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How mentorship and experience helped Moukhtar grow into a community leader. < Back From Game Changer to Community Leader John King 31 Jan 2025 How mentorship and experience helped Moukhtar grow into a community leader. Moukhtar Dahir participated in our first Game Changers cohort in Spring 2023, working as a casual to support the development of an Alumni program at The Huddle as part of his Employment Experience. In March 2024, Moukhtar successfully applied for a Multicultural Development Officer role through the Bachar Houli Foundation, housed with the Sports & Recreation Team at The Huddle and would support delivery of our Huddle Up, Welcome to AFL, Huddle Holidays and AFL Victoria programs in a part-time capacity, while he completed his studies. “Moukhtar has been an incredible asset to our team, he brings a passion, dedication, and most importantly a genuine connection to the community. His ability to engage with young people and create meaningful connections with them has had a lasting impact, empowering them and fostering a sense of belonging,” said Xavier Smith, Head of Sport & Recreation of Moukhtar’s contribution to the team. “Not only did working part-time with The Huddle provide me with the flexibility to manage my studies but I was also mentored throughout the role helping me develop experience in the workforce, build up my confidence, improve communication skills and learn how to deal with uncomfortable situations head on.” Moukhtar said. In October 2024, a role within The Huddle’s Community Development team became available and Moukhtar was encouraged to apply. He was appointed to the full-time position of Coordinator Community Engagement, which focