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How Howard became the driving force behind volleyball in the West < Back Coach Howard starts new club Steph Webb 18 Apr 2023 How Howard became the driving force behind volleyball in the West Huddle Up! is a ‘drop in’ style program that creates a safe and welcoming environment to increase participation in sport and recreation activities for young people aged 12-25. As a part of the Huddle Up! Senior program, The Huddle have been running different sports programs at Eagle Stadium since (2017). Young people can attend on Friday nights to play in a social round robin volleyball competition and practice their skills. There are very limited options for Wyndham residents to play volleyball in a competitive environment outside of the program. Based on this need in community, long-time Huddle participant Howard and his father Joe have started their own club, Melbourne Volleyball Club. Howard capitalized on both a need in the community, and the large attendance numbers at Huddle Up! at Eagle Stadium (380 registrations in 2022), and after much consultation with young people in the area, hatched the plan to start Melbourne Volleyball Club. Since I had migrated to Australia, the area in which I live doesn't locally offer any sports aside from conventional sports such as footy, cricket, and football. Though I will soon grow out childhood and progress to adulthood, [my dad and I] still aspire to provide kids in a similar situation with the opportunities that I had lacked. - Howard Howard is 15 and has participated in Huddle Up! Senior at Eagle Stadium since May 2021. He has also been involved with three Huddle Holidays volleyball tournaments and one basketball tournament. In 2022, Howard was also invited to Wyndham Council Sport Leadership Breakfast through The Huddle. Our aim and objective with MVC is to enrich the Western suburbs with a strong volleyball culture and to provide local players with the opportunities they would otherwise have to travel a long distance for. - Howard MVC train on a regular basis and enter volleyball competitions against other clubs all around Melbourne and Victoria. A number of these young people involved with MVC have been participating in Huddle Up! at Eagle Stadium for several years and have built great friendships with Howard (who they affectionately refer to as ‘Coach Howard’) and other likeminded young people through the program. At the time of writing, 17 young people have become the founding members of MVC and are taking the next steps of their individual volleyball pathways. Howard and his father hope to, in the future, expand their audience to include primary school aged children in the hopes that they can foster a volleyball culture and inspire new passionate players. …the sense of duty to improve the community and provide the children with more opportunities has inspired and continues to motivate me. The Huddle has greatly influenced the making of our club. Huddle Up! has brought to our attention that there is great interest and initiative for volleyball in the West of Melbourne. Howard gave a special shoutout to Huddle volunteer Eli, who has been a great help in the foundational stages of MVC. Howard stands out in ensuring everyone feels welcome and has a team to play in. He is well respected by the participants and is always seen giving coaching tips to other young people. Howard has always been a strong advocator for the Huddle Up! program and shares the voices and needs of other young people in the community. Interested in getting started with your own volleyball journey? Huddle Up! Senior at Eagle Stadium runs every Friday night from 4:30pm-6:15pm and 6:15pm-8pm on Court 12. Register via the link here . Melbourne Volleyball Club is actively recruiting new players. Register your expression of interest here . Previous Next

Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp < Back Stories from HERStory Camp Asli Abdullahi 17 July 2023 Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp During the recent school holidays, 19 young girls embarked on a transformative 3-day adventure at Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp. Stepping away from their technological devices, the girls immersed themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors, leaving their comfort zones behind. HERStory Camp provided a unique opportunity for these participants to forge new friendships, build self-confidence, and embrace the wonders of nature. The HERStory Camp offered the girls a chance to learn and embrace a variety of outdoor activities. One highlight was the bush cooking activity, where the participants successfully mastered the art of making damper. Guided by a knowledgeable activity instructor, the girls prepared the damper in bowls before roasting it over a bonfire. The delicious treat was enjoyed with vegemite and butter, creating a moment of connection with First Nations Aboriginal culture. The bush cooking experience not only introduced the girls to a new culinary skill but also became a memorable way to bond and cherish their time together. ‘’The camp was a great experience especially since I learnt how to embrace and appreciate nature. Taking a break from the city life was much needed. Most importantly I made new connections and memorable memories that I’ll never forget.’’ - Inas, Camp Participant HERStory Camp aims to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young girls to break free from their comfort zones. Many participants were attending camp for the first time, including those who had recently arrived in the country. The camp's objective was to create an environment where the girls could build new relationships and gain enriching experiences. Through engaging in outdoor activities and forming deep connections, the participants grew in self-confidence and nurtured a strong sense of sisterhood. The Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp provided a nurturing space for the girls to disconnect from their digital lives and embrace the camp environment fully. Through team-building exercises and shared experiences, the participants developed strong bonds and lasting memories. As they gathered around the campfire, laughter and companionship flourished, and along with it, a newfound appreciation for each other. ‘’In the embrace of the wilderness, I discovered the beauty of nature and the strength within myself. During a moonlit hike, fear tried to overpower me, but the unwavering support of my friends became a guiding light. In that intense moment, determination clashed with fear, revealing a transformative power within me. Together, we gracefully navigated nature's challenges, overcoming treacherous slopes, and forging our own path. With each step, we fostered teamwork, using creativity and solidarity to conquer slippery terrain. Gathered around the campfire, laughter and companionship flourished. Through toasting marshmallows and engaging in deep conversations, personal growth blossomed. The boundary between humanity and nature blurred, unveiling my deep-rooted love for the natural world. This camp experience has left an indelible mark on my spirit, engraving courage, friendship, and self-discovery into my being’’. - Habon, Camp Participant The success and positive impact of HERStory Camp continues to grow, as 30 more youth girls are eagerly anticipating their upcoming camp experience in early October. The program's commitment to fostering camaraderie, self-discovery, and appreciation for nature make it an inspiring journey for young girls seeking to embrace the beauty of the great outdoors and form lasting connections. HERStory Camp's adventure-packed experience empowers young girls to embrace nature, discover their inner strength, and build meaningful friendships. Through captivating activities, laughter-filled nights around the campfire, and shared moments of growth, the participants leave the camp with newfound confidence, unforgettable memories, and the foundation of a sisterhood that transcends boundaries. With each passing camp, HERStory continues to create a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment among CALD girls, enriching lives and creating a place for connection and self-discovery. Previous Next

