Learning, Playing, Thriving at Huddle Holidays Spring 2025

Huddle Holidays Spring 2025 has officially wrapped up after an incredible couple of weeks that saw over 330 attendances across seven activities in both our Junior and Senior programs!

Huddle Holidays provides children and young people with opportunities to try new experiences, build confidence, and develop skills across areas such as social inclusion, health and wellbeing, leadership, education, and careers.

Junior Program (8–12 years old) 

Our juniors made lasting memories this spring through a range of engaging and fun activities. They explored the underwater world at Melbourne Sea Life, connected to land, sky, water, and community through our First Nations Art Workshop and NMCC Mural activity, tested their athletic abilities at the Wyndham Multi-Sport Clinic, and discovered something new with Welcome to Netball. 

Many participants shared that their favourite part of the holidays was experiencing “different activities,” highlighting the program’s value in providing opportunities that might not otherwise be available to them. 

Melbourne Sea Life 

The Junior program launched with a hugely popular trip to Melbourne Sea Life, which booked out within hours! Participants created new memories while learning about marine life and ways to contribute to ocean sustainability. For many, it was their first-ever aquarium visit — their excitement was clear throughout the self-guided tour. 

A parent from Wyndham shared their appreciation for the program’s inclusiveness: 

“The inclusiveness. Coming to pick up kids in outer suburbs so we can attend.” 

Belonging is a core value of Huddle Holidays, and ensuring families feel supported and included is a key part of what makes the program special.

First Nations Art Workshop & NMCC Mural 

Next up, participants got creative and connected with community through the First Nations Art Workshop and NMCC Mural. The session was led by Emma Bamblett, a proud Wemba Wemba woman with connections to the Ngadjonji, Gunditjmara, and Taungurung peoples. Emma shared the Dreamtime story of Bunjil the Eagle and invited participants to reimagine and interpret it on canvas, exploring key themes such as connection to Country (land, sky, and water) and community.

Alongside this, participants helped begin painting a mural at the North Melbourne Community Centre, using paint and supplies generously provided by Dulux. Allysha Morris from the Centre guided the group in designing their own individual bricks to represent their personal connection to community. Participants later shared that their favourite parts were “connecting to the community” and “learning about Aboriginal art.”

Wyndham Multi-Sport Clinic 

Our next stop was the Wyndham Multi-Sport Clinic at Mainview Boulevard Reserve, Truganina. This event welcomed many new young people to Huddle Holidays for the first time! Despite strong winds, participants had a fantastic time learning Aussie Rules Football and Soccer. One participant shared: 

“I learnt a new sport and made friends.” 

This activity supported Huddle Holidays’ goal of enhancing health and wellbeing by encouraging physical activity and social connection. The clinic also marked the launch of Huddle Up! Junior Truganina — a free weekly multi-sport program for primary school students held at the same location. For more information and to register, click here HERE.

Welcome to Netball 

Our Junior program wrapped up with Welcome to Netball, facilitated by our friends at Netball Victoria. Four community coaches led participants — many trying the sport for the first time — through foundational skills, reaction challenges, and teamwork exercises. It was wonderful to see participants’ confidence grow as they became more comfortable with the game and their teammates.

Senior Program (13–18 years old) 

The Senior program kicked off with a free First Aid and CPR course delivered by Hero HQ, a company that specialises in teaching young people vital lifesaving skills. Participants gained valuable, accredited qualifications that enhance both their community contribution and career prospects. Offering free, job-relevant training is one of the many ways The Huddle supports young people’s career development.