< Back Changing the game with Game Changers! Helping young people in their career development and teaching them transferable skills. Previous Next

Can you guess who's coming next? < Back Welcome our newest Shinboner to Game Day! Previous Next

We hear from Bianca about her class' experience at Game Day during Term 2. < Back Ascot Vale West Primary School at Game Day Previous Next

< Back More than Sport: Supporting Women and building belonging Empowering women through sport, building confidence, and creating connection across Australia. Emily Maiorana Previous Next

More Than Homework Help — A Supportive Space for Learning, Confidence, and Connection. < Back Study Squad in Tarneit: A Place to Learn, Grow, and Belong Tam Shama 15 Dec 2025 More Than Homework Help — A Supportive Space for Learning, Confidence, and Connection. Are you on the lookout for a safe and friendly spot for your child to study, tackle homework, and meet new friends? Look no further than Study Squad Tarneit! Run by us at The Huddle, Study Squad provides free academic support for young people aged 10 to 25. Whether you're in Year 5 or Year 12, you can take advantage of our tutors, friendly Huddle staff and peaceful study environment, all at no cost to you. Every week, our dedicated tutors and Huddle staff are here to help students with their learning tasks, boost their confidence, and reach their goals. And once the hard work is done, there’s plenty of time to relax with fun games, mindfulness activities, and chances to connect with others in a welcoming atmosphere. One student said “I like coming to Study Squad because I get help with my homework and the tutors help me to understand.” Another student commented saying “ My favourite thing is to play games after we are finished learning.” When: Thursdays during the school term from week 2 onwards Where: Penrose Community Centre, 83 Penrose Promenade, Tarneit Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Who: Students aged 10 – 25 Want to make a difference? We’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers who want to support young learners. Whether you’re studying, working, retired, or simply passionate about helping young people succeed, your support can make a real difference. Join us in building a community where young people can learn, grow, and feel like they belong. For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.thehuddle.org.au/volunteers and hit the blue LEARN MORE button to drop us a line. Previous Next

Opportunity to get active through social games of sport, such as basketball, soccer and volleyball. Opportunity to get active through social games of sport, such as basketball, soccer and volleyball. 20240923_HH_Basketball Tournament-20.jpg 20240923_HH_Basketball Tournament-7.jpg 20241206_Huddle Up!_Volleyball-7.jpg 20240923_HH_Basketball Tournament-20.jpg 1/3 Huddle Up Senior is a ‘drop in’ style program that creates a safe and welcoming environment to increase participation in sport and recreation activities for young people. The program uses sport and physical activity to contribute to creating a sense of belonging within the community and ensure that individuals, their families, and their local community can thrive. Huddle Up! Senior is facilitated during the school term only. REGISTER I get to spend more time with my friends and I got to know them better but the best thing is I had a lot of fun Ava, Huddle Up! Senior participant Previous Next

