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2023 Spring Huddle Holiday's Program < Back Sanhae's Spring Emily Phu 31 Oct 2023 2023 Spring Huddle Holiday's Program Huddle Holidays is a free school holiday program that provides young people with opportunities to try new experiences and develop their skills and capacity across social inclusion, health, emotional wellbeing, and leadership. Throughout this Spring School Holiday program at The Huddle, Senior participants had the opportunity to go to Strike Bowling & Laser Tag, Bounce, and to compete in the Huddle’s Basketball Slam, offering a diverse range of activities to keep them engaged and excited. School holidays can be a period where young people may disengage from safe social activities. The Huddle aims to contribute to the reduction of anti-social behaviour by providing activities to engage young people throughout the school break. Further, with the rising cost of living, young people may face financial barriers to access engaging activities, making Huddle Holidays a free option for both the youth and their families. “Huddle Holidays was very fun, very inspiring, and very convenient because you brought us there and brought us back.” Sanhae has attended Huddle programs over 60 times (including Huddle Holidays and Huddle Up!) since joining in 2021. He initially attended Huddle Holidays for the sports tournaments but attended every Senior program this time round. “I had a lot of fun hanging out with the staff members who did Bowling with us and played Dodgeball at Bounce with us.” When asked why Sanhae chose to come to Huddle Holidays for the first time, they shared that “…we are getting older, so there’s not a lot of opportunities left. I also don’t have anything else to do on the holidays. With costs and transport covered, I just had to show up - so it was fun! It was also nice to hang out with friends and make new friends too.” Sanhae will continue to engage in the Huddle’s program, including Huddle Up! at Werribee Secondary College and Huddle Holidays. He is more interested in attending future Huddle Holidays to experience different activities during their school holidays, which speaks to the program's long-lasting impact and appeal to the young people of the North Melbourne, Flemington, and Wyndham communities. Previous Next

Game Changers: Linking Participants with Professionals < Back Diving into the deep end of the networking pool Maddy Ware and John King 21 Mar 2023 Game Changers: Linking Participants with Professionals Networking continues to be a core part of the employment experience. Young people from Multicultural backgrounds who have been successful in gaining sustainable employment note the importance of strong professional and peer networks ( Meet Me in the Middle Report , Victorian Multicultural Commission p. 21, 2020). However, gaining access to strong professional networks can be difficult for young people from diverse backgrounds. The objective of The Huddle’s Game Changers program is to bridge the gap between young people and employers. Through partnerships and collaboration with other like-minded organisations, young people who engage with The Huddle can network with operations and groups that want to see them develop and thrive in their career journey. Arsema is a 17-year-old female from Tarneit. Arsema and was referred by partnering organisation, Ubuntu Project, to Game Changers, and has since taken part in The Huddle’s Study Squad and True North programs. Arsema attended Game Changers workshops during the September school holidays in 2022. The workshops were comprised of employability skill development, community project ideation and professional networking opportunities. In a recent interview with The Huddle, Arsema advised that a highlight of Game Changers was learning about different industries and the skills required to be a successful candidate and employee. On the first day of workshops, a representative from the YMCA was present and discussed the professional and community benefits of becoming a swim teacher. The discussion between the YMCA representative and the participants was informal but effective. The comfortable nature in which Game Changers presented industry professionals gave Arsema the confidence to approach the YMCA representative and inquire further about becominga swim teacher. Not long after the connection was made, Arsema took the steps needed to become a qualified swim teacher and has begun working for the YMCA at Carlton Baths. By prioritising networking as a core component of the program, Game Changers provides young people from multicultural backgrounds the opportunity to safely network with industry professionals in a way that is not intimidating or overbearing. In the employment landscape, the old saying of, ‘it is not what you know but who you know’ still rings true. By providing avenues for young people to link into and build their own professional networks, Game Changers is supporting participants to become more confident and, importantly, independent, when moving through and, eventually out of the program. Arsema has now been working as a swim teacher for several months and advised that her new role has “…allowed me to become more financially independent…” Through a combination of formal presentations and informal networking components, Game Changers will provide participants with a chance to connect with industry leaders and professionals. This affords young people with opportunities to not only grow their knowledge and networks, but also build their own confidence, as they meet new people who can provide advice and support along their career journey. Arsema plans to continue helping people in the future and advised that “…After high school, I’m hoping to continue swim teaching at Carlton Baths throughout university, and slowly make my way into either social work or healthcare.” Are you interested in taking part in Game Changers this school holidays? Please click here to sign up. Previous Next

