Yarrka Barring: Resources for First Nations people

Yarrka Barring artwork

About our artwork and artist: Sandra Kropinyeri (Kirby) was born and raised on Country of Wamba Wemba with connections to Wadi Wadi, Mutti, Mutti, Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Wotjoblik and Taungurung. This artwork titled ‘Tyaler’ was designed to represent Consumer Affairs Victoria and the services it provides. Learn more about the artist and the artwork.

Speak with our helpline

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) can help you with renting and consumer problems. Call Yarrka Barring, CAV’s dedicated helpline for First Nations people on 1300 661 511 from 9 am – 5 pm. Call costs are the same as a local call.

Our call takers complete Aboriginal and Torres Islander cultural awareness training to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to engage respectfully with callers. CAV aims to provide helpful and responsive services that are culturally safe and meet the different needs of the community.

What issues can we help you with?

We can help with a range of renting and consumer issues. Learn more about these issues by clicking on the following buttons:

Know your renting rights

Get help and advice

If you’re renting your home, you have rights that protect you.

Find our up-to-date information and advice about renting in Victoria.

If you’re unsure about your rights, we can help you with free advice and information over the phone or on our website.

Some of the common renting issues we can help with are:

• Applying for your rental property
• Bonds
• Evictions
• Minimum standards required in your rental property
• Pets
• Urgent and non-urgent repairs.

Find all our renting forms and documents. We also have a First Nations Renting Guidance Factsheet (PDF, 127KB).

Have you been discriminated against?

In Victoria, it’s against the law to stop people from renting a property based on race or cultural background.

If you believe the rental provider or agent is discriminating against you, you can:

• contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC)
• apply to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), who may be able to help you get compensation.

Find more information about unlawful discrimination in renting.

Legal advice and questions about VCAT

For legal advice and questions about VCAT, contact the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services (VALS) during business hours on 1800 064 865 or free call their 24-hour line on 03 9418 5999, or fill in their contact form.

VCAT has a Koori Support Team with plenty of experience working in First Nations communities. They also have culturally safe options for VCAT hearings, including Koori hearing rooms you can book.

Call or text VCAT’s Koori Helpline on 0417 516 335, (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday). You can also email koori.support@vcat.vic.gov.au.

Support services

Support for paying your bond

If you need help with your bond payment, you may be able to apply for a government bond loan. These loans are open to people on low incomes who may not be able to pay a bond and don’t have any other financial options.

Learn more about Government bond loans and how to apply.

Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program

The Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program (APRAP) can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people find a new private rental or keep their current tenancy. They can provide information about the private rental market and the housing search process as well as offering practical support. Email aprap@ahvic.org.au to find out more.

Aboriginal Housing Victoria

Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) is an Aboriginal community organisation responsible for managing rental properties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria. They provide social housing for those in need.

Free call 1800 248 842, (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or email clientservices@ahvic.org.au.

Money and debt help

You can find money tips and resources for First Nations people on the MoneySmart government website.

For more information about specific money and debt issues, the links below can help:

Mob Strong Debt Help website or call the free helpline on 1800 808 488 (9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday)
Book up – MoneySmart website
Debt problems - National Debt Helpline website
Dealing with debt collectors.

Funeral cover

We understand that Sorry Business is culturally important to First Nations communities to mourn the loss of a loved one. If you’re thinking of getting funeral cover to help with the costs of a funeral, there are a few things to know first.

Funeral cover can be very expensive. Even if you get it, you may not be left with enough to cover the funeral costs.

For more information to help you decide on whether funeral cover is right for you, visit Paying for funerals - MoneySmart website and the Mob Strong Debt Help website.

Resources

Consumer Action Koori Help

For free legal advice and financial counselling services:

• Call the Koori helpline on 1800 574 457 (10 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm, Monday – Friday)
• Visit the Consumer Action Koori Help website

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

For information and advice:

• Call the ACCC First Nations Infoline on 1300 303 143 (11 am – 3 pm, Monday to Friday)
• Visit the ACCC – Your Rights Mob – Indigenous consumers Facebook group
• Visit the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Product safety website

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network

For advice and financial counselling services:

• Call the free financial counselling services line on 1800 369 878 (8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Thursday and 8 am – 12 pm, Fridays)
• Visit the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) website

Money Smart

For money tips and resources for First Nations people:

• Call the ASIC's Indigenous Help Line on 1300 365 957 (8:30 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
• Visit the Indigenous section – MoneySmart website

ScamWatch

To report a scam or for information to help you recognise and avoid scams:

• Call the ACCC First Nations Infoline on 1300 303 143 (11 am – 3 pm, Monday to Friday)
• Visit the ScamWatch Resources for First Nations peoples website.

Be smart – buy smart

For a guide to help you understand your rights as a consumer, download a copy of the Be Smart - Buy Smart guide in PDF or Word format:

Our resources

Find our advice and information on:

Buying and selling cars

Reports

There are several reports which include resources and information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers.

Money Yarns Report

The Money Yarns, Stronger Futures report looks into consumer, credit and debt issues experienced by the First Nations consumers. It was created by Consumer Action Law Centre and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

National Indigenous Consumer Strategy

CAV is a National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) reference group member. The group develops a range of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and businesses. For more information, visit the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy website.

‘Yarrka Barring’ means ‘for guidance; to search for the road or path’ in the Wadawurrung language.

Through CAV’s partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, we have been granted permission to use this phrase as the name for our First Nations helpline and our resources for First Nations people.