The outreach program building trust in a bid to reduce crime
A program connecting vulnerable people with outreach workers at train stations is being credited with reducing antisocial behaviour in suburban Melbourne.
A Melbourne outreach program, Community Connectors, is credited with reducing crime in the city's outer south-east area. The program connects vulnerable individuals with social workers at train stations, helping them access support for issues like mental health, housing and substance abuse. Following a fatal alleged attack on a shopkeeper, the program is being expanded to Melbourne's west.
Team leader Damian Anderson, who has interacted with a diverse group of people at Frankston train station, emphasizes the importance of building trust with program participants. A report by SECL found that between 2024 and 2025, community connectors supported 2,452 people, preventing harm in 535 situations and de-escalating 180 incidents.
Antisocial incidents decreased by 44% around the station during this period. Local officials and business owners have praised the program for enhancing safety and fostering a sense of security in the community.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
