Our Story

In 2022, BANSIC celebrated 50 years of service to our community. Built from humble beginnings with the support of many generous donors and volunteers,

BANSIC continues to provide essential services to members of our community. We take a look back at where it all started, and where we are now.

  • • Heidelberg Citizens Advice Bureau opens at side of Infant Welfare building in Heidelberg in 2 rooms operating 18 hours per week staffed by 15 trained volunteers

    • Official opening

    • Over 200 referrals were made for accommodation, transport, gardening etc. handled by voluntary helpers including service clubs

    • House in Ivanhoe Parade rented for emergency accommodation

    • Free Legal Referral Service started. Local solicitors on roster system give their time voluntarily

    • August 1975 First part time coordinator appointed

  • • $3000 received from Nearly New Shop but questions over its viability. Other ways to raise funds were to be explored – selling theatre tickets, snowball drive, car raffle

    • A second typewriter is needed!

    • Incorporation now official

    • Counselling services now include Marriage Guidance, Taxation & Real Estate Advice, Legal Advice, Emergency Relief & Financial Counselling

  • • Lack of volunteers. Hours reduced to 11am – 2pm

    • Chairperson reports 29% increase in client numbers

    • Move to larger premises in Rosanna Funding cut by a third from Community Services

    • 21st birthday celebration

    • State Government funding ceases

    • Amalgamation of councils means new City of Banyule now has two Citizen’s Advice Bureaus

    • Banyule Information & Support Centre (BANSIC) becomes our new name

    • Move to Burgundy Street, Heidelberg brings a large increase in client numbers.

    • Diamond Valley Foodshare in Greensborough becomes a source of fresh food for clients

  • • Emergency Relief is suspended for 3 weeks. There are no funds. Letters sent to Federal & State MPs to plead our case

    • A web page for BANSIC is being set up

  • • Relocation to Hawdon Street, Heidelberg.

    • Future of BANSIC is in doubt. Need to vacate Hawdon Street. Difficulties finding suitable alternative premises. A petition to save BANSIC organised by local MP

    • Move to the Uniting Church in Arden Crescent, Rosanna

    • After lengthy negotiations, BANSIC moves to Shop 48 at The Harmony Centre in the Bell Street Mall

    • Opening hours increase to 10am to 3pm five days a week

  • • COVID-19 hits. Fresh & frozen food no longer available from Diamond Valley

    • Foodshare as it temporarily closes. Banyule City Council works with BANSIC to assist BANSIC Food Hub opens in Oriel Road, Heidelberg West

    • Client numbers double in 12 months & demand for assistance increases

    • BANSIC Celebrates 50 Years

20/03/2023 Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Hon Dan Andrews and Hon Anthony Carbines MP visited BANSIC office to launch Power Saving Bonus and the Energy Assistance Program.

20/03/2023 Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Hon Dan Andrews and Hon Anthony Carbines MP visited BANSIC office to launch Power Saving Bonus and the Energy Assistance Program.

28/02/2023 At Banyule City Council Grants Presentation Evening to accept a community grant that will be used for Community Support Worker Training.

28/02/2023 At Banyule City Council Grants Presentation Evening to accept a community grant that will be used for Community Support Worker Training.

28/02/2023 At Banyule City Council Grants Presentation Evening to accept a community grant that will be used for Community Support Worker Training.

28/02/2023 At Banyule City Council Grants Presentation Evening to accept a community grant that will be used for Community Support Worker Training.

12/08/2023 At Bendigo Community Bank East Ivanhoe and Heidelberg

12/08/2023 At Bendigo Community Bank East Ivanhoe and Heidelberg

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12/2022 A huge thanks to the team at Spark North East Link for the generous donation to our Christmas appeal. BANSIC committee member, John (right).

12/2022 A huge thanks to the team at Spark North East Link for the generous donation to our Christmas appeal. BANSIC committee member, John (right).