The SEED (Sustainable Employment and Economic Development) Project — a program that helps young and disadvantaged people into employment, training or further education — won the Community Partnerships category of the 2013 LGPro Awards for Excellence.
Starting as a pilot program in the City of Moonee Valley in 2009, the success of the program led to Western Melbourne Regional Development Australia (WMRDA) funding its expansion across the inner west in 2011.
Further contributions from the Federal Government, the Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Kangan Institute and the cities of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne and Moonee Valley assisted in the delivery of the program to the region.
In winning the LGPro Community Partnerships category, SEED was acknowledged for its committed approach to partnership, bringing together industry stakeholders in the region – including government, business and agencies – to act in a collaborative and mutually beneficial way that delivers results to the local community.
Chair of the Western Melbourne Regional Development Australia (WMRDA) Committee, Mr Bill Jaboor, congratulated all those involved in the success of the SEED Project.
“The SEED model is unique, in that it is demand driven, guiding young people into areas of work and training where there is a demonstrated need and working in partnership with job service providers, trainers and employers,” said Mr Jaboor.
The LGPro award caps off a great 18 months for the SEED Project, which also won the Youth Engagement category at the 2011 National Awards for
Local Government.
City of Moonee Valley Mayor and Council’s Family, Aged, Disability and Youth portfolio holder, Councillor Narelle Sharpe, said she was thrilled that SEED has been recognised with the two awards.
“SEED is such an important project – it has made an enormous difference to a number of young people’s lives.
“Since the project began in 2009, SEED has assisted in placing over 120 young people across the west of Melbourne into employment, providing skill development, support, and mentoring.
“The vision for the SEED Project since its inception has been to help young people realise their potential. It has supported some of the most disadvantaged people in our community and has helped to reduce their sense of disengagement and social exclusion,” said Cr Sharpe.
