Mayoral Statement following death of Mano Yogalingam

We are terribly saddened to hear of the death of Mano Yogalingam in Noble Park last week. It was a shocking incident and we send our sincere condolences to his friends, family and the Tamil community. Our thoughts are also with people on the scene and the first responders.

For refugees and people seeking asylum living with prolonged uncertainty about their visa status in Australia, there is no doubt this takes a heavy toll.

While people engage in the lengthy process, those without work rights or access to basic support face poverty and homelessness amidst a cost-of-living crisis.

Charities and Local Government are stepping in to help, but without funding, they cannot meet the need for emergency assistance. In April 2024 alone, the Greater Dandenong Red Cross provided food and clothing to over 300 asylum seeker households.

Greater Dandenong City Council is home to the second highest number of asylum seekers on Bridging Visas waiting on outcomes about their future in Australia. More than 700 of our local residents are living with this ongoing anxiety and uncertainty, unable to properly settle and plan for their future.

We call on the Federal Government to:

• Provide people with a valid visa and the opportunity to work
• Expand access to health care, income support and essential services so people in crisis have basic support
• Grant permanent visas to people who have been refused a visa via the 'Fast Track' process
  

City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Cr Lana Formoso