Community Connectors making a difference in Dandenong
Community Connectors making a difference in Dandenong
Improved safety at Dandenong station and an increased sense of community wellbeing are key outcomes after the first year of Metro’s innovative community outreach initiative.
As the first of its kind in Victoria, the Community Connectors pilot program has facilitated more than 3,300 engagements since it began in July 2023.
Delivered in partnership with South East Community Links (SECL), the program employs two specialised outreach practitioners — Community Connectors — who provide assistance to people visiting the station and help them access services, such as housing support, alcohol/drug programs and mental health services.
Community Connectors work closely with Metro staff, Protective Service Officers (PSOs) and Victoria Police to improve safety.
SECL have also trained 29 Metro staff on the local community context and provided them with information on local referral services to assist people who may need support.
Head of Stations Chloe Smith is pleased to see this collaborative initiative evolve.
“The Community Connectors have been a wonderful support at Dandenong. The station is a busy hub which presents a number of challenges for our team but having the Community Connectors there to assist makes a real difference”.
A review of the initial pilot highlighted that Community Connectors referred around 190 people to services, prevented harm and de-escalated over 100 situations, initiated casework for around 70 people, and improved passengers’ perception of safety.
Community Investment Manager Lee Evans collaborated with SECL to develop and implement the program.
“There’s a variety of socioeconomic issues that influence the behaviour of people who attend Dandenong station. The Community Connectors have built rapport with many people to get them the support they need”.
The program has also received positive feedback from Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and the City of Greater Dandenong Council.
Given the success of the initiative, Metro will continue the program at Dandenong and will work with Frankston City Council and SECL to pilot the program at Frankston station, commencing November 2024.
Full report here 070824 Community Connectors Annual Review FINAL