Samatar Ali's Journey to Empower African Australian Youth < Back The Power of Sport Samantha Weston 12 Sept 2023 Samatar Ali's Journey to Empower African Australian Youth Sport can bring together communities and offer purpose and belonging to all. It has the ability to create positive change and inspire. Samatar Ali is a young person who has harnessed the power of sport and has used his passion for providing a voice to those who are unrepresented, to empower African Australian youth on a global stage. Born in New Zealand, Sam moved to Australia with his grandmother at the age of 14. It did not take long before Sam found himself at home on the basketball court. “That is where I felt the safest…on the basketball court. Everything else going on in the world does not exist there.” As he adjusted to a new culture and school system, he realized that the court was more than just a place to have fun; it was providing him the necessary tools to express himself and feel confident. Through connections made at school, Sam began attending Huddle programs as a teen. Via The Huddle, he was introduced to Larita Academy and the National Basketball League (NBL). It was here that he undertook a three-day workshop with NBL executives that not only expanded his knowledge of the game, but ignited a passion for coaching that would shape his future. “That’s my craft, and I decided that this will be my profession too – coaching is what I want to do.” Recently, Sam had the opportunity to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in partnership with the Scanlon Foundation and The Huddle. Here, he participated in a panel on Economic Empowerment of people of African descent at the United Nations (UN). At the UN, Samatar spoke passionately about the power of sport in providing a sense of belonging for African Australian youth. Samatar and his delegation raised several crucial issues. They emphasized the need for more policy, advocacy, and literacy surrounding the challenges faced by People of African Descent. Unity, both within the community and in governing bodies, was another key point. Samatar emphasized, “I need more people of African descent in these boardrooms to help inform understanding as well as guide progressive decision-making. ” He stressed the importance of representation in decision-making processes. Sport holds a significant place in Australian culture, but unfortunately, it is still not for everyone. Many people who have migrated to Australia from African countries have played sport prior to arriving, but once they have settled in Australia, they can face significant barriers and challenges to participate in organised sport. To truly empower young African Australians, affordable options and pathways to sports need to be accessible and to explore ways to play differently. “Every kid deserves the opportunity to become a better version of themselves, and sport really facilitates that growth.” Reflecting on the trip to Genova, Sam shares that the experience made him more determined than ever to make a difference. It fuelled his passion and his demand for more opportunities for girls and young women. He stresses the need for a careful and focused approach to applying funding where it is needed most. This means acknowledging the grassroots and community aspects of sport, where the key message remains coming together to connect and play for fun. In the wake of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Federal Government has pledged $200M for women’s sports, with Prime Minister Albanese stating that it will “…promote equal access and build more suitable facilities” . More needs to be done to design and play sport differently. The government needs to begin using a system that is not reliant on income streams to stay afloat, such as memberships and uniforms. Support needs to come in the form of listening to what communities need and want to foster sporting availability, quality, and growth. Now that he is back home, Sam's focus is completing his business degree at Victoria University. He is determined to excel in basketball coaching and administration while also collaborating with corporate Australia and government bodies to create real opportunities, access, and equity for people of African Descent. Sam believes this path is his true calling, and by becoming an exceptional teacher, executive, and leader, he hopes to make a lasting impact once he achieves his basketball goals. “The focus every day is to outwork yesterday”. As he continues to learn and grow, Samatar's story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the boundless potential of sport to create positive change. Previous Next

