A lady looking at her bills

How You Can Help Reduce Poverty

Take Action: Be a Voice for Change

Poverty and financial inequality continue to impact many in our community. By taking action today, you can help create meaningful change for those experiencing hardship. The Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium is calling on community members to advocate for urgent solutions by reaching out to local Members of Parliament (MPs). 

We urge MPs to address poverty in our community, implement measures to reduce the cost of living, and explore innovative solutions by meeting with the Anti-Poverty Steering Committee.

How Can You Help?

Send an email to your to your local Federal and State MPs encouraging them to take action on poverty. You can use the sample letter below and adapt it as needed.

Personal stories are highly encouraged - they help decision‑makers better understand the real challenges faced by our community.

If you’re unsure who your elected representatives are, you can refer to the Local MPs Contact List further down this page.

Read sample letter below

Subject: Cost of living crisis in Greater Dandenong  
Dear Local Member,
I am writing to you as a concerned community member from Greater Dandenong. Many people in our community are struggling with poverty, with 1 in 5 residents living below the poverty line. Families, seniors, and individuals are finding it hard to afford housing, food, and basic services. This situation is getting worse, and we need urgent action to help those most in need.
Poverty is not just an individual issue; it impacts the well-being and future of our whole community. I would like to introduce you to the Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium, a partnership between local community organisations and the Greater Dandenong City Council, is committed to addressing poverty through sustainable solutions and systemic advocacy. The Anti-Poverty Steering Committee, made up of three consortium representatives, focused on tackling these challenges. They have been engaging with community members to explore sustainable solutions and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to share insights and discuss potential collaborative efforts with you.

If you have not yet had the chance to meet with the Steering Committee, I strongly encourage you to consider this meeting. Your support and influence in addressing poverty would be invaluable to our community.

Please feel free to reach out to the Steering Committee at poverty@cgd.vic.gov.au to arrange a time that best suits your availability.

Poverty is Everybody’s Business and as our local Member of Parliament, your support and influence would make a big difference. 

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name / A Concerned Community Member]

Steps to send your letter

  1. Copy the sample letter above.
  2. Personalise it by adding your story or any additional concerns (optional but powerful).
  3. Find your local MP’s contact details in the table below.
  4. Paste your email into your preferred email platform.
  5. Sign off with your name or organisation name.
  6. Hit Send.
  7. Repeat this process to contact your Federal, State, and Upper House representatives.

Local MP Contact Details 

Local MPs List - Greater Dandenong - 120.8KB

Be a part of the solution

By taking action today - sending emails, sharing this page, or jointing the conversation - you are helping to build a stronger, more equitable community for everyone.

Poverty is everyone's business - Let's take action together.

Your voice matters. These emails could make a difference.

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