The Former Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau

The interpretive sign at Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau (The Bureau, now known as South East Community Links), forms part of the Spirit of Enterprise Trail which tells the story of the Enterprise Migrant Hostel and the Springvale community’s effort to welcome and support the hostel’s 30,000 migrant and refugee residents. 

After extensive consultation with the Springvale community, The Bureau was established in 1970 to provide information and to address issues of isolation and a lack of community services. 

The organisation quickly developed a reputation as a responsive and relevant service with a pioneering and innovative approach. 

The Bureau’s philosophy was based on several key principles – an equal partnership with Council, community-driven services, networking as a basis for service development, community representation on the Committee of Management and a courageous determination when approaching government departments for funding. 

The Bureau was located in Osborne Avenue Springvale. When it opened in early 1970, one of its key priorities was to establish comprehensive settlement services for residents at the recently opened Enterprise Migrant Hostel. 

The organisation responded to the needs of the Enterprise residents with one of Australia’s first interpreter services, the ethnic teacher’s aide program, the migrant host scheme, family day care and emergency relief – all provided by volunteers.

Representatives from The Bureau regularly worked at Enterprise, providing on-site services to new arrivals. 

A key innovation became known as ‘Sherron’s walks’. Staff member Sherron Dunbar led walking tours from Enterprise to Springvale’s retail centre, familiarising new arrivals with services relevant to their needs. Such walks are now common practice in settlement services. 

The work of The Bureau was fundamental in helping the newly-arrived migrants and refugees to establish Springvale, and Australia, as their new home. Of the over 30,000 new arrivals who entered the country through the Enterprise Migrant Hostel, substantial numbers settled in Springvale. They have made a major contribution to the economic and social life of the community. The vibrancy and cultural diversity of the community is a celebrated feature of Springvale today. 

The settlement strategies and programs developed by The Bureau were innovative, unique, responsive and highly successful. The Bureau approach has been emulated nationwide and is still considered a benchmark for settlement services.

The Bureau’s focus on settlement services continues to this day, as does the partnership with the Council of the City of Greater Dandenong. 

“I came here to get help, I then became a volunteer, obtained tertiary qualifications, became a student on placement and then a paid worker” − Paid worker.

“My strongest memory is the respect and influence The Bureau had amongst Government decision makers” − Youth worker.

Learn more about the Spirit of Enterprise project by walking the Spirit of Enterprise Trail and watching the video here.