Empowering families, breaking barriers, and showing how lived experience can shape community change. < Back From Motherhood to Movement Zakaria Farah 8 Oct 2025 Empowering families, breaking barriers, and showing how lived experience can shape community change. Habiba’s story is what How We Move is all about. She has taken her life experiences and turned them into purpose by founding 4th Trimester — a space dedicated to supporting parents through birth and the transition into motherhood. As a doula and birth educator, Habiba focuses on restoring confidence and joy by offering care, connection and accessible information. Beyond her professional role, Habiba is a mother, a partner and a community voice. She brings compassion, empathy and understanding into everything she does — from offering restorative post-partum care, to breaking down barriers in the health system, to creating safe spaces where families can make informed decisions. Her journey is a reminder that success can mean transforming personal experience into something successful that empowers others, while still honouring the practices and traditions that shape us. How We Move is a series that captures the different ways voices from our communities navigate life, pursue their dreams and make an impact. “Move” is about more than motion. It is moving through challenges, moving towards opportunities and moving forward in our own way. This series shares the real stories of voices who turned challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. Each journey reminds us there is no single definition of success. What matters is how we move towards it and the possibilities we open up along the way. Previous Next

As The Huddle’s impact in the Wyndham area continues to grow, our volunteers and their connections to the community are vital in helping young people learn, grow and belong < Back Volunteer Get to Know: Eli Riley Goodwin 18 May 2022 As The Huddle’s impact in the Wyndham area continues to grow, our volunteers and their connections to the community are vital in helping young people learn, grow and belong As The Huddle’s impact in the Wyndham area continues to grow, our volunteers and their connections to the community are vital in helping young people learn, grow and belong. One such volunteer is Eli. Since joining The Huddle in December 2021, Eli has been instrumental in building our Huddle Up volleyball program on Friday nights at Eagle Stadium in Werribee. We sat down with Eli to learn more about how he came to be a volunteer at The Huddle and his journey with volunteering so far. How did you first learn about the Huddle? I’ve always been really passionate about sport (particularly volleyball) and I was actually running my own volleyball session out in the local park because I wanted to increase engagement with the community and give people a place to go. Some of the youths who were coming down each week said they heard about The Huddle running a volleyball activity at Eagle Stadium, so I went down one night and spoke to Steph (Head of Sport & Recreation at The Huddle) and asked if they were looking for volunteers. She said yes and I applied on The Huddle website that night! It worked out perfectly to be honest. As much as I enjoyed going down to the park, it is nice to not have to lug around my own equipment and playing inside means we can keep going regardless of the weather. How long have been involved in Volleyball for? I played growing up back home in New Zealand. I was lucky enough to go to a volleyball school which meant I got to play pretty much every day! I continued playing during my time in the Defence Force and Army as well, so it’s been a big part of my life that’s for sure. I’ve been getting more into coaching these past few years as I’m getting a bit old. Although I still play on a Wednesday night in Altona, so I haven’t completely stopped yet. What’s your favourite part about coaching? Seeing improvements from people each and every week. It’s really rewarding watching people gain more and more confidence and doing things they didn’t think they were capable of. It’s great building that sense of community and supportive environments as well. What would you say to anyone who’s interested in volunteering but hasn’t done it before and doesn’t know where to start? I think an important thing is to find something you’re passionate about and volunteer in that space. I have always loved sport, so a lot of my volunteering has centred around that. But I think there’s always opportunities to help people with everything really, whether it’s education, helping people write resumes and apply for jobs, etc. You can help people in so many different ways. Most importantly, give it a go! You have nothing to lose. The feeling you get from helping people is unmatched and I wish everyone could experience it. You can also make a really positive impact on an individual or a group of people’s lives. Previous Next

Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club partnership with The Huddle < Back 2023 Huddle Holidays Summer Ruth Game 22 Feb 2023 Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club partnership with The Huddle Over 300 young people and their families across the City of Melbourne, Moonee Valley City Council and Wyndham City Council have participated in The Huddle Anglesea Surf Trip since 2018. This full day event is in partnership with the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC) and provides young people, their parents, and caregivers the opportunity to participate in a day safely and supportively at the beach. This event would not run successfully without the full support and in-kind assistance from the ASLSC including providing The Huddle access to their venue, a volunteer to cook lunch, and a 1:3 ratio of nippers to keep everyone safe in the water. The Anglesea Surf Trip is the most anticipated activity within the Huddle Holidays calendar thanks to the generous and authentic contribution of ASLSC. It's a pleasure to have The Huddle come to Anglesea. I've helped for many years now with my sister. It's nice to see familiar faces. - Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club volunteer The Anglesea Surf Trip unites families to participate in a quintessential Australian Summer activity – swimming at the beach. Numerous parents have declared their hesitation or inability to travel to Anglesea, so this activity allows for North Melbourne community members to be driven to the beach by coach. I love this trip to the beach. I only go to local beaches and can't drive my children to Anglesea. This is their favourite Huddle activity. The ASLSC make us feel welcome every time. The volunteers are very friendly. - Parent Once at the beach, a water safety session is provided by up to 50 volunteers from ASLSC who are young people themselves. This water safety component is essential to build confidence in the water and trust with the volunteers. Participants learn about rips and how to quickly call for help or get themselves to safety when in danger. As the ratio of ASLSC volunteers to participants is 1:3, participants are supported safely in the water to take calculated risks and enjoy the surf. Additionally, volunteers from ASLSC are exceptionally friendly and excited to engage with all participants and families of The Huddle. The volunteers (ASLSC) are really nice and fun and keep us safe in the water. I get to go out deep in the waves with them. - Nine-year-old For many families in and around North Melbourne, The Huddle Anglesea Surf Trip has become an integral part of the yearly Huddle Holiday experience. Since 2018, The Huddle Anglesea Surf Trip, in partnership with the ASLSC, has welcomed over 350 young people and their families to a day at the beach. 2023 welcomed almost 60 participants, up to 50 volunteers and 10 Huddle staff for another fantastic day in the surf. I wanted to tell you that I loved going to the beach with The Huddle. It’s my first time at Anglesea and I had the best time. I really want to go again next time. I loved surfing and being in the water. - Seven-year-old Previous Next

A day of bowling and mini-golf < Back Hitting the lanes and sinking putts at Strike Jasper Menor 22 Jan 2025 A day of bowling and mini-golf We hit the lanes and the greens at Strike Bowling and Holey Moley in Point Cook for some friendly competition. Our game of bowling came down to the final roll with clutch strikes and spares kept us on the edge of our seats - talk about a dramatic finish! It was a cruisy start on the green, but the final hole had us all screaming "Holey Moley!". It was a perfect mix of challenging and hilarious. Whether it's bowling or mini-golf, Strike Bowling and Holey Moley are the go-to spots for a fun filled day out! 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

Hear about GOAL! Motorsport Australia from Molly Taylor < Back Motorsport joins The Huddle Previous Next

A full-on day of maths, sportspersonship and fun! < Back An Unforgettable Day at the NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship 18 Sept 2024 A full-on day of maths, sportspersonship and fun! On September 4, the 2024 NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship brought together over 120 Grade 5 and 6 students from six schools. Hosted at Arden St, the event was an electrifying mix of brainpower, sportspersonship, and sheer excitement as students competed for the title of "The Huddle Math Hoops 2024 Victorian State Champions" and, of course, that shiny trophy! The championship kicked off with three nail-biting rounds that saw students flex their maths skills and quick thinking under pressure. After some tight competition, the Elite Eight were chosen to advance to the semi-finals, each team determined to make it to the top. The excitement reached a serious peak as the final two teams went head-to-head, battling for ultimate glory and the championship title. While the competition was fierce, the day was about more than just winning. Throughout the event, students demonstrated incredible sportspersonship and teamwork. The "Huddle Heroes"—students who went above and beyond to support their peers—cheered on competitors, proving that kindness and respect are just as important as coming out on top. Their display of honesty and heart was a true highlight of the event. Just when it seemed the day couldn’t get any better, the Math Hoops participants were surprised with a visit from the AFLW North Melbourne Kangaroos! Star players Jenna Bruton, Kim Rennie and Ash Riddell joined in the fun, receiving a crash course in NBA Math Hoops from the students themselves. The interaction between the young competitors and professional athletes added an extra layer of excitement and inspiration to the day. A massive thanks to Learn Fresh, NBA Math Hoops, and the Department of Education. We’d also like to extend a special shoutout to the schools who participated and helped make the day unforgettable: - St Andrew’s Primary School - St Justin’s Parish Primary School - St Mary’s Primary School - Ascot Vale West Primary School - Silverton Primary School - St Damian’s Primary School The 2024 NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship was a day to remember. We already can't wait for next year! Previous Next

< Back Kicks, Marks and Cultural Connections The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy Previous Next

Bella is Shaping Her Future Through Skills, Community, and Opportunity < Back A Game Changer in Wyndham Previous Next