This directory provides information on services and organisations relevant to older women.
NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221
Emergency Services
Homelessness & Housing
- Link2home
NSW homelessness information and referral telephone service
1800 152 152.
Help if you are homeless or at the risk of becomg homeless > HERE - NSW Communities & Justice Housing
Help with being able to find or keep your housing, apply for private rental assistance or social housing, understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or request help with a property.
Find a housing office near you. - Assistance with care and Housing Sub-program (ACH)
Government program - Women’s Housing Company Ltd
Community housing provider
1300 942 111
02 9281 1764 - Salvation Army Housing
A national Mission Enterprise that works with people to provide safe, secure and affordable housing.
NSW 1800 422 322 - The Miles Foundation
Specialist Homelessness Service
1800 274 984 - Mission Australia Housing
Tier 1 Registered Housing Provider
1800 269 672 - Mission Beat
Assistance for homeless people (run by Mission Australia)
1300 306 461 - Lou’s Place
Lou’s Place is the only daytime refuge for women in Sydney.
Private charity
02 9358 4553 - Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby. - DCJ Housing Contact Centre
NSW State Government
1800 422 322 - Women’s Community Shelter
Charity
02 9539 6859
0432 630 359 - Sanctuary Housing
Crisis accommodation
02 9310 5050 - UnitingCare
Housing (not linked with social housing or DCJ)
02 6249 6717 - Metro Community Housing
Community housing provider
02 9565 4599 - YWCA Homelessness Service
02 9285 6267 - Co-operative and Alternate Housing NSW
A list of co-operative and alternate housing providers in NSW - WelcomeMat
Help to find affordable housing rentals in NSW - Link Wentworth Housing
Products and services for those facing housing stress in NSW. - Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Affordable Renting List
Newtown Neighbourhood Centre produces a weekly accommodation list for rental properties in the Inner West that are $250 or less per week. The list is updated every Wednesday. - Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS)
The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) provides free legal advice and assistance through their network of clinics. They provide advice about civil legal matters such as fines, credit and debt, tenancy, AVOs, victim’s compensation, Centrelink problems and more.
Domestic violence, family violence & abuse services
- NSW Domestic Violence Line
NSW statewide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women and persons who identify as female.
1800 65 64 63 - Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service NSW Inc (WDVCAS)
Domestic and family violence specialist service, court advocacy
1800 938 227 - West Connect Domestic Violence Services NGO/Community
02 4732 2318 - Women’s and girls’ emergency centre (WAGEC)
02 9319 4088 - Specialist Homelessness Service
NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit
1800 628 221 - Domestic and Family Violence
1800 737 732
1800 555 677 - NSW Rape Crisis Centre
1800 424 017 - Victims Access Line
1800 633 063 - Aboriginal Support Line
1800 019 123 - Mary’s House
A shelter in the North Shore of Sydney supporting women and their children who need help because of domestic violence.
- NSW Domestic Violence Line
Grief and Crisis Support
- National Association for Loss and Grief NSW (NALAG)
FREE loss and grief support to those who are grieving by trained volunteers
02 6882 9222 - Lifeline
National charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services
13 11 14 - Suicide Callback Service
Free counselling NATIONWIDE for suicide prevention & mental health via telephone, online & video for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts, 24/7.
1300 659 467
Commonwealth & State Departments
My Aged Care
- My Aged Care
Government program coordinating aged care
1800 200 422 - Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
Assessing and monitoring the quality of care and services against the Aged Care Quality Standards
1800 951 822 - Care Finder
A free service to learn about, apply for and set up support services for those who need intensive support. - Aged Care Assessment Team ACAT
1800 556 533 - Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
These local centres provide a link to carer support services and assists carers with options to take a break through short-term and emergency respite.
1800 052 222
After hours: 1800 059 059 - National Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway provides information about services and support available for people who care for someone with disability, chronic illness, dementia, mental illness or who are frail aged.
