn more about your Council and the many career pathways on offer by speaking to your school and applying for a City of Salisbury work experience placement! To learn more, please click here.

Traineeships

The City of Salisbury runs a regular traineeship program, offering a supportive and structured hands-on learning environment while studying a nationally accredited certificate qualification. Our traineeships provide the opportunity to learn on the job in a range of outdoor and indoor roles, supported by a professional development program designed to kickstart your career journey. To view current opportunities, click here.


If you are feeling overwhelmed by your present financial situation, there are services in the community that can help you right now.

National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people to tackle their debt problems and to get back on track. National Debt Helpline is the first port of call for anyone experiencing trouble. If you can’t find the answer to your situation on their website, you can call 1800 007 007 to speak with one of their trained financial counsellors, who can provide you with free advice to help you through your situation. If your matter is more complex, the National Debt Helpline can refer you to your closest face-to-face financial counselling service, legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

MoneySmart

The Australian Government’s MoneySmart website provides information, tools and resources to help you to manage your money. This includes information about how to:

deal with debt collectors

get help with a repayment plan if you’re struggling

check your credit report

find free financial counselling services in your community

find free legal advice services in your community

find free crisis support services in your community (including food, housing and emotional support)

Affordable SA

Affordable SA is for South Australians struggling with affordability issues. It makes it easy to access information, resources, support, and services to best meet your needs. Affordable SA is accessible through their webpage, app, and helpline. Their Services are free, confidential, and provided with dignity.

Northern Community Legal Service

The Northern Community Legal Service provides free legal advice to residents of northern Adelaide. The Service can assist with matters of Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Family Law, as well as provide information and support for individuals and families who are experiencing debt problems or financial distress. Advice and information on debt management, negotiating with creditors, budgeting, bankruptcy, credit laws, and government assistance are available. To book an appointment, please contact the Northern Community Legal Service via the following options:

Safe Haven

Feeling overwhelmed or distressed? Drop into Safe Haven for a chat about whatever is troubling you, a cup of tea or coffee, or to simply hang out! Safe Haven is a friendly, compassionate and non-judgemental place where everyone is welcome. Staff at Safe Haven have their own personal lived experiences of mental health challenges and can offer an understanding ear about whatever is troubling you, and can also help you out with connections to other services that may be relevant to your circumstances. Save Haven is free, and no appointments or referral are required - just drop-in!

  • Website
  • Phone: (08) 8209 0700
  • Drop in address: 9 John Street, Salisbury SA 5108