The funding crisis was caused by $240 million being slashed from the Department of Social Services’ budget over the next four years.

But each year, 1200 people use the counselling service, which is the only one of its type available in the Central Highlands region. Budget and money management advice are vital to many people in this area, particularly if they are struggling on a low income.

Six financial counsellors give advice on how to reduce credit and debt problems, ranging from late utility bills to bankruptcy.

They not only provide one-on-one support but also give people the tools they need to help themselves if their financial issues arise again.

In fact, the service is so valuable –and the need so great – it invariably has a waiting list.

The news also comes after the CAFS-operated Social Housing Advocacy and Support Program’s funding was cut and fears the CAFS residential foster care service may have to be axed due to an annual $300,000 statewide under-funding crisis.

CAFS is a vital community service organisation providing a wide range of programs and services to – as its name suggests – children and families.

These range from family counselling to homelessness help, men’s behaviour-change programs to foster care, as well as family violence intervention to help for gamblers.

Without the services CAFS provides, many, many Ballarat families would be far worse off. 

The support CAFS provides Ballarat families – particularly in a range of crisis areas – is invaluable.

Adequate funding for such a service should be non-negotiable.