1800 422 737
Centrelink
- Australian Department of Social Services (Centrelink)
- Age Pension and Retirement
132 300 - Financial Information Service Officers
132 300 - Multilingual Phone Service
131 202
NSW State
- NSW Fair Trading consumer protection
133 220
02 9895 0111 - NSW Trustee and Guardian
1300 364 103
02 8688 6070 - Public Guardian
Part of the Department of Justice
1800 451 510
02 9556 7600 - NSW Department of Veteran Affairs
NSW State
133 254 - NSW Department of Health
02 9391 9000 - Healthline
1800 639 398 - Ageing, Disability and Home Care
02 9377 6000 - Home Care Service Referral and Assessment Centre
1800 350 792 - NSW Ombudsman
Independent review body dealing with complaints about NSW government services
1800 451 524
02 9286 1000 - NSW Communities & Justice
Family Community Services & Justice
Department of Social Services
- Australian Government Department of Social Services
1300 653 227
Department of Health
- Australian Department of Health
1800 020 103
02 6289 1555
Health & Special Needs Services
Mental Health, alcohol, drug abuse
- NSW Mental Health Access line
Information
1800 011 511 - NSW Lifeline Counselling
13 11 14 - Suicide Call Back Service
Counselling
1300 659 467 - Open Minds
Mental health support
1300 673 664 - Beyond Blue
Mental health support
1300 224 636 - Qlife
LGBTQI – mental health
1800 184 527 - SANE
A national mental health charity working to support four million Australians affected by complex mental illness
1800 187 263 - Alcohol and drug information service (ADIS)
Support, information, counselling and referral to services in NSW regarding alcohol and drug uses
1800 250 015
Disability
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Government program for disability support
1800 800 110 - People with Disability Australia
A national disability rights, advocacy and representative organisation that is made up of, led and governed by people with disability.
02 9370 3100
Dementia
- Dementia Australia
National Dementia Helpline is a free confidential phone and email information and support service for people suffering from dementia and their carers
1800 100 500 - Dementia Support Australia
Government-funded service
1800 699 799 - Dementia Reframed
Dementia Reframed focuses on improving information about living with dementia, and supporting carers on their journeys.
0418 220 888. Download an information flyer here.
Women's Health Centres NSW
- Health centres
02 9560 0866 - Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre
02 9718 1955 - Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre
02 4421 0730
Other
- Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)
A NSW Government scheme providing financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs when a patient needs to travel long distances for treatment that is not available locally.
1800 478 277 - The Wellbeing in Later Life: Your Guide to Programs and Activities Government resource
- NSW Health Care Complaints Commission The Health Care Complaints Commission |
Acts to protect public health and safety by dealing with complaints about health service providers in NSW.
1800 043 159
02 9219 7444
Human rights / anti-discrimination / Legal aid
Women's Legal Service NSW
- Women’s Legal Advice Line
Free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women in NSW with a focus on family law, domestic violence and sexual assault.
02 8745 6988 - Domestic Violence Legal Advice Line
Free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women in NSW with a focus on domestic violence and Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
1800 810 784
02 8745 6999 - Indigenous Women’s Contact Line
Free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in NSW with a focus on domestic violence, sexual assault, parenting issues, family law, discrimination and victim’s support.
1800 639 784
02 8745 6977 - Working Women’s Legal Service
Free legal advice for women who have experienced sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination or discrimination because of family responsibilities.
02 8745 6954 - Care and Protection Legal Advice Line
Free legal advice for mothers and other female relatives who are dealing with the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS).
02 8745 6908 - Women and Sexual Violence Law
This publication was written by the solicitors at the Women’s Legal Service NSW.
02 8745 6900
Seniors Rights Service
- Older Persons’ Legal Service
1800 424 079
02 9281 3600 - Seniors Rights Service
1800 424 079
Organisations
- Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Independent statutory organisation which investigates complaints about discrimination, protect and promote human rights in Australia and internationally
1300 620 241 (Information service)
1300 369 711 (General enquiries and publications)
02 9284 9600
1800 620 241 (TTY) - Sex Discrimination (AHRC)
Information - Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW
Anti-discrimination complaints – NSW Department of Justice
1800 670 812
02 9268 5544 - Equality Rights Alliance
Australia’s largest network advocating for women’s equality, women’s leadership and recognition of women’s diversity
02 5104 2954 - Mental Health Advocacy Service (Legal Aid)
Statewide specialist service of Legal Aid NSW.
02 9745 4277 - Welfare Rights Centre
Community legal centre specialising in social security law and its administration by Centrelink.
1800 226 028
02 9211 5300 - LegalAid NSW
A state-wide organisation providing legal services to socially and economically disadvantaged people across NSW. It delivers legal services in most areas of criminal, family and civil law.
1300 888 529 - Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
The Centre provides legal support, referral and advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and youth in the local community, and throughout NSW.
1800 686 587 - Inner City Legal Centre ICLC
Provides legal services to gay, lesbian and transgender clients from anywhere in NSW.
02 9332 1966 - The Law Society of NSW
Peak body of the legal profession.
02 9926 0364 - Legal Pathways (COTA NSW)
COTA NSW and Legal Aid NSW have formed a partnership to provide assistance to older persons needing to draft a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardianship.
1800 449 102
02 9286 3860 - Immigration Advice and Rights Centre
Legal advice line for immigration issues.
