New website launched to connect Seymour residents with community programs

SEED Project stakeholder engagement lead Ben VanderZee said an insight provided by The Brotherhood of St Laurence showed common themes around the need to build trust, ensuring important programs were visible, and working more collaboratively to better support the community.

“Without accurate and easily accessible information, then stigmas about seeking support go unchanged, referrals between organisations are less effective, and valuable programs may struggle to continue in Seymour,” he said.

“Our vision is for a safe, strong, well-connected community. That’s why we do the work that we do and why we think this resource will make a difference.”

In 2023, the SEED Project established the Community Investment Committee.

“The Seymour Community Programs Directory came into existence through a committee of 10 local organisations, with funding from the Brotherhood of St Laurence,” Mr VanderZee said.

“One of our members said they’re a great local resource to help families, but the programs aren’t getting traction and may not continue.

“Another one, Seymour is used to seeing things come and go, pilots not continuing. We must leverage off each other to get community buy-in and make good programming sustainable.”

Although the SEED Project focuses on women, there are programs for everyone in Seymour.

“While SEED Project only works with women, our committee partners offer a wide range of locally delivered programs to support everyone,” he said.

“This directory is a way for people to find those easily and accurately, and it will grow over time.”

Currently, there are 61 programs on the website, divided into 15 categories such as youth programs, financial wellbeing and food relief.

The website can also sort programs specifically for women in Seymour concerned about their financial situation.

This is because research by the Brotherhood of St Laurence indicated that women were at an economic disadvantage in Seymour.

“That’s directly through the 10 organisations, the referral networks that they use, and that we could capture and put on the directory,” Mr VanderZee said.

“We surveyed the community providers or service providers who, we think, will use the directory, as well as future workforce, so it’s a lot of people who study community services or recently graduated also said this could be a great tool for them.”

Mr VanderZee said their goal is to keep the directory as up-to-date as possible.

“The majority of those surveys indicated that they would actively contribute to the directory by suggesting updates or corrections,” he said.

“That shows a lot of investment from our community in getting this right.

“They wanted to be a reliable resource that can be used at the time, but others, they had specific people in mind that they want to be able to share this with.”

On Wednesday, June 26, the SEED Project members, along with state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, cut the ribbon to launch the Seymour Community Programs Directory website.

“It is always inspiring when you see a community group identify a problem and then follow it up by delivering a well-thought-out solution,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Sadly, there has been a need to address the higher levels of disadvantage in regional communities like Seymour and this directory will be of great benefit to those who need it most.

“Whether it be the support needed for housing, financial dependence or the safety of our women and young families, this directory will be essential in linking vulnerable residents with services that they desperately need.

“This is an incredible partnership that will have enormous benefits for our community, led compassionately and confidently by the SEED Project.

“I encourage everybody interested to get online and see the amazing services available in our community.”