Spending many of my formative years as a resident of Flemington and Kensington, it is still a place that holds a huge place in my heart.  While working at McDonald’s on Racecourse Rd, I became deeply connected to the locals in my role as the local area marketer. As Chair of Flemington Neighbourhood House, I was instrumental in running the Flemington Multicultural Festival that closed Racecourse Road, if you can believe it!

What I’ve learnt about this place is the people have real heart, deep care for each other and a desire for everyone in the community to succeed. The multicultural nature of Flem-Ken is the essence of what makes it one of Melbourne’s hidden gems.

Now living a little further down the road in Yarraville, I am privileged to be part of the Community Bank Seddon. Recently, we made a commitment to the Flem-Ken community to create more opportunities for youth and community connections to continue the work of Community Bank Flemington.

Being a Community Bank, our role is to continue to invest in the communities that support us. We use the profits from banking, with our partner Bendigo Bank, to invest in local groups that have an impact for people who live there.

Recently we have made some significant community investments including supporting:

– 44 primary school kids attend Urban Camp

– 170 kids participating in The Huddle’s school holiday program

– 4 scholarships for students from Mt Alexander College attending university

– Community Planting Day at Kensington Stockyard Food Garden

– Flemington Traders Easter Egg Hunt

– Kensington Neighbourhood House’s Food Pantry and Kids ‘Out and About’ Program

– Progress Kinder Fete

– Moonee Valley Bridge Club’s ‘Super Congress’ event

– Union Road Traders Artisan Market

The board and staff of Community Bank Seddon are so pleased to be able to support these fantastic programs that we know make a real difference for the people and places that participate. And the great news is there is so much more to come.

Flem-Ken shaped my attitude towards community, and I am so pleased that in a small way, I am part of something that’s giving back to the community that has a place for everyone.

If you want to get in touch about your banking or your community group that needs support, contact our team at Community Bank Seddon, 90 Charles Street, Seddon on 9687 2500.

• Sarah Franklyn (Chair – Community Bank Seddon)