There is a really great resource in Beanstalk Mums - they have loads of information on what to do and where to go.

I rang centrelink the day after we separated, printed the forms, they said take photo on your phone and upload and they'll process it, rang child support, began the paperwork for that, went to police station (because I was worried he'd run off with the kids) who gave me numbers for support places. my camera on my phone was broken so I went in to centrelink and asked if they would scan it because I couldn't upload with phone, I explained what happened regarding separation, and she began processing my paperwork straight away and I had started pps the following week! So thankful, I was worried it would take 6-8 weeks to get it.
And like others have said, st Vinnie's , salvos, centrecare used to help with bills but not sure if they still do, anglicare, ring legal aid about custody with kids, mediation, women's centre/women's refuge, people can give you so much advice and numbers for places that can help you! Good luck ♥

So this happened to me beginning of last year. It was so hard and my children kept bugging where's their daddy. I was embarrassed to turn to my family and friends for help because they were the ones who said to leave him before he leaves me etc but I was in love. 8 years is along time to just walk away from someone. But anyways. I first called beyond blue. I was depressed!!! But after that call. I slowly started calling helplines. St Vinnie's. Salvos. They helped me get back on my feet and with applications for EVERYTHING! spoke to a finance councillor and hit up the library with the kids was my next steps. The library was our normal outing. Pity Lockdown happened here in MELB screwed us. But it's ok. We now have books and boardgames delivered. My partner and I had many joint bills. Loans. Etc. So I'm currently paying them off by myself on a centrelink pension with 2 kids and a rental to pay off. But it wasn't easy. I cried. And ate and cried and ate more. It wasn't until my son got bullied at school that I really changed my mentality. I'm slowly seeing that I'm not alone I have the kids and that if I succeed in this and getting us our own home. Then I know I can do anything even if another man comes along, which is a long shot yet for me lol.
Starting out starting over by Susan Edmunds is a good read, it's a single woman's guide to money in Aus. Scott papes barefoot investor is also good and so is Dave Ramsey if your like me and had joint loans etc. Helps pays off ur bills easily. David Koch 11 step money plan also will also help with anything financially. Time will make it easier. And I found that asking strangers for advice than my family and friends suited me better. These blogs will help immensely and for everything u need to know. Because the answers are from real people who have been through what ur going through or are currently facing what your facing. Good luck him and best of luck. It does get easier. xo

This happened to me. I am a kiwi and couldn’t leave due to custody orders and unable to get Centrelink. Had to get a job really quick as he wouldn’t let me work in DV and get my crap together. He stole my car and everything. Finally after 7 months I’m on my feet and feeling better. But you can apply to federal court / family court for financial orders and get spousal support

Contact centrelink asap - they may be able to give you a crisis payment to help and fast track any payments you're eligible for. They can also help out you in touch with organisations that can help like foodbank or financial counsellors.
I hope you are ok and that things turn out alright. Good luck.