Huddle Up! Junior - The Hub @ Docklands < Back Energising Young Minds Mariam Taleb 19 July 2023 Huddle Up! Junior - The Hub @ Docklands Huddle Up! Junior, a multi-sport program designed for young people aged 5-12 in the City of Melbourne, offers a range of engaging activities at the Hub in Docklands. In collaboration with external sporting organizations, this program delivers one-hour sessions over four weeks, focusing on teaching fundamental sports skills, enhancing physical activity, promoting social connections, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. One of the program's key objectives is to provide opportunities for young people to engage in safe and social activities after school. By offering a structured and supportive environment, Huddle Up! Junior provides participants with the chance to actively participate, learn new skills, and interact with their friends, fostering a positive after-school experience. This program attempts to remove barriers that can sometimes appear for young children trying to participate in sport. "We like learning and getting better at sports. I have so much fun on Tuesdays, I always smile when I’m at the program" - Participant. Beyond skill development, the program is a catalyst for building connections and forging relationships among young people of all ages. Inside and outside the program, lasting social interactions are formed. Many participants continue their engagement with The Huddle through our other programs, including the exciting Multi-Sport Super Clinics during Huddle Holidays. This year, one of the standout factors was our collaboration with the AFL Men's program. North Melbourne Kangaroos players joined our sessions throughout the year and helped take part in an incredible Huddle Day at Marvel Stadium. This event gave our participants a front-row seat to an AFL match and an opportunity to engage in thrilling pre-game activities like crafts, games, and footy skills practice with the players. The young people and their families received free tickets and took part of the Guard of Honour, lining up on the field to welcome the North Melbourne players. For some, it was their very first AFL match. "I felt like one of them." - Huddle Up! participant on participating in the Guard of Honour From the beginning of 2023, Huddle Up! Junior has had 45 registrations and 113 attendances, with an average of 10 young people per session. These young people also represent 12 different cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages cross-cultural connections, understanding, and acceptance. The programs are really well run! It’s such a fantastic weekly opportunity for them to experience a variety of different sports in an age-appropriate environment. We’re appreciative of North Melbourne footy club and The Huddle running these sessions.” - Parent of Participant Huddle Up! Junior Docklands runs every Tuesday from 4-5pm at The Hub, Docklands. To register click 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

