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Complete Australia Community Help Directory 2025: Crisis Support and Emergency Services Guide

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🆘 Complete Australia Community Help Directory 2025: Your Lifeline to Support Services

This is your one-stop directory for finding help in Australia. Whatever crisis you're facing, support is available. Covering all states and territories: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT.

🚨 EMERGENCY NUMBERS - SAVE THESE NOW

Life-Threatening Emergencies

  • 000 - Police, Ambulance, Fire (works from any phone, even without credit)
  • 112 - Emergency from mobile (works even without signal in some areas)
  • 106 - Text emergency for hearing/speech impaired (TTY only)

24/7 Crisis Support Lines

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Suicide prevention & crisis counselling
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - Depression, anxiety & mental health
  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 - Domestic violence support
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 - Support for young people 5-25 years
  • Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 - Help for elderly abuse/neglect

Essential Support Services

  • Centrelink Crisis: 132 850 - Emergency financial help
  • My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 - Emergency aged care services
  • healthdirect: 1800 022 222 - 24/7 health advice
  • Translating Service: 131 450 - Free interpreter services

🗂️ CRISIS SUPPORT BY TYPE OF EMERGENCY

🆘 Immediate Physical Danger

If someone is hurting you or threatening you:

  • Call 000 immediately
  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (domestic violence)
  • Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 (if elderly)
  • Emergency departments (safe places, treatment always free)

Read our complete Domestic Violence Escape Plan →

🧠 Mental Health Crisis

If you're thinking about suicide or self-harm:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis counselling)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
  • Go to nearest emergency department immediately

For parents with children in crisis:

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (your child can call anytime)
  • Parentline: Varies by state (see our parent's guide)

Read our Complete Mental Health Crisis Guide →
Parents' Emergency Guide for Children's Mental Health →

🏠 Housing Crisis and Homelessness

If you have nowhere to sleep tonight:

  • NSW: Link2home 1800 152 152
  • VIC: Launch Housing 1800 825 955
  • QLD: Brisbane Homelessness Service 3407 8700
  • WA: Crisis Accommodation 1800 996 622
  • SA: Housing SA 131 172
  • TAS: Housing Connect 1800 800 588
  • ACT: Housing ACT 6207 1111
  • NT: Territory Housing 1800 645 783

Also call:

  • Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)
  • St Vincent de Paul (local branches)

Read our Complete Housing Crisis Guide →

💰 Financial Emergency

If you need money for food or bills RIGHT NOW:

  • Centrelink Crisis Payment: 132 850 (can be approved within 24-48 hours)
  • Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS (food vouchers, emergency relief)
  • St Vincent de Paul (visit local branch for immediate help)

For utility bills:

  • Each state has emergency bill assistance (see our financial guide)

Read our Complete Emergency Financial Help Guide →

🏥 Health Crisis

If you need medical care but can't afford it:

  • Emergency departments (completely FREE for everyone)
  • Bulk billing doctors (use healthdirect.gov.au to find)
  • Community health centres (comprehensive free care)
  • healthdirect: 1800 022 222 (24/7 health advice)

Read our Free Healthcare Access Guide →

👴 Seniors and Elderly Crisis

If you're an elderly person needing help:

  • Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 (abuse/neglect)
  • My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 (emergency care services)
  • Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500 (dementia crisis support)

Read our Complete Seniors Crisis Support Guide →

🌍 New to Australia

If you're a new migrant or refugee needing help:

  • Settlement Services (available in all areas)
  • Translating Service: 131 450 (free interpreters)
  • Centrelink Multilingual: 131 202

Read our Complete New Migrants Support Guide →

⚖️ Legal Problems

If you're facing court or legal issues:

  • Legal Aid (varies by state - see our legal guide)
  • Community Legal Centres (free advice for specific issues)
  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (for domestic violence legal support)

Read our Complete Free Legal Help Guide →

📍 HELP BY STATE AND TERRITORY

New South Wales (NSW)

State Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Link2home 1800 152 152
  • Legal Aid: 1300 888 529
  • Health: healthdirect 1800 022 222
  • Tenancy: Tenants' Union 1800 251 101
  • Domestic Violence: Women's Crisis Line 1800 811 811

Victoria (VIC)

State Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Launch Housing 1800 825 955
  • Legal Aid: 9269 0120
  • Health: Better Health Channel
  • Tenancy: Tenants Victoria 9416 2577
  • Family Violence: Safe Steps 1800 015 188

Queensland (QLD)

State Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Brisbane Homelessness 3407 8700
  • Legal Aid: 1300 651 188
  • Health: 13 HEALTH (13 43 2584)
  • Tenancy: Tenants Queensland 1300 744 263
  • Domestic Violence: DV Connect Women's Line 1800 811 811

Western Australia (WA)

State Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: 1800 996 622
  • Legal Aid: 1300 650 579
  • Health: WA Health
  • Tenancy: Tenancy WA 9221 0088
  • Family Violence: Women's Council DV Helpline 9420 7264

South Australia (SA)

State Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Housing SA 131 172
  • Legal Aid: 1300 366 424
  • Health: SA Health
  • Tenancy: Tenants Information Service 8223 2641
  • Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 800 098

Tasmania (TAS)

State Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Housing Connect 1800 800 588
  • Legal Aid: 1300 366 611
  • Health: Department of Health
  • Tenancy: Tenants Union TAS 6223 2641
  • Family Violence: Family Violence Support 1800 608 122 (North) / 1800 633 937 (South)

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Territory Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Housing ACT 6207 1111
  • Legal Aid: 1300 654 314
  • Health: ACT Health
  • Tenancy: Tenants Union ACT 6247 2011
  • Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence Crisis Service 6280 0900

Northern Territory (NT)

Territory Emergency Services:

  • Crisis accommodation: Territory Housing 1800 645 783
  • Legal Aid: 1800 019 343
  • Health: NT Health
  • Tenancy: Tenants Advice Service 8982 1472
  • Domestic Violence: Dawn House 8945 1388 (Darwin) / 8951 4251 (Alice Springs)

🎯 HELP BY SPECIFIC GROUP

Children and Young People (Under 25)

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (ages 5-25, 24/7)
  • Youth crisis accommodation (available in all states)
  • Headspace: 1800 650 890 (mental health, ages 12-25)
  • eheadspace (online counselling)
  • School counselling services (through all schools)

Women

  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (domestic violence, 24/7)
  • Women's Legal Services (available in all states)
  • Women's refuges (confidential accommodation)
  • Women's Health Centres (all capital cities)
  • Sexual assault services (available in all states)

Men

  • Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 (domestic violence support for male victims)
  • Men's Line Australia: 1300 789 978 (support and counselling)
  • Male-specific services (available in major cities)

LGBTI+ Community

  • QLife: 1800 184 527 (counselling and referral)
  • ACON (NSW): 9206 2000
  • Thorne Harbour Health (VIC): 9865 6700
  • Specialist LGBTI+ services (available in all capital cities)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

  • 13YARN: 13 92 76 (crisis support)
  • Aboriginal Legal Services (all states)
  • Aboriginal Medical Services (all areas)
  • Link-Up services (family reconnection)
  • Indigenous-specific services (widely available)

People with Disabilities

  • NDIS: 1800 800 110 (disability support)
  • Disability advocacy services (all states)
  • TTY emergency: 106 (text emergency for hearing impaired)
  • National Relay Service: 1800 555 660

Multicultural Communities

  • Translating Service: 131 450 (free interpreters, 24/7)
  • Settlement services (all areas)
  • Multicultural community organisations (specific to your background)
  • Culturally specific services (major communities covered)

Rural and Remote Communities

  • Royal Flying Doctor Service (emergency medical)
  • Rural Financial Counselling: 1800 686 175
  • Telehealth services (available Australia-wide)
  • Mobile services (visiting health, legal, social services)

🏢 MAJOR SERVICE ORGANISATIONS

Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

Services:

  • Emergency relief (food, vouchers, accommodation)
  • Financial counselling
  • Family support
  • Employment services
  • Aged care services
  • Drug and alcohol programs

St Vincent de Paul Society

Services:

  • Emergency relief
  • Home visits
  • Youth programs
  • Disability services
  • Migrant and refugee support
  • Find local branch: vinnies.org.au

Red Cross: 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276)

Services:

  • Emergency relief during disasters
  • International family tracing
  • Migration support
  • First aid training
  • Community programs

Anglicare Australia

Services:

  • Family support
  • Emergency relief
  • Employment services
  • Aged care
  • Housing services
  • Contact local Anglicare in your state

Mission Australia: 13 14 57

Services:

  • Housing and homelessness
  • Youth services
  • Employment programs
  • Family support
  • Community services

UnitingCare

Services:

  • Family services
  • Aged care
  • Mental health programs
  • Emergency relief
  • Community support

📱 ESSENTIAL APPS FOR CRISIS SUPPORT

Emergency and Safety Apps

  • Emergency Plus - Helps emergency services find your location
  • bSafe - Personal safety app with emergency contacts
  • What3Words - Precise location sharing for emergencies

Mental Health Apps

  • Beyond Blue Support Service
  • ReachOut Breathe - Anxiety management
  • Smiling Mind - Meditation and mindfulness
  • MindShift - Anxiety and worry management

Service Finding Apps

  • Ask Izzy - Find services for homelessness, housing, food, health
  • Service Seeker - Government and community services
  • Street Swags - Homelessness support information

Health Apps

  • healthdirect - Health services and advice
  • Emergency Plus - Emergency services with GPS location
  • MyGov - Access to Centrelink and Medicare services

💻 ONLINE SUPPORT RESOURCES

Government Resources

  • servicesaustralia.gov.au - Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support
  • myagedcare.gov.au - Aged care services
  • australia.gov.au - Government services directory
  • business.gov.au - Business support and grants

