Redundant employees are seeking their entitlements be paid out by Community Connections, but have objected to the matter being heard by FairWork Australia.

Community Connections now has to make detailed written submissions before 4pm next Monday, with the next hearing date expected to be scheduled for either Friday, February 17, or Monday, February 20.

The availability of a video link with the Warrnambool Magistrates Court will determine which day the hearing resumes.

Yesterday an application by Community Connections senior manager Cheryl Umbers to adjourn the hearing because of an administrative oversight by the FairWork Australia office was rejected. Commissioner Anna Lee Cribb adjourned the hearing after an hour yesterday without a word of evidence being heard.

Warrnambool solicitor Creon Coolahan (pictured above) said the adjournment application was frustrating for all the respondents, some of whom had travelled to Melbourne for yesterday's aborted hearing.

"One respondent said she spent all her food money going to (yesterday's) hearing and hopes not to have to attend next time due to her dire financial circumstances," he said.

Forty-one sacked workers are seeking more than $520,000 in entitlements from Community Connections.

Staff were made redundant when the agency lost contracts to provide a range of services following an investigation by two state government departments.

Community Connections claims it can't afford to pay and has filed an application to be exempt from its financial obligations to former staff.