Geelong

For the last 12 months we have been exploring what Urban Seed-style community projects would look like in Geelong and, in particular, Norlane, one of the lowest socio-economic areas in Victoria. Our investment in community development work outside the city began with funding staff member Brent Lyons Lee one day per week to seed the project in Norlane.

 

In Norlane, the Baptist Union of Victoria agreed to the use of the old Norlane Baptist facility out of which our community development and youth work can operate. Urban Seed has been facilitating community meals on Monday nights in the Longroom Cafe with an average of 40-50 people attending. The team responsible for running the meal is made up of approximately twelve local volunteers, and operates with the same ethos as 'Credo Café' in Melbourne’s CBD, albeit with quite a different look and feel. The Monday meals are working well, attracting a number of different demographics including families.

 

More recently, Friday lunches began and some students involved in our ‘Edge’ program at Norlane High School are helping with food preparation.

 

An important element of Urban Seed’s operations in Melbourne’s CBD has been staff members living on–site and being part of the local community. In a similar tradition, our Geelong project incorporates a residency component. Three young interns live on the premises, engaging authentically with the local area and offering hospitality.

 

Urban Seed programs in Geelong include:

• Edge: A leadership program in Norlane High working with Year 9 students likely to drop out of school.
• Praxis: Our three residential interns are training in this youth and community work program, along with another student local to the Geelong area.
• Community meals: Operating on Monday nights and Friday lunches.

 

We would like to acknowledge United Way Geelong for their financial support.