Thursday, 15 May 2025

Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:56): I recently had the privilege of attending a meeting with the Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium, a dedicated network of local service providers working together to address poverty in our community. We discussed some of the key challenges facing Greater Dandenong, including homelessness and housing, bill stress and social isolation. With one in five residents currently living below the poverty line, it is clear we need practical and lasting solutions to create positive change. What stood out to me was the insight shared by those in the room and their dedication to improving the lives of Dandenong’s most vulnerable. I want to acknowledge Elena Sheldon and the Springvale Learning and Activities Centre for their Real Chance program, which re-engaged young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through skills-based training and pathways into employment. Despite its success, the program ended due to a lack of funding. We desperately need ongoing support and investment into local initiatives that tackle our communities’ unique challenges. I commend the important work of the Anti-Poverty Consortium and encourage my south-eastern colleagues who have not met with the steering committee to take the time to do so and listen to their calls for collaboration and commitment to real change.