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A wrap up of some of our key accomplishments for this year. < Back The Huddle's 2023 Previous Next

Two primary schools from Rochester severely impacted by the recent floods in regional Victoria came to visit Arden Street and meet some star Kangaroos < Back Young Rochester flood victims visit Arden Street 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

Aussie Rules to new communities and schools, one kick at a time. < Back Bringing Footy to Wyndham & Shepparton Jasper Menor 5 Mar 2025 Aussie Rules to new communities and schools, one kick at a time. This year, the North Melbourne Football Club and The Huddle set out to bring the excitement of Aussie Rules Football to young people in Wyndham and Shepparton through the annual AFL Community Camp – and what an unforgettable experience it was! Over two action-packed days— Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11 —the North Melbourne Kangaroos made a lasting impact, forging real connections and creating special moments with young people in local schools and communities. 44 AFL Men’s players and two AFL Men’s coaches stepped off the field and into classrooms, schoolyards, and local communities, proving that Aussie Rules is more than just a game—it’s about building a sense of belonging and community. To launch the Community Camp,The Huddle introduced our latest GOAL! Kangaroos lessons at Werribee Primary School , taking the footy experience beyond the field. These engaging sessions gave students the opportunity to learn through footy themed STEM activities fused with a Kangas flair before heading out to experience it firsthand. As Jodie, Assistant Principal for Wellbeing and Inclusion at Werribee Primary School, put it: "The reason we've loved making connections with North Melbourne and The Huddle is because we can see the benefits of engaging all students in their programs. It's great for those kids who are interested in sport, but also those kids who are interested in their STEM activities to come together, work together collaboratively, and develop new learning." This holistic approach to engagement ensures that young people—regardless of their interests—can find value in the programs and build new skills, whether on the field or in the classroom. Wyndham is Victoria’s fastest-growing cities and one of Australia’s most diverse communities, with over 70 languages spoken . However, only a small percentage of the population currently engages with Aussie Rules Football. The AFL Community Camp was designed to introduce the sport to new audiences, showing young people what the game is all about and inspiring them to get involved. From school visits to hands-on footy skills clinics , the Kangaroos set out to connect, inspire, and ignite passion for the sport. With a goal of engaging 4,500 young people , the impact was significant: 1,500 students in Shepparton welcomed the Kangaroos with cheers and excitement. 3,500 students in Wyndham had the chance to meet and learn from AFL players. But the real magic happened when the young people took the field themselves! For those already passionate about Aussie Rules, the Come & Play Auskick and Superkick Skills Clinic was a dream come true. This was their chance to lace up their boots, practice their skills, and experience the thrill of the game alongside professional AFL players. 90 kids in Shepparton brought their energy and enthusiasm to the field. 75 eager participants in Wyndham pushed themselves to new heights. Even when fatigue set in, the determination never wavered. As one player summed it up perfectly: “I’m running on empty, but I’m gonna find another gear.” Beyond the drills and excitement, the most powerful moments were found in the connections made along the way. One parent reached out to AFL Victoria , expressing deep gratitude for the visit. Her son, who had been struggling with mental health challenges, found joy and hope in meeting the players. A simple handshake and a smile meant the world to him. Then there was the young girl who was thrilled at the chance to attend a Kangaroos game—until she realised it clashed with her gymnastics class. With tears in her eyes, she approached Charlie Comben to apologise for missing it. That’s the kind of impact this camp had on young people. With Wyndham’s population rapidly expanding and becoming increasingly diverse, events like the AFL Community Camp are crucial for introducing Aussie Rules to new communities. The Kangaroos didn’t just visit—they showed thousands of young people that Aussie Rules Football can be a space for fun, connection, and personal growth. The days were long, and the schedule was packed, but the players never lost their energy. With every school visit, clinic, and conversation, they planted the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive footy community—one that will hopefully grow for years to come. We can’t wait to do it all again next year! 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

< Back Overcoming the barriers to employment Mafan’s experience participating, volunteering, and working at The Huddle Maddy Ware Previous Next

< Back Providing opportunities to learn, grow and belong Akram’s journey to become a community leader Maddy Ware and John King Previous Next