Game Changers program provided by The Huddle < Back Supporting young people on their unique career journeys Em O’Halloran, John King and Maddy Ware 29 Aug 2022 Game Changers program provided by The Huddle Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, young people aged 15-24 were already disproportionately adversely affected in the labour market. Before COVID-19, it took young people on average 2.6 years to transition from full-time education to full-time work, despite being more qualified than any previous generation. The crisis has aggravated existing disadvantage and significantly disrupted the plans and livelihoods of most young Australians. When entering the job market, young people in this age bracket with little or no work experience are the most vulnerable. Without timely and targeted intervention, young adults looking to access the workforce are at a high risk of missing out on a secure entry into the labour market and, therefore, more likely to experience long-term unemployment and/or underemployment. Either avenue will result in financial hardship. The ongoing economic implications of the pandemic for Australia's youth population are significant. However, these implications will be more acute for many young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This is due to the intersection of age, the life stage of adolescence, young people's family support role and pre-existing structural barriers to accessing employment. The objective for The Huddle is to adjust from a one-size-fits-all job placement support model to a more individualistic approach. Introducing: Game Changers - a program that creates employment opportunities within and supported by The Huddle to maximise youth engagement in paid work and strengthen employment pathways. Betty Betty is a 20-year-old Ethiopian-Australian and Wyndham resident, currently studying Year 12 at Tarneit Senior College. Betty first interacted with The Huddle in 2020, when she began participating in school holiday activities such as the professional barista course and MasterChef as part of the DET-funded Huddle Holidays initiative. Shortly afterwards, Betty started attending The Huddle’s after-school homework program, Study Squad, to seek free tutoring to support her with her Year 12 studies. After some time of continued involvement, The Huddle’s Education Coordinator encouraged Betty to participate in Game Changers to access individualised employment pathways support as well. Betty connected with the Careers Coordinator in late 2021 to participate in the Game Changers program. Initially, she was very shy and reserved, barely talking throughout her initial appointments. Collectively, they identified that Betty’s immediate goals should focus on creating a resume and identifying her industries of interest. Betty continued engaging with the Careers Coordinator in 2022 and shared that she had applied for many jobs through various online systems but was unsuccessful. The key takeaways from their sessions were a need for focus on improving her cover letter writing, finding ways to nurture her self-confidence, and learning the navigate workplace cross-cultural junctions. Throughout ongoing one-on-one coaching with the Careers Coordinator, Betty managed to flesh out her resume with work experience, apply for her Working with Children’s Check, and began volunteering alongside The Huddle. “I helped out and pushed myself outside my comfort zone” Over time, The Huddle staff observed a shift in Betty’s confidence and communication skills, and watched her initiating conversations with guests, volunteers and staff. Shortly after, Betty applied for a casual employment position with the North Melbourne Football Club selling merchandise on Game Days at Marvel Stadium. “I felt more confident applying and interviewing because I can use my recent volunteering experience to demonstrate my skills” With the guidance of the Game Changers program, Betty was successful in gaining both confidence and employment, and now works match days and contributes to the membership team. Betty completed her first shift at the North Melbourne vs. GWS game at Marvel Stadium in June 2022. She demonstrated confidence and solid interpersonal skills during her first shift, engaging positively with NMFC staff, club members, patrons and customers. Betty’s confidence and communication skills have improved dramatically since her first Game Changers coaching session. The Careers Coordinator shared that “…it has been a rewarding experience to witness Betty’s development and employment journey”. Betty’s pathway from participant to volunteer to an employee at NMFC demonstrates the power that individualised career coaching can have on a young person’s life. The Game Changers coaching sessions provided Betty with access to culturally safe networks and experiences that enabled her to build her transferable skills and confidence. The program supported her to traverse the unique barriers she faced in obtaining employment and aided her in navigating the ‘unwritten’ rules of Australian workplace culture and expectations. The Careers team at The Huddle will continue to run Game Changers to support and coach young people to harness educational work experiences to better prepare and equip themselves with the transferable skills, expertise and networks needed to integrate into the Australian workforce successfully and confidently. Previous Next

Another unforgettable Huddle Holidays winter comes to a close. < Back Huddle Holidays Winter 2026 Nathan Gaut 5 Aug 2026 Another unforgettable Huddle Holidays winter comes to a close. More than 290 young people from across Melbourne and Wyndham came together these winter school holidays to stay active, build confidence, learn new skills and create meaningful connections. Huddle Holidays Winter 2026 has officially wrapped up, delivering another exciting program packed with new experiences, teamwork and plenty of fun. Across a diverse mix of Junior and Senior activities, young people challenged themselves, built friendships and experienced safe, welcoming environments where everyone could participate and belong. From high-energy Nerf battles and adventure sports to competitive tournaments and creative activities, this winter holidays was all about trying something new, building resilience and making lasting memories. Active Adventures: Junior Program (8–12 years old) Our junior program encouraged young people to step outside their comfort zones through active, engaging experiences that promoted teamwork, confidence and social connection. Nerf Zone A brand-new addition to Huddle Holidays, Nerf Zone was an instant hit. Participants jumped into action-packed Nerf battles that encouraged teamwork, communication, and a healthy dose of friendly competition as they worked together to complete challenges and outplay the opposing team. Between battles, participants took part in a range of soccer games that kept everyone active and added a different challenge to the day. The mix of Nerf and soccer created a fun, high-energy program. SuperPark One of the most anticipated activities of the holidays, SuperPark attracted 80 participants eager to test themselves across a range of exciting challenges. From climbing walls and obstacle courses to interactive sports and jumping activities, young people spent two action-packed hours encouraging one another, celebrating achievements and demonstrating fantastic teamwork throughout the day. Basketball Clinic The final Junior activity combined sport and creativity, giving participants the chance to rotate between basketball sessions led by experienced coaches and basketball-themed craft activities. Young people designed their own jerseys and backboards before putting their skills into action on the court. The combination of physical activity and creativity kept participants engaged while encouraging self-expression, teamwork and confidence. Senior Program (13–20 years old) The Senior program continued to provide opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen social connections and challenge themselves through new and engaging experiences. Female Volleyball Tournament The Female Volleyball Tournament brought together 12 teams and more than 80 participants for a full day of action-packed volleyball. Teams played through pool rounds before the top sides progressed to the finals, with every match showcasing skill, teamwork and determination. The competition built to an exciting grand final, where the tournament champions claimed The Huddle Volleyball Champions trophy and medals after a fantastic day of volleyball. One participant shared : “It was well organised and that the tournament was healthy competition where girls were free to express themselves.” Rock Climbing Rock Climbing was introduced to give young people the opportunity to experience a new adventure activity. Participants challenged themselves both physically and mentally as they tackled climbing routes while encouraging and supporting one another throughout the session. The activity highlighted the importance of resilience, perseverance and celebrating personal achievements. Nintendo Battle Nintendo Battle made an action-packed Huddle Holidays debut at Wyndham Tech School, bringing young people together for a fun and friendly competition. Offering an inclusive alternative to traditional sports, the program created a space where everyone could get involved, regardless of their gaming experience. Players raced to the finish in Mario Kart and battled it out in Super Smash Bros., cheering each other on, testing their skills, and forging new friendships along the way. The Huddle was pleased to welcome Ash, Angela and Michelle from Community Bank Seddon who volunteered throughout the program. Their support helped activities run smoothly and played an important role in making Huddle Holidays possible. Looking Back on Another Incredible Program This winter, Huddle Holidays gave young people the chance to try new activities, build confidence, develop new skills, and connect with others in a fun and welcoming environment. A big thank you to our participants, families, activity providers, and partners – the Victorian Department of Education and Community Bank Seddon – for making the program possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another Huddle Holidays program soon. Previous Next

The inaugural Huddle Holidays Multi-Art Super Clinic < Back Multi-Art Super Clinic - Huddle Holidays Winter 23' Previous Next

