Labor is putting more frontline outreach workers where they're needed most, to keep the community safe.
The Community Connectors program will expand to Footscray Station from 27 May while outreach workers will be rolled out at Broadmeadows Station in the coming months.
Both are major interchange stations where thousands of passengers move through every day.
Community Connectors have expertise in mental health, trauma, homelessness, alcohol and drug issues, family violence and crisis support.
They patrol around train stations and help vulnerable people in crisis before situations escalate further.
They connect people with services and work closely with Metro staff, Protective Services Officers (PSOs) and Victoria Police.
The program has operated at Dandenong Station since July 2023 and Frankston Station since late 2024.
Across both sites, Community Connectors have engaged with almost 5,000 people and referred hundreds to support services.
The outreach workers have helped de-escalate or prevent more than 600 incidents.
Since rollout, both stations have seen a drop in disorderly and offensive conduct offences:
- 85 per cent drop at Dandenong Station
- 44 per cent drop at Frankston Station and the Young Street precinct.
The expansion is part of Labor's work to stop crime before it happens including through initiatives like the Violence Reduction Unit.
The VRU backs evidence-based early intervention programs that improve community safety.
Jess Wilson's Liberals want to cut the VRU - only Labor has new solutions to make life easier, safer and more affordable.
As stated by Minister for Violence Reduction Sonya Kilkenny
"Labor is backing early intervention to stop incidents before they happen and keep the community safe."
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"This program has a proven record improving safety at our busiest stations - that's why we're expanding it."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"Footscray is one of Victoria's busiest stations - this will make it safer and better support those who need it."
As stated by Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward
"We've seen this program make a real difference at other stations - soon Broadmeadows commuters will benefit."