The Huddle Up! Senior Program in Wyndham < Back Empowering Youth Through Sport Stephenie Webb 8 June 2023 The Huddle Up! Senior Program in Wyndham In the vibrant community of Wyndham, the Huddle Up! Senior program has been making a positive impact on young people's lives for the past 6 years. Developed in collaboration between The Huddle and Point Cook Senior Secondary College (PCSSC), this program aims to engage and empower youth through sport and recreation activities. With a focus on fostering inclusivity, belonging, and personal development, the Huddle Up! Senior program has become a catalyst for positive change in the community. Established in 2017 with support from the Wyndham City Council, the Huddle Up! Senior program now runs in three locations across Wyndham and offers a safe and welcoming environment for students in years 7 to 12 to participate in sport and recreation activities. By leveraging the power of physical activity, the program promotes a sense of belonging within the community, enabling individuals, families, and the local community to thrive. Over the past three years, the Huddle Up! Senior program at PCSSC has been instrumental in creating acceptance of diversity and building an inclusive community. The program has helped young people develop social networks, make connections, and engage in physical activities in a psychologically safe space. Through discussions with program participants, it is evident that the program has become a vital outlet for after-school socializing and unwinding. A survey conducted this year showed that 72% of Huddle participants have built connections in their local community, and 85% have increased their physical activity levels since joining The Huddle. "It's an opportunity to unwind after school... the Town Centre is too overwhelming to hang out in after school." - Program Participant Beyond its recreational benefits, the program has empowered young individuals by fostering leadership and initiative skills. Participants are encouraged to organize themselves into teams, coordinate social round-robin tournaments, and even assist with umpiring and scoring. The program's positive influence has extended beyond the sports field, inspiring collaborative projects with partners like Wyndham Youth Services, which aim to further empower young leaders. In 2022, the Huddle Up! Senior program at PCSSC attracted over 189 unique participants from 41 different cultural backgrounds. With a total of 1,196 attendances throughout the year, the program has effectively reached young people from 12 different schools across Wyndham. This year, registration numbers have been equally as promising, with 134 new registrations and 476 attendances from Nov 2022 until June 2023. With an average of 44 attendances per session, these statistics demonstrate the program's popularity and the strong desire for its continuation. The Huddle Up! Senior program stands as a testament to the transformative power of sport and recreation in the lives of young people. Through its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and social engagement, the program has created a positive ripple in the Wyndham community. Huddle Up Senior at Point Cook Senior, continues to run every Thursday night from 3:00pm – 5:30pm in the school Gymnasium. Register via the link here . Previous Next

The Huddle saw a group of four young individuals participate in the Youth Parliament initiative. < Back YMCA’s 38th Youth Parliament initiative 1 Aug 2024 The Huddle saw a group of four young individuals participate in the Youth Parliament initiative. In 2024, The Huddle saw a group of four young individuals participate in the YMCA’s 38th Youth Parliament initiative, a program designed to empower youth to find their voices and advocate for change. Over four months, participants from both the City of Melbourne and Wyndham engaged in various sessions where they brainstormed and drafted their proposed bill. With the guidance of a taskforce mentor, the group decided to propose the Education Reform Bill 2024, aiming to improve education conditions, accessibility, and resources. Their goal was to address an issue they were passionate about and that would benefit their communities. The young people attended a six-day residential "Week of Youth Parliament" camp, which included training days that provided an in-depth look at parliamentary processes, from democracy to voting and debating. The group described this experience as enlightening, giving them a deeper understanding of how legislation is passed. During the sitting day at Parliament House Melbourne, in the presence of the Minister for Youth, State MPs, and other esteemed individuals, The Huddle team passionately debated and advocated for their bill. They emphasised the importance of improving access to education, reducing the costs of school supplies and technology to enhance learning, and ultimately promoting sustainability and economic security for the youth and their future. Young people stated that the experience inspired them and helped them develop essential skills such as leadership, communication, and confidence. The Huddle recognizes that this process can be daunting but congratulates these young individuals for being catalysts for change, not just for their community but for the entire state. Previous Next

< Back Sanhae's Spring 2023 Spring Huddle Holiday's Program Emily Phu Previous Next