Health Information

  • healthdirect.gov.au - Health services finder and advice
  • beyondblue.org.au - Mental health information and support
  • lifeline.org.au - Crisis support resources

Legal Information

  • lawaccess.nsw.gov.au - NSW legal information
  • legalaid.vic.gov.au - Victoria legal help
  • [Each state has legal information websites]

Community Support

  • salvationarmy.org.au - Salvation Army services
  • vinnies.org.au - St Vincent de Paul Society
  • redcross.org.au - Red Cross services and programs

🔄 HOW TO USE THIS DIRECTORY

If You Don't Know Where to Start

  1. ✅ Immediate danger? Call 000
  2. ✅ Need someone to talk to? Call Lifeline 13 11 14
  3. ✅ Specific crisis? Use the "Crisis Support by Type" section above
  4. ✅ General help? Start with Salvation Army 13 SALVOS or local council
  5. ✅ Language barrier? Call Translating Service 131 450 first

If You're Helping Someone Else

  1. ✅ Listen to their concerns without judgment
  2. ✅ Encourage them to seek professional help
  3. ✅ Offer to help them make calls or attend appointments
  4. ✅ Respect their choices and timeline
  5. ✅ Get support for yourself as a helper

If Services Seem Overwhelming

  1. ✅ Start with one service - they can refer you to others
  2. ✅ Ask for a case worker who can coordinate multiple services
  3. ✅ Write down important information and contact details
  4. ✅ Don't give up if the first service can't help - try another
  5. ✅ Ask family/friends to help you navigate services

📞 QUICK REFERENCE EMERGENCY LIST

Save these numbers in your phone under "CRISIS HELP":

EMERGENCY: 000
LIFELINE: 13 11 14
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: 1800 737 732
CENTRELINK CRISIS: 132 850
HEALTH ADVICE: 1800 022 222
KIDS HELPLINE: 1800 55 1800
ELDER ABUSE: 1800 353 374
SALVATION ARMY: 13 72 58
INTERPRETERS: 131 450
[YOUR STATE CRISIS ACCOMMODATION NUMBER]
[YOUR LOCAL GP AND HOSPITAL]

🌟 TYPES OF HELP AVAILABLE

Immediate Emergency Help (Available 24/7)

  • Crisis counselling and support
  • Emergency accommodation
  • Medical treatment
  • Police protection
  • Crisis financial assistance

Short-term Support (Days to Weeks)

  • Temporary housing
  • Emergency relief (food, clothing, bills)
  • Crisis counselling
  • Medical care
  • Legal advice

Medium-term Support (Weeks to Months)

  • Case management
  • Transitional housing
  • Job search assistance
  • Ongoing counselling
  • Skills training

Long-term Support (Months to Years)

  • Public housing
  • Ongoing income support
  • Disability services
  • Aged care services
  • Community connections

🤝 REMEMBER: HELP IS AVAILABLE

You Are Not Alone

  • Thousands of Australians seek help every day
  • Services exist specifically to help people like you
  • Professional helpers are trained to support you without judgment
  • Community support recognises that everyone needs help sometimes

It's Okay to Ask for Help

  • Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
  • You deserve support when you're going through difficult times
  • Help is available regardless of your situation or background
  • Most community services are free and accessible

Services Are There to Help

  • Community services exist because society recognises we all need support
  • Trained professionals understand crisis situations
  • Services are designed to be accessible and non-judgmental
  • Your privacy and dignity will be respected

Things Can Get Better

  • Crisis situations are temporary
  • With proper support, you can work through difficulties
  • Many people who have used these services have gone on to help others
  • Recovery and stability are possible

🔄 WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

If you're in immediate crisis:

  1. ✅ Call 000 if in physical danger
  2. ✅ Call Lifeline 13 11 14 if you need someone to talk to
  3. ✅ Use the specific crisis guides linked in this directory
  4. ✅ Don't try to handle everything alone
  5. ✅ Accept help when it's offered

If you're concerned about someone else:

  1. ✅ Take their concerns seriously
  2. ✅ Encourage them to seek professional help
  3. ✅ Offer practical support (transport, childcare, moral support)
  4. ✅ Don't try to be their counsellor - connect them to professionals
  5. ✅ Look after your own wellbeing too

For ongoing support:

  1. ✅ Connect with appropriate services from this directory
  2. ✅ Build a support network of professional and personal connections
  3. ✅ Create an emergency plan for future crises
  4. ✅ Help others when you're in a position to do so
  5. ✅ Remember that seeking help is normal and necessary

📖 RELATED COMMUNITY HELP GUIDES

This directory connects to our comprehensive crisis support guides:

Crisis Support:

Mental Health:

Housing and Financial:

Healthcare and Legal:

Specific Groups:

This directory is your lifeline to support. Whatever you're facing, help is available. You matter, your wellbeing matters, and there are people ready to help you.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Service Information Last Verified: August 2025

This directory provides general information only. Services and phone numbers can change. Always check current information with service providers. In emergency situations, always call 000.

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