South East Community Links

Name

South East Community Links

Legal name

South East Community Links

Website

https://secl.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Social Assistance (624), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (62421), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family & Community Support Services (Case Management, Referrals) (EDAJAIAK), Attendance, Engagement & Truancy Intervention Services (EDAJAIAI)

Keywords

• Community social services
• Financial counselling services
• Refugee settlement support
• Youth support programs
• Emergency relief services

Headquarters

HQ city

Springvale

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Funding: SECL is primarily funded by federal and state government grants. Funding sources include the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs (SETS program), the TAC (L2P Program), and various Victorian Government departments for specific programs such as family violence prevention, youth services, and cost of living support.
2. Donations and Philanthropy: SECL accepts donations from individuals and organizations. The Anna Hall Memorial Fund accepts donations via Give Now. Donations support specific initiatives and programs.
3. Volunteer Contributions: SECL relies on volunteer mentors and workers who contribute hours to programs including the L2P driving program, emergency relief, youth mentoring, and homework clubs. This represents in-kind service delivery rather than direct revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SECL is a not-for-profit community services organisation delivering free, place-based support across Melbourne's south east. Its core offerings span emergency relief and financial counselling, settlement casework for refugees and migrants (SETS), youth engagement and re-engagement programs, family violence prevention and survivor support, youth housing and homelessness assistance, anti-racism advocacy, and community development and capacity building. Services are delivered through fixed offices, outreach at train stations and shopping precincts, community events, and school-based programs in partnership with local government, schools, and 20+ community organisations.

Product overview

South East Community Links (SECL) is a community services organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of social support programs and services, not a technology product company. The organization provides integrated community services including emergency relief, financial counselling, settlement support, youth programs, housing assistance, family violence services, and community development initiatives. Services are delivered as distinct, standalone community programs rather than a unified software platform or product architecture. Key programs include the SETS (Settlement, Engagement and Transition Support) program, Youth Navigator, EPIC by Youth, Better Futures, Community Connectors, Bring Your Bills events, and the TAC L2P Learner Driving Program. These services operate independently with some cross-referrals but are not connected through a common technology platform or product system.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Youth Links Hub: Safe space for young people aged 12 to 25 providing drop-in support, homework clubs, leadership programs and learning to drive education.
• Navigator
• EPIC by Youth
• Bring Your Bills
• Community Connectors
• SETS
• TAC L2P Program
• Better Futures
• Amplify

