Arabic version: ربط برنامج «كونيكتورز» في فرانكستون بتراجع السلوك غير المنضبط
According to ABC News, the Community Connectors program is being credited with reducing antisocial behaviour around Frankston train station in Melbourne’s outer south-east by linking vulnerable people with outreach workers and support services.
The South East Community Links-run program places social workers and mental health professionals at suburban train stations in the afternoons. Team leader Damian Anderson said workers listen to people’s needs and priorities before helping connect them with services. The approach is based on building trust and rapport, he said.
A report compiled by South East Community Links for Frankston City Council found connectors supported 2,452 people in the Young Street precinct between November 2024 and December 2025. It recorded 535 situations where harm was prevented and 180 incidents that were de-escalated. Mental health, housing, alcohol and other drug issues were the most common concerns.
Crime Statistics Agency data showed a 44 per cent decrease in disorderly and offensive conduct crimes around the station between 2024 and 2025. Frankston mayor Sue Baker said the council would match funding if the state government invested $750,000 over five years. She said the connectors had assisted three people during drug overdoses and that council data indicated people were beginning to feel safer.
The program launched in 2023 and operates near stations in Frankston, Dandenong, Springvale, Noble Park, Footscray and Broadmeadows. It is also being expanded to Sunshine and St Albans. Local Labor MP and police and crime prevention minister Paul Edbrooke said he would speak with the treasurer about Frankston’s funding proposal and possible expansion to other areas.
