Frontline outreach workers will provide tailored supports to vulnerable people in and around Sunshine and St Albans train stations through the expansion of the Community Connectors program.
The expansion will boost community and commuter safety across the busy shopping and transport hubs by ensuring people facing homelessness, substance abuse, family violence, trauma and mental health challenges can access critical supports.
The Community Connectors, from South East Community Links (SECL), build relationships with vulnerable people, meeting them where they are at and linking them with the right supports at the right time.
They also work closely with nearby businesses, community organisations and services, Metro Trains staff, Protective Services Officers and Victoria Police to proactively support people in need before situations escalate, and when situations arise.
The expansion is part of the Victorian Government’s $33.5 million investment in the Violence Reduction Unit through the Victorian Budget 2026/27.
SECL CEO Peter McNamara said they were very excited to be rolling the program out in Sunshine and St Albans, where their highly skilled and trained outreach workers can provide wrap around supports for vulnerable people.
“We know prevention and early intervention is the key to making sure the community is being supported appropriately and immediately. All that wrap around support means we can get in front of issues, prevent anti-social behaviour and help the community feel safer.”
Since 2023, the program has supported around 13,000 people, including hundreds of referrals to specialist support services, with boots already on the ground at Dandenong Station, Springvale, Noble Park, Frankston, Footscray and Broadmeadows stations.
There is clear evidence the outreach workers are having an impact, supporting more than 570 emergency service responses, and de-escalating or preventing around 1130 incidents.
Since rolling out, there has been a 19 per cent reduction in crime at Dandenong Station and a 44 per cent reduction in disorderly and offensive conduct offences at Frankston Station and the Young Street precinct.
Metro Trains Melbourne CEO Peter O’Flaherty said the program is creating a safer environment around transport hubs.
“Our commuters feel safer, our staff feel safer but more importantly, we’re helping people who need it and showing them where they can get support. We’re delighted to see this program now being rolled out further to other stations.”
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