Can you talk to Centrelink and explain the situation - they may be able to help with an emergency payment to help you get out. Maybe any of the charities, Salvos, Vinnies etc.

Is there anyone that you can borrow some money off??

It sounds like a terrible situation.

As far as squirelling (???) money away can say the groceries cost a little more than they do etc, maybe the electicity was a little more expensive (I know that personally mine trippled) - does he check the account balances...