Aid service merger plans

PLANS are afoot to merge Springvale and Dandenong’s community aid and advice bureaus under the one banner.
However, the City of Greater Dandenong’s involvement in the merger is unknown after the council redirected the Star to both bureaus for comment despite councillors being briefed on the merger by directors.
The bureaus, which provide essential assistance for tens of thousands of Greater Dandenong residents, are currently funded separately by the Greater Dandenong council.
Dandenong Community Advice Bureau (DCAB) manager Carol Drummond said the heads of both organisations were working with the council to determine whether the merger would go ahead and what it would mean for both groups.
“Our chairman and the Springvale chairwoman had a meeting with a council staff member but no consultation was made prior to the proposed merger being presented at a council briefing,” Ms Drummond said.
Both bureaus provide low-income earners with taxation help, interest free loans, counselling and other services.