Mates Helping Mates

A little help.
Along the way.

Practical support, everyday savings and a little company. Good places to start, across Australia.

Free to explore. No Mates account needed.

A little breathing room.Gold Coast, Australia

What would make today a little easier?

Show all resources

01 / Find help

Support for the everyday.

If things are tight, these services can help you find practical support near you.

Australia wideFree finder

Ask Izzy · Infoxchange

Find a helping hand nearby.

Look for local food, housing, everyday essentials and other support. Choose what you need and search your area on Ask Izzy.

Cost
The finder is free and anonymous. Individual services set their own conditions.
Before you start
You will choose a category and enter your location on Ask Izzy. Read the service details before contacting them.
Find help on Ask Izzy
Australia wideLocal food support

Foodbank

Find food close to home.

Search for food and groceries, food vouchers or meals prepared on site through Foodbank’s food support finder.

Cost
Free to search. Food costs and access requirements vary by service.
Before you start
Enter your suburb or postcode in Foodbank’s national finder. Check the location shown and call the service before visiting.
Find food with Foodbank

02 / Find savings

Make room in the everyday.

Find official concessions and savings where you live, plus national payment information. Each programme has its own eligibility rules.

All states & territoriesEligibility applies

State & territory governments

Find savings where you live.

Choose your state or territory to explore its official guide to concessions, rebates and help with everyday costs.

Each link opens the official government guide in a new tab.

Cost
Free to browse. Eligibility and the support available differ by location and programme.
Before you start
Check the provider’s current conditions and application steps. Some offers require an eligible concession card.
Australia wideNational support

Services Australia

Check what support may apply.

Explore the official Payment Finder for information about Centrelink payments, family assistance and child care fee assistance.

Cost
The online tools are free to use.
Before you start
Answer questions on the Services Australia tool. Estimates are a guide; the relevant payment rules and claim assessment determine what you can receive.
Explore national payment support

03 / Find company

Good things happen together.

Join a walk, find a local group or volunteer for a cause you care about. Explore what is nearby and choose a way to connect that suits you.

Australia wideFree walking groups

Heart Foundation Walking

Find your kind of walking group.

Search by suburb or postcode, then choose a group by day, pace and preferences. A simple way to move and meet people.

Cost
Walking groups are free. Any transport or optional café visit is separate.
Before you start
Read the group profile and contact the organiser about the route and meeting point. Join through the Heart Foundation website.
Find a walking group
Australia wideFree community events

parkrun Australia

Walk, volunteer or cheer someone on.

Join a local Saturday morning community. Walk or run the 5 km route, volunteer or come along to support others.

Cost
Events and registration are free.
Before you start
Read the first-timer information, register if taking part and check your local event’s start time and course details.
Discover parkrun
Australia wideVolunteer opportunities

GoVolunteer · Volunteering Australia

Lend a hand. Find your people.

Explore volunteer roles with charities, community organisations and local causes. Search by location or interest, with online and remote options too.

Cost
Free to browse. Ask the organisation about any travel, screening or training expenses.
Before you start
Read the role description and check the time commitment, tasks and any checks or training needed. Apply through GoVolunteer or contact the organisation as directed.
Find volunteer opportunities
Australia wideLocal groups & clubs

My Community Directory

Find people who share your interests.

Explore community clubs, interest groups, arts activities and local centres. Choose your area, then find a group that feels like a good fit.

Cost
The directory is free to search. Membership or activity fees may apply.
Before you start
Contact the group to confirm meeting times, costs and accessibility, and ask how newcomers can join. Local listings and availability vary.
Find community groups

Independent resources selected by Mates. Search locations on the provider’s website.

Sources checked · 26 September 2026

Mates Helping Mates

A clear path to the right place.

01

Choose what you need

Start with support, savings or company. There is no form to fill in here.

02

Know what to expect

See who each service helps, what it costs and how to take the next step.

03

Go straight to the source

Search or register on the provider’s website. They keep their service details up to date.

Mates Helping Mates

Good information. A human approach.

Mates brings together useful Australian resources. The organisations linked here run their own services; inclusion does not imply a partnership. Opening hours, availability and eligibility can change, so check directly before making plans.

Suggest a resource or report a broken link

A few things worth knowing.

Do I need to join or buy anything?

No. This guide is free to use, with no Mates account, purchase or mailing list signup required. A provider may ask you to register or check eligibility for its own service.

Can I use this anywhere in Australia?

Yes. The support and community finders cover Australia, and the savings guide includes official resources for all six states and both mainland territories. Choose where you live, then check local availability and eligibility with the provider.

Will Mates arrange help for me?

Mates helps you find a place to start. Contact or register with the organisation directly to arrange support, check availability or join an activity.

Can I suggest a useful service?

Yes. Email us a link and a short description. We welcome suggestions for established services that help people with everyday life.