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Financial assistance

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Listen to a radio promo for the David Williams Fund aired on JOY 94.9.
(MP3 973 KB).

Information about DWF

The David Williams Fund (DWF) was established in 1986 to provide emergency financial assistance to people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are experiencing financial hardship. The fund relies upon donations.

Services include:

  • Financial advice and referral
  • Food Vouchers
  • Study Assist
  • Money Matter workshops
  • Emergency Financial assistance

Poverty affects a substantial number of PLHIV, and demand for assistance regularly outstrips the funding available. Each year, the DWF distributes over $100,000 to PLHIV in Victoria. The Fund is totally reliant upon the sale of red ribbons - and the generous sponsorship of M·A·C Cosmetics - to ensure adequate levels of funding are available.

M·A·C Cosmetics www.maccosmetics.com.au

M.A.C Cosmetics - AIDS fund logo

Eligibility

  • Provide proof of HIV Status;
  • Demonstrated receipt of a Social Security Benefit or Pension
  • Demonstrated financial hardship
  • Resident of Victoria.
  • Provide a Centrelink income statement

What we can assist with

Assistance may be provided for any item that will legitimately improve and enhance the health and well-being of PLHIV. 

Items for consideration may include:

  • Utilities, eg, gas, water, electricity.
  • Telephone service and equipment charges.
  • Two weeks rent or mortgage payments may be considered
  • Motor vehicle/bike repairs.
  • Removal/storage expenses.
  • Medical, Pharmaceutical, Dental and Optical expenses.
  • Rates and Body Corporate fees.
  • Food vouchers.
  • Funeral assistance (must be prior to applicant’s death).
  • Clothing.
  • Childcare and/or respite costs.
  • White goods, eg, refrigerator, washing machine.
  • Beds and Manchester.
  • Education/retraining.

The fund does not assist with

  • Legal, fines, loans/credit cards, pawned items & accounts already paid.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. No application is guaranteed
You can discuss your application with the DWF Co-ordinator to determine the likelihood of your application being approved.
Please note that DWF applications are not accepted by fax.

DWF application forms are available online or at the following locations:

  • The Positive Living Centre, at 51 Commercial Road, South Yarra.
  • VAC's Peter Knight Centre, at 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra.
  • The Social Work Department of the Alfred Hospital.
  • The HIV Coordinator at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Contact us

The DWF is run from the Positive Living Centre in South Yarra. Find out more about the DWF by reading our staff profile on DWF Coordinator, Lynda Horn.

For more information on the fund, contact:

Positive Living Centre
51 Commercial Road
South Yarra, Victoria 3141
Phone: (03) 9863 0444
Fax: (03) 9820 3166
Free-call: 1800 134 840
Email: lynda.horn@vac.org.au

Forms

If you are interested in applying for a loan under the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), please download and read this info pack (PDF 166KB) before you contact us.

Another useful resource is The Guide to Relief Throughout Victoria (PDF 280KB)