Petition Long-term facility in the Greater Dandenong area for Bakhtar Community Organisation

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that the Bakhtar Community Organisation (BCO) was forced to vacate its warehouse at 61 Heyington Crescent, Noble Park North on extremely short notice, without meaningful consultation, support, or an alternative facility. This has severely disrupted essential services, including emergency food relief, material aid, senior support, youth programs, and the Work and Development Permit scheme.

BCO has supported and resettled over 8,000 disadvantaged individuals and refugees, including arrivals from Afghanistan and Ukraine. The warehouse was a critical lifeline for new arrivals and vulnerable families. Following the eviction, Greater Dandenong Council confiscated donated goods worth thousands of dollars, advising they would be stored for only one month before redistribution or recycling, and that BCO would be invoiced for transport and storage. This is unfair, financially punitive, and shows a lack of respect for the organisation and the vulnerable people it serves. Council representatives had promised support to secure a new site but failed to deliver, removing BOC abruptly. Hundreds of families have already been affected, losing access to essential services and support.

Local councils should treat community organisations with fairness, respect, and collaboration, especially those supporting thousands of vulnerable Victorians.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to urgently review and investigate the forced removal of Bakhtar Community Organisation (BCO) by Greater Dandenong Council and encourage the Council to halt the disposal or redistribution of confiscated donated goods and honour their commitment to provide assistance securing a suitable long-term facility so BCO can continue to provide essential services to vulnerable community members.