Products and services

• Emergency Relief Provides immediate support and relief to people experiencing financial crisis in Greater Dandenong postcodes (3169, 3171, 3172, 3173, 3174, 3175), offering food, clothing, Myki cards, petrol, medications, and referrals to intensive support services.
• Financial Counselling Free, non-judgmental, independent and confidential service helping people manage debt, develop money plans, and understand their rights under the National Credit Code, including support with credit disputes, bankruptcy advice, hardship variations, and the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS).
• Settlement, Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) Casework and community development support for refugees and vulnerable migrants for up to five years after arrival, including digital literacy, English, citizenship preparation, driver education, and community capacity building, delivered at SECL offices and outpost locations (Cranbourne, Narre Warren South, Clyde North).
• Youth Navigator Supports students aged 12 to 17 with less than 30 percent school attendance to address underlying causes of educational disengagement, delivered in partnership with SELLEN.
• Youth Links Hub Safe drop-in space for young people aged 12 to 25 located in Noble Park providing education and employment pathway support, resume assistance, emergency relief referrals, free computer access, and homework club programming.
• EPIC by Youth Engage Program Inspired and Created by Youth — works with migrant and refugee youth aged 12 to 25 providing social, recreational, educational, and cultural activities through youth leadership groups and advocacy action groups.
• Better Futures Supports young people transitioning from out-of-home care to independent living, addressing goals in housing, health, education, employment, and community, delivered in partnership with Mission Australia.
• Youth Housing Provides case management for young people aged 16 to 25 experiencing housing problems including transitional housing support, private rental applications, public housing assistance, bond loans, and tenancy advocacy.
• Amplify State Government initiative giving young people aged 12 to 25 opportunity to lead planning and event management of live music, art, and cultural events, with skills development in technical production and sound tech.
• TAC L2P Learner Driving Program Free community-based program matching young learner drivers (16-21 years, some up to 23) with volunteer mentor drivers and L2P vehicles to obtain the required supervised driving experience for a probationary licence.
• Community Connectors On-the-ground outreach program placing trained social work, mental health, and nursing staff at Dandenong Station, Frankston Station, and Frankston shopping precincts to provide immediate support, prevent harm, and refer individuals facing challenges related to emergency relief, housing, financial stress, and settlement services.
• Family Violence Services Programs supporting victim-survivors to access specialist family violence services, housing, financial assistance, educational support, and legal services, including REACHher (integrated legal, financial, and psychosocial supports for multicultural women), Keeping Kids Safe, PAPS, healthy masculinity programs, and empowering girls programs.
• Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network Provides a safe space for people impacted by racism, advocacy support, and resources to report incidents across Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia LGAs, building a local evidence base for advocacy and policy reform.
• Bring Your Bills Community-first financial support event series providing free, confidential face-to-face support with financial and legal matters including unpaid bills, debt, fines, credit cards, mortgages, and government services, interpreted in multiple languages.
• Community Development and Capacity Building Empowers new and emerging community groups with one-to-one mentoring, project management training, governance support, and grant writing assistance for community groups in Casey South region and surrounding LGAs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,400+ people supported through Bring Your Bills events, addressing over $11 million in community debt
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Vicinity CentrescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Vicinity Centres supports the Community Connectors program at Frankston shopping precinct (Station Street, Shannon Mall, and Bayside Shopping Centre), extending the community safety model into retail environments.
• Wellsprings for WomencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Co-leads the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network together with SECL, Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre, and the Centre for Multicultural Youth. The network covers Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia LGAs, providing safe spaces for people impacted by racism and building local evidence base for advocacy.
• Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre (SMRC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Co-leads the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network together with SECL, Wellsprings for Women, and Centre for Multicultural Youth, coordinated by Victoria University.
• Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Co-leads the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network together with SECL, Wellsprings for Women, and Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre, coordinated by Victoria University.
• Peninsula Community Legal CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in the REACHher pilot program providing integrated legal, financial, and psychosocial supports for multicultural women experiencing family violence, along with housing stability and improved legal outcomes through a culturally responsive collaborative model.
• Southside JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in the REACHher pilot program providing integrated support for multicultural women experiencing family violence, working alongside Peninsula Community Legal Centre and SECL's financial counselling team.
• La Trobe UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Funded by La Trobe University as part of the national Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project. SECL contributes community knowledge and multicultural expertise to the Parents as Partners in Prevention (PAPS) program, a free four-part course for parents of Year 7 and 8 students.
• Women's Health in the South East (WHISE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SECL partners with WHISE and Sexual Health Victoria in the national Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project, contributing multicultural expertise to the PAPS program and the Keeping Kids Safe program (with Sexual Health Victoria and Talking the Talk).
• SECASA (South East Centre Against Sexual Assault)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SECL partners with SECASA in the Strengthening Family and Sexual Violence Support with Multicultural Communities program, building referral pathways and delivering culturally responsive supports for multicultural communities in south east Melbourne.
• Migrant Workers CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborated on the Industrial Sewing Program to deliver a 'Know Your Rights' information session for newly arrived migrant women, supporting employment pathway development.
• Selby's (local employer)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Local employer connected to SECL's Industrial Sewing Program through CCB program pathway. 4 participants referred for trials and interviews; 1 participant offered casual employment. Factory excursion for 18 participants provided real workplace exposure.
• Blinds manufacturer (local employer)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Local employer connected to SECL's Industrial Sewing Program. 3 participants referred for employment as machinists through pathway established from CCB program connection.
• Springvale Rise Primary School (SRPS) Community HubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in the Father and Sons Program for Burmese and Rohingya families, providing the familiar school setting and community hub infrastructure for in-language, culturally safe sessions.
• Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025ECCV partnered with SECL on Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness Workshops for Burmese and Rohingya women, providing intensive training for bi-cultural community women educators who co-facilitated the sessions.
• Department of Employment and Workplace RelationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Federal government department partner in the Settlement Processes and Services Guide (SLPN) developed through the Settlement Leading Partners Network. The guide supports frontline practitioners in navigating complex settlement systems for newly arrived migrants and refugees.
• Services AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in the Settlement Processes and Services Guide (SLPN) and the original initiative that grew into it, bringing together key partners from federal, education, employment and community sectors to create a practical navigation tool for settlement practitioners.
• Chisholm InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in the Settlement Processes and Services Guide (SLPN) development, contributing educational sector expertise to the practitioner resource supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees.
• WISE EmploymentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in the Settlement Processes and Services Guide (SLPN) development, bringing employment sector expertise to support practitioners helping newly arrived migrants and refugees access employment pathways.
• Victoria University (SLPN Coordinator)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Victoria University coordinates the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network across Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia LGAs. SECL co-leads the network with Wellsprings for Women, SMRC, and CMY.
• SELLEN (South East Learning and Employment Network)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SECL works in partnership with SELLEN to deliver the Navigator program for students aged 12-17 years with less than 30% school attendance. SELLEN provides the network framework while SECL provides trained expert Navigators.
• Mission AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SECL partners with Mission Australia to deliver the Better Futures program supporting young people transitioning from out-of-home care to independent living. Jesuit Social Services is also involved in providing cohesive service delivery.
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024TAC funds the L2P Program, administered by the Department of Transport and Planning and delivered by more than 50 councils and non-profit community agencies across Victoria including SECL. TAC provides the funding and program framework while SECL delivers the service locally.
• Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Funder of the Settlement, Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program delivered by SECL. SETS program assists refugees and vulnerable migrants for up to five years after arrival in Australia.
• Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SCOA CEO Maria Dimopoulos provided an address at the SLPN Guide launch, underscoring the national significance of the resource for the settlement sector. SCOA supported the initiative by amplifying its impact across multicultural Australia.
• Noble Park English Language School (NPELS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in the 'Inspire Her' program for newly arrived adolescent girls aged 15-16, combining AFL and rugby sports with discussions on healthy relationships, consent, and women's health.
• Jesuit Social ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in Phase 2 of Healthy Masculinities program (Term 1 2024) with Year 8 and 9 boys at Lyndale Secondary College, and involved in Better Futures casework alongside SECL.
• HeadspaceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Mental health referral partner for SECL's Navigator and youth programs, providing psychologists to support young people experiencing mental health challenges alongside SECL casework support.
• No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) ProvidersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SECL offers the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) providing people on low incomes with flexible and affordable credit to pay for essential items, working with NILS providers to deliver this service.
• 20+ Local Referral Partners (material aid including food, clothing, other services)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SECL has developed mutual beneficial relationships with more than 20 local community organisations, health services and local governments providing material aid including food, clothing and other services. These referral partners support SECL's wrap-around approach to client support.
• Metro Trains MelbournecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Metro Trains Melbourne to station SECL Community Connectors at Dandenong Station and Frankston Station, providing on-the-ground support for people facing challenges related to emergency relief, housing, financial stress, and settlement services. Connectors also provide training for Metro Trains staff. The program has received a Gold Award at the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
• Frankston City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Frankston City Council co-funds and supports the Community Connectors program, extending it to Frankston Station and Young Street, and subsequently to Station Street, Shannon Mall, and Bayside Shopping Centre with support from Vicinity Centres. The program aims to reduce harm and improve community safety without relying on police or security.
• Lyndale Secondary CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partner in the Healthy Masculinities program engaging Year 8 and 9 boys from refugee and migrant backgrounds, exploring positive masculinity, respectful relationships, and prevention of violence against women.
• Melbourne City Football Club - City in the CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023City in the Community partnered on the Healthy Masculinities program at Lyndale Secondary College, using football/soccer as engagement tool. Also involved in Father and Sons Program facilitating soccer matches to reinforce connection through sport.
• City of CaseycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Long-standing partner in the Community Capacity Building (CCB) program since 2019, engaging emerging community leaders from Casey region. Graduates recognized at formal City of Casey Citizenship Ceremonies. Program now expanded to Greater Dandenong and Cardinia.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Smith Family: Large national NFP focused on children's education and family economic support. Overlaps with SECL in family services, financial capability and youth education engagement, but operates at much broader national scale.
• Uniting Vic.Tas: Major Victorian/Tasmanian community services organisation delivering aged care, family services, housing and financial counselling. Overlaps with SECL in financial counselling and family services and shares senior leadership pedigree (Marcia Harkins, SECL's Head of Housing, previously at Kildonan/Uniting).

