The Community Connectors program, delivered by South East Community Links in partnership with Metro Trains Melbourne, has been awarded a Gold Award in the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA) at a ceremony today at Parliament House in Canberra.
Amid growing community concern about crime and safety, Community Connectors place trained outreach workers at Dandenong station, Frankston station, and Young Street Frankston to support people in crisis and help prevent harm. Through this assertive outreach model, the Community Connectors provide immediate, compassionate assistance to people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, family violence or substance use.
CEO of South East Community Links, Peter McNamara, said the role of Community Connectors is to de-escalate conflict, increase community safety and connect people with the right services.
"This award recognises an innovative approach to community safety - one that doesn't start with police or security, but with empathy, connection and prevention," said Mr McNamara.
"Our Community Connectors meet people where they are and provide support before situations escalate. By responding with care instead of enforcement, we're creating safer public spaces for everyone."
The program began at Dandenong station in 2023, in response to increasing social issues around local train stations, such as homelessness and youth disengagement. The program has since expanded, with Frankston City Council supporting sites at Frankston station and Young Street. More recently, Frankston's busiest shopping strips have also welcomed the purple-vested Community Connectors in Station Street, Shannon Mall, and Bayside Shopping Centre, with support from Vicinity Centres.
"Community Connectors have shown there's a better way to make our streets safer while supporting our most vulnerable," said Mayor Kris Bolam JP, Frankston City Council.
"Instead of relying on more private security or police presence, our Council is investing in people, building trust, de-escalating tension and connecting community members in need with real support. It's a model that delivers safety with dignity."
Since its launch, Community Connectors have:
- Engaged with more than 7,100 people needing support or guidance
- Prevented harm 280 times, including incidents of self-harm, violence, or risky behaviour
- De-escalated 117 tense situations before they became emergencies
- Referred 254 community members to essential services such as housing, mental health, and family
Administered by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), the annual ACVPA recognise and reward programs that reduce crime and violence in Australia. The awards encourage public initiatives and assist governments in identifying and developing practical projects that will reduce violence and other types of crime in the community.
"This is an excellent initiative that promotes crime prevention and enhances community safety," said AIC Deputy Director Dr Rick Brown.
"Given the encouraging results of the program with disorderly and offensive conduct down 79 per cent and public order and security offences reduced by 59 per cent (around Dandenong station), there is scope for adoption in other communities."
Mr McNamara said the program was clearly contributing to a reduction in crime statistics, and the recognition by the ACVPA was a tribute to the power of collaboration and early intervention.
"Winning a Gold Award is a huge honour for South East Community Links and our partners. It confirms that when we work side by side in public spaces, we can prevent harm, restore dignity and create safer, more inclusive communities."
Case study: Kevin, a 50-year-old man recently released from prison, turned to the Community Connectors team at Dandenong station for support. Facing PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, and a mild intellectual disability, Kevin felt isolated and disconnected. Since engaging with the program in September 2023, the team has provided tailored case management, coordinated medical care, conducted welfare checks, and offered housing support. Through strong rapport and consistent outreach, Kevin has stabilised his situation, maintaining independent living in Cranbourne for 8–10 months. He remains actively connected to the Community Connector team and SECL office for ongoing support.
About us:
South East Community Links (SECL) was established in 1970 with the vision that every person counts and every system is fair. Our services promote the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, fostering social cohesion and inclusion.