02 8234 0700 - LawAccess
Free Legal information, advice and referrals.
1300 888 529
Seniors / pensioners / retirees / carers
Organisations
- Combined Pensioners & Superannuation Association of NSW – CPSA
Advocates for a better deal for pensioners, superannuants and retirees on low incomes
1800 451 488
02 9281 3588 - COTA (The Council on the Ageing) NSW
NGO/Community
1800 449 102
02 9286 3860 - Australian Ageing Agenda News
- Carers NSW NGO/Community
1800 242 636 - Retirement Village Residents Association (Inc.) NSW
1300 787 213
Women’s groups & associations
Organisations
- Office for Women (Federal)
Commonwealth
02 6271 5111 - Office for Women (NSW)
NSW State
02 9248 0800 - Women’s Information Service, SA
SA State
08 9248 0800 - Feminist Lesbians Over Forty
NGO/Community - F Collective
NGO/Community - The Sydney Feminists Inc.
A volunteer-run organisation that advocates for women’s rights and feminism in Sydney - Australian Women in Agriculture
NGO/Community - International Alliance of Women (IAW)
NGO/International - Jessie Street National Women’s Library
- National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW)
NGO/Community
1300 733 221 - National Women’s Alliances (The Alliances)
Network of organisations - Older Women’s Network (Ontario, Canada)
NGO/Community
+1 416 214 1518
info@olderwomensnetwork.org - Older Women’s Network Australia
NGO/Community - Older Women’s Network Europe
NGO/International - Older Women’s Network Queensland
NGO/Community
07 3358 2301 - The Rural Women’s Network
Government program - Women’s Electoral Lobby
A national, independent, non-party political, feminist lobby group that lobby politicians, unions, employers, educationalists and other institutions on policies to promote equality and seek to change attitudes and practices that discriminate against women.
02 9517 4475 - Women in Film & Television Australia
A Not-For-Profit organisation dedicated to achieving gender equality in the Australian screen industry through research, advocacy, education and support for female-identifying screen industry practitioners.
Financial & Economic Issues
Organisations
- National Debt Help Line
Free and confidential advice from professional financial counsellors.
1800 007 007
02 9569 3847 - Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd Microfinance offers a suite of people-centred, affordable financial programs to people who are financially excluded.
03 9495 9600 - Financial Rights Legal Centre
Advice and advocacy for consumers in financial stress.
1800 007 007 - Wesley Mission Financial Counseling
1300 827 638 - No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)
NILS offers people on low incomes safe, fair and affordable loans (up to $1500) for fridges, washing machines and furniture, as well as education and medical expenses.
13 32 20 - Australian Financial Complaints Authority
Dispute resolution scheme for financial services.
1800 931 678 - Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW
Provides a free, fair and independent dispute resolution service for all electricity and gas customers in New South Wales, and some water customers.
1800 246 545 - Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
Dispute resolution body for telecommunications service.
1800 062 058 - Moneysmart
Moneysmart helps Australians take control of their money with free tools, tips and guidance.
Employment & Return to Work Programs for Women
Organisations
Dress for Success – Careers Centre
Dress for Success provides employment assistance for women with coaching and career development, network support and access to professional clothing.132 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204 | 1800 773 456
The Return to Work Program is for women who have been unemployed for one month or more and intend to return to work as an employee within 6 months. 13 77 88
Fitted for Work assists women experiencing disadvantage find employment.
Suite 1, level 6/85 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150 | 02 9635 9909 | sydney@fittedforwork.org
Loneliness
Organisations
Friendline
Run by friendly volunteers and open to anyone who needs to chat, all calls are anonymous.
Call 02 7226 1708 (Free call 1800 424 287). The support line is open: 10am – 8pm, 7 days a week
Chat online > HERE. The online chat service is open: 6pm – 8pm, Mon – Fri.
Australian Red Cross Community Visitors Scheme
The Community Visitors Scheme matches you with a Red Cross volunteer for regular social visits (available in person or over the phone). 1800 733 276
R U OK? Ending Loneliness Together
Explores what is loneliness and tips for managing loneliness.
Ending Loneliness Together
Tipsheeets about loneliness.
Other
Organisations
- Deaf or Hearing Impaired National Relay Service
133 677
1300 555 727 - Translating and Interpreting Services TIS
131 450 - WIRE
WIRE is the only state-wide free information & referral service for Victorian women, non-binary and gender-diverse people.
General Support: 1300 134 130
Respect: 1800 737 732
Safesteps: 1800 015 188 (crisis support)
w|respect: 1800 542 847 (LGBTQI)
Computer Scams
Organisations
- The Little Black Book of Scams
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions Little Black Book of Scams.
Resources