Latrobe City Council Mayor Councillor Sharon Gibson has expressed disappointment that the State Government’s latest Budget allocates additional funding for the Community Connectors program to metropolitan areas, while regional communities continue to miss out.
“Our communities deserve the same level of support and investment in their safety as metropolitan areas,” the Mayor said.
“Regional councils continue to deal with complex social issues, youth disengagement and community safety concerns, yet once again funding has been directed overwhelmingly toward metro locations.”
At the May 2026 Council meeting, Latrobe City Council endorsed a CBD Safety Outreach Program Plan which will become a State Election ‘Community Safety’ Advocacy Priority. This means that Council will advocate for funding from the state and federal governments so that the program can be delivered locally.
About 12 months ago, Council’s then Mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman, met with the Minister for Police and Community Safety, Anthony Carbines, to discuss the need for targeted regional support through the Community Connectors program.
During those discussions, Minister Carbines indicated he would visit the region along with requesting the newly appointed Police Commissioner visit Latrobe City to better understand local challenges firsthand. Council says that visit has not eventuated.
“We welcomed the Minister’s commitment to come and hear directly from local communities and frontline stakeholders, but unfortunately that visit never occurred,” the Mayor said.
“The invitation remains open. Meaningful engagement with regional communities is critical if the government wants to develop programs that genuinely respond to local needs.”
Council is calling on the Victorian Government to reconsider the distribution of future funding rounds and ensure regional communities receive equitable support.
“We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness,” the Mayor added.
“Regional Victorians should not be left behind when it comes to programs designed to strengthen community connection and improve safety outcomes.”