Carmen Bruce from St. Damien’s Primary School share their journey with Math Hoops < Back Math Hoops: From the Classroom to the International Stage Jasper Menor 17 Sept 2025 Carmen Bruce from St. Damien’s Primary School share their journey with Math Hoops At St Damian’s Primary School , maths has taken on a whole new energy thanks to NBA Math Hoops. The program, delivered through The Huddle , has transformed how students engage with numbers — from those who struggle with maths anxiety to those who can’t get enough of it. Carmen Bruce , Maths Leader at St Damian’s, has seen the impact firsthand: "It's been fantastic as a maths leader to see all the kids being engaged in maths from our students that find maths a bit challenging or have anxiety with maths to our students that love maths and want to do it every day." Making Maths Fun and Accessible What makes Math Hoops so engaging is its mix of skill and chance. " “It’s got all different components to it, including our four operations and then the probability and chance. And the great component of this is that it has luck involved. So it doesn’t matter what skill level you’re at, sometimes you can have a stinker of a game and sometimes you can have a great game. So it’s been fantastic.” This balance means that every student — no matter their ability level — has the chance to succeed, play, and most importantly, enjoy learning maths. From Local Games to Global Opportunities The program has even opened doors beyond the classroom. " We were lucky enough to nominate two of our students to go to the international championships, and we were so thrilled to hear that one of our students got chosen. He had the most fantastic time over in America, meeting the players in the draft and just had such an experience. So those opportunities are so few and far between that it was just such an amazing challenge.” For the school community, watching one of their own compete on an international stage was a moment of pride and inspiration. A Partnership That Delivers Carmen credits The Huddle and its partners for making these experiences possible. “We really want to say a big shout out to Learn Fresh and the North Melbourne Football Club in The Huddle for all the amazing opportunities that we’ve had with them, from the training online for the teachers, to the board games being delivered to the school, the Victorian tournament and even the international championships, it’s been absolutely fantastic.” Through Math Hoops, St Damian’s Primary School has shown that learning doesn’t just happen in books — it happens through play, teamwork, and opportunity. Watch our interview with Carmen below! Previous Next

< Back Huddle Holidays - Spring '23 All the best moments from the most recent Huddle Holiday's Previous Next

Using all the learnings from Game Changers and using them for the Pitch event. < Back Pitch night with Game Changers! 16 July 2024 Using all the learnings from Game Changers and using them for the Pitch event. Creating an inclusive community sports event 🗣️ During the school holidays, our Game Changers participants went through a myriad of workshops, mentoring sessions and coaching to help them develop transferable skills and create an inclusive sports program with a chance to turn it into a reality. Using the skills and learnings from the course, they pitched their inclusive community sports programs to three panelists where they also had the opportunity to receive employment as well as develop their programs into something tangible. Game Changers run every school holidays! Stay tuned for the next one and join us to develop your skills for the future! We would like to acknowledge our partners Ubuntu Project, Paving the Way Forward and the Victorian State Government Previous Next

Gary Lee inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll! < Back Multicultural Honour Roll of The Huddle's Advisory Committee Member Don Doughty 16 Dec 2024 Gary Lee inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll! On December 4, Seddon resident, and international student advocate Gary Lee was inducted into the Victorian Multic ultural Honour Roll at Government House, receiving the accolade from the Governor, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Miss Ingrid Stitt. This was the third year the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll which recognises the efforts of individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to multiculturalism in Victoria, recognising the vital role that multicultural individuals have played to keep communities safe and connected. From international student, Senior Fellow of the International Education Association Australia (IEAA) to being recognised as the Australian Day Council ‘New Australian of the Year’ and just recently, an Order of Australia Medal, Gary has long been a passionate member of the international education community. Originally from Malaysia, Gary started his journey in Melbourne as an international student and quickly discovered his passion for multicultural communities, dedicating his life to ensuring all international students feel welcomed, supported and motivated. His empathetic approach and tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of students, creating a home away from home for many. Dynamic, creative and visionary, he has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of high level strategic planning and design; policy development and advice; design and delivery of complex projects and student wellbeing initiatives. Currently, Gary leads the international education portfolio at the City of Melbourne in delivering the Council Plan 2021–25 and the Economic Development Strategy 2031. He also oversees City of Melbourne’s collaboration with State Government on the International Education Recovery Plan 2025. Gary is a member of numerous advisory committees including the North Melbourne Football Club’s The Huddle, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Regional Advisory Council, Crime Stoppers Cultural Inclusion Reference Group, African Music and Cultural Festival and the Australian Government’s Best Practice in International Student Engagement Project. He is also an ambassador for the AFL Multicultural Program, Melbourne Victory, Welcoming Australia and the Bully Zero Australia Foundation. Gary Lee is not just an advocate; he is a beacon of hope for many international students navigating the complexities of being in a new country. 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