South East Community Links
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:49): I recently had the pleasure of visiting South East Community Links in Dandenong, where I met with CEO Peter McNamara and some of SECL’s incredible staff and volunteers who support our community. For decades SECL has been a lifeline for people across the south-east. In the past year alone they have supported over 27,000 people and families facing challenges like financial hardship, family violence and social isolation. Peter spoke about the importance of multidisciplinary place-based services. SECL’s philosophy of getting amongst the people means meeting people where they are, sometimes quite literally. A great example of this approach is their Community Connectors program at Frankston and Dandenong train stations, which provides on-the-ground support to people facing mental health issues, substance misuse, poverty and housing insecurity. In just one year Community Connectors supported more than 3000 people, connecting them to emergency relief, youth housing, financial counselling and local services. By embracing key community hubs, the program has eased pressure on local police and engaged people who may not otherwise seek help. I want to thank Peter and the SECL team for their dedication and innovative approach to meeting the ever-changing needs of our community.