Jabrill is a young person from North Melbourne, who first engaged with The Huddle at age 13. < Back Giving Back to My Community Emily Maiorana 13 June 2024 Jabrill is a young person from North Melbourne, who first engaged with The Huddle at age 13. Over the years, he has taken part in a number of programs at The Huddle including, Study Squad, Huddle Up!, Huddle Holidays and our careers programs Game Changers, all of which have had significant influence on him. Jabrill continuously expresses that The Huddle gave him a sense of belonging as a young child and now as a young adult a variety of opportunities and launchpad to excel in his future. Among the multitude of memories, learnings, and experiences for Jabrill, one that stands out is when AFL superstar Ben Brown volunteered at Study Squad and assisted Jabrill with his Math’s revision for an upcoming test. “I didn’t know he was a football player, but I think that’s what made it special”, said Jabrill. The space gave Jabrill the chance to dedicate appropriate time to his studies and earn results he was proud of. Maintaining consistent engagement with The Huddle, led to his participation in our careers program Game Changers in 2023. Game Changers, delivered in partnership with the Victorian State Government, Paving the Way Forward and Ubuntu Project, provides young people with the opportunity to authentically develop their transferable skills, gain industry connections and participate in a guided ‘Employment Experience’. Game Changers provides young people the opportunity to develop a project and pitch it to a panel of industry leaders at our Pitch Event. It was at this event where Jabrill met a leader within the North Melbourne Community, Kahlid, from The Center who delivers a range of programs for families living in North Melbourne. Jabrill has always been deeply connected to his community and has felt empowered to lead and give back and the connection with Kahlid would prove to be beneficial later in Jabrill’s employment journey. Jabrill continued to access The Huddle’s Game Changers 1-on-1 support program where he received tailored assistance focused on developing and understanding his transferable skills, personal brand, professionalism and industry networks. Jabrill was also offered a ‘Paid Employment Experience’ position with The Huddle because of his commitment and enthusiasm at our Pitch Event. During this time, he worked as a casual with a group of young people on exploring ways to increase engagement between The Huddle and our community. Towards the end of Jabrill’s ‘Employment Experience’, The Centre began expanding its community outreach programs and informed The Huddle about a new Community Development Officer role. Kahlid, who would supervise the position, was passionate about offering it to someone deeply embedded in the North Melbourne community. Jabrill was an obvious candidate for the role and didn’t hesitate to apply. “I knew The Huddle would help me put my best foot forward,” said Jabrill. Jabrill committed to developing a strong application, practised his interview skills with our Careers Coordinator in the lead up and was deservingly offered the position. “The Game Changers program truly prepared me for what work would be like”. Currently in addition to his role with The Centre, Jabrill continues to work as a casual with The Huddle at programs including Study Squad and Huddle Up!. Jabrill feels grateful to be on the other side of programs that once helped him thrive, and now enjoys working to provide similar opportunities in his own community to learn, grow and belong. Previous Next

Take a look at the highlights from the Huddle Holidays junior snow day at Lake Mountain. < Back Snow Day Previous Next

< Back From Game Changer to Community Leader How mentorship and experience helped Moukhtar grow into a community leader. John King Previous Next

< Back Bringing Footy to Wyndham & Shepparton Aussie Rules to new communities and schools, one kick at a time. Jasper Menor Previous Next

The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy < Back Kicks, Marks, and Cultural Connections David Middlemast 9 Apr 2025 The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy On Sunday, March 23rd, North Melbourne FC and The Huddle proudly hosted an unforgettable event as part of the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series . Hundreds of people from multicultural and newly arrived communities experienced their very first taste of Aussie Rules Footy, immersing themselves in the energy, excitement, and unity that define the game. At the heart of the day was the Welcome to AFL program, designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game. From learning the basics of kicking, marking, and handballing to stepping onto hallowed ground of Marvel Stadium, attendees got a true hands-on experience. The program also included a stadium tour to help participants familiarise themselves with key facilities such as toilets, prayer rooms, and sensory rooms—ensuring they felt comfortable and included throughout their visit. Adding to the excitement, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and North Melbourne Kangaroos players George Wardlaw and Josh Goater joined the activities. Their presence and interaction with the participants made a lasting impact, offering invaluable insights and encouragement straight from the pros. The event welcomed over 200 enthusiastic participants from the City of Wyndham , one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing regions. With a projected population of over 500,000 by 2040—exceeding the population of Tasmania—Wyndham is quickly becoming a major hub of diverse cultures and potential footy fans. For many attendees, this was their first encounter with Aussie Rules Footy, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. One young participant shared, “I want to play footy. When I go to school, I’m going to play footy.” Others marvelled at the stadium itself, with one surprising observation: “When I touched the grass, it was so soft.” By the time the game started, multiple stadium bays were filled with new Kangas supporters, waving flags and cheering at full volume. The excitement was infectious, with some participants so engrossed in the game that they even lost their voices from cheering so passionately. This event was a powerful demonstration of how sport can transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing communities together through a shared passion. At North Melbourne FC and The Huddle, we continue to pave the way in fostering inclusivity, ensuring that Aussie Rules Footy remains a welcoming sport for all. As the final siren sounded, it was clear that the event had done more than introduce a game—it had ignited a new wave of enthusiasm and belonging within the community. For many, this was just the beginning of their journey into the world of footy. Previous Next