Young leaders took the reins — and redefined what’s possible. < Back Game Changers in Action: Driving Ubuntu African Australian Career Expo John King 20 June 2025 Young leaders took the reins — and redefined what’s possible. Ubuntu Project’s African Australian Career Expo, held on 17 May 2025 and attended by more than 100 young people, was created to provide young people from African backgrounds with a space where they could see themselves reflected in a wide range of careers. The goal is to break down barriers by connecting youth with African Australian professionals who have navigated similar challenges and succeeded in their fields. “What makes this year’s expo different is that its youth led and culturally grounded,” said Abubaker Okud, Employment Coordinator at Ubuntu Project. “It’s designed by young people for young people. Five participants from the Game Changers program helped shape and run every aspect of the event, from program design and logistics to speaker outreach and managing the event on the day.” While working on the expo, participants gained valuable hands-on experience in event planning and professional communication. They developed leadership and teamwork skills by assisting with coordination of various elements of the expo, including logistics, outreach, and on the day operations. They also gained insight into time management, problem solving, and how to adapt in a fast-paced event environment. Overall, the experience helped them build confidence in their abilities and gave them a real-world understanding of what it takes to deliver a large-scale community event. “At first I was thinking, how it was my first time [coordinating] events, am I able to do that? The outcome was great. And it was easy! I'd like to [be involved] in more events like this one, and organising events in the future,” said Game Changers participant Madina Omar. To support participants, Ubuntu Project and The Huddle provided mentoring, regular check-ins, and clear role delegation while still giving them space to lead. “We walked them through key elements of event planning and supported them in building confidence when communicating with professionals or managing parts of the expo. We made sure they felt included, valued, and supported throughout — not just as helpers, but as co-creators,” said Abubaker. “I did a lot of things I said I couldn’t do,” said Yusra Abdulkarim, who also worked in the project team. “I was interested in studying project management, but I wasn't sure. After I did Game Changers, now I'm sure I want do it.” A highlight for Abubaker was seeing how the participants took ownership of their roles and worked collaboratively to deliver such a successful event. “Whether it was helping to coordinate activities, managing staff on the day, or confidently approaching speakers and attendees, each participant contributed meaningfully and brought their own strengths to the table,” he said. “It was clear that they were proud of the event they helped shape, and it was inspiring to see their growth and leadership in action throughout the process.” Liam Jansen was another Game Changers participant who worked on the African Australian Careers Expo and found great value in getting outside his comfort zone to get the most out of himself and take the next steps on his career journey. “My most enjoyable aspect was I got to work in a group and be a part of a project,” he said. “That was great. I got to meet people, like Fraser (Careers & Volunteers Officer with The Huddle) who helped me with developing my resume. He really supported me and even directed me to a Certificate in Engineering course, which I’ll be studying at Victoria University.” Game Changers and the partnership between The Huddle and Ubuntu Project was made possible thanks to the support of Paving the Way Forward and the Victorian State Government. Previous Next

Need educational support and a safe space to study? Come down to Study Squad! < Back Study Squad is back for Term 3 29 July 2024 Need educational support and a safe space to study? Come down to Study Squad! Looking for a safe space to do your homework and receive academic support? 📝 Study Squad is the program for you! 📚 Get ahead this school term and join us for this FREE program! Study Squad is a safe space for young people aged 12-25 years to learn, grow and belong while receiving academic support. The program offers subject-specific volunteer tutors, computers, and internet access, as well as a study space, at no cost to participants. Study Squad will be running on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mondays & Tuesdays 3:30pm - 6:30pm @ Arden St. Wednesdays 3:30pm - 5:30pm @ The Huddle Werribee See you there! Previous Next

Students participated in a four week program designed to strengthen collaboration and foster empathy within their peer groups. < Back Cambridge Primary School Finds Its True North Tam Shama 17 Apr 2026 Students participated in a four week program designed to strengthen collaboration and foster empathy within their peer groups. Term 1 marked a significant milestone for Cambridge Primary School, as the school completed its very first engagement with The Huddle's education programs. Year 5 and Year 6 students participated in Our True North, a four week program designed to empower young people by strengthening collaborative abilities and fostering empathy within their peer groups. Students explored workshops across four key topics (Social Connections, Emotional Intelligence, Teamwork and Leadership), with each session building on the last to deepen their understanding of themselves and the people around them. Students kicked off the program by exploring the places and people they are connected to, and reflected on the importance of being socially connected. From there, they turned inward in the Emotional Intelligence workshop, building self-awareness and developing strategies for managing and regulating their emotions in challenging situations. The Teamwork session brought those skills into action through collaborative challenges, with teachers noting exceptional student engagement and a real willingness to support one another. In the final Leadership workshop, students began by reflecting individually on which leadership qualities resonated most with them personally, before coming together in groups to reach a collective ranking. Finding common ground and navigating different opinions was all part of the challenge. Each group then shared their top and bottom choices with the class and explained their reasoning, sparking rich conversation about what leadership looks like and why it matters. The program wrapped up with a highlight students won't forget: a visit from North Melbourne Football Club players Bella, Eddy and Charlie Comben, who joined the final session for an open Q&A. Over four weeks, students across both year levels grew in confidence, became more willing to take risks in group settings, and strengthened relationships with peers beyond their usual friendship groups. Teachers reported high buy-in throughout and commented positively on the impact the program had on classroom dynamics. We are proud to welcome Cambridge Primary School into The Huddle community. Previous Next