Direct peers

• Good Shepherd: National NFP focused on financial inclusion, women's economic empowerment and community programs, including the Good Shepherd Microfinance arm previously led by SECL's CEO. Strong overlap with SECL's financial counselling and emergency relief offerings.
• Brotherhood of St Laurence: Long-standing Melbourne-based community services organisation delivering research-led programs in poverty, ageing, early childhood, and social inclusion. Highly comparable to SECL in mission, service breadth and Victorian geographic focus.
• Mission Australia: Major Australian community services not-for-profit delivering housing, homelessness, youth, employment and family services. SECL partners with Mission Australia on the Better Futures program for young people exiting out-of-home care, indicating direct operational overlap.
• Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY): Victorian specialist organisation supporting refugee and migrant young people aged 12-25. CMY co-leads the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network with SECL and operates overlapping youth settlement and advocacy programs.
• Jesuit Social Services: Australian social services organisation delivering justice, housing, education, and mental health programs for disadvantaged communities. Co-delivers Better Futures and Healthy Masculinities programs with SECL.
• Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre (SMRC): Victorian settlement and community services organisation serving newly arrived migrants and refugees. SMRC is a direct partner on the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network with overlapping settlement and CALD service delivery.
• Wellsprings for Women: Victorian NFP supporting women from migrant and refugee backgrounds with family violence, wellbeing and economic empowerment programs. Co-leads the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network with SECL, Wellsprings, SMRC and CMY.

Others

• Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA): National peak body for the settlement sector. SCOA supported SECL's Settlement Processes and Services Guide launch and represents the broader sector in which SECL operates, making it an ecosystem peer rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-east-community-links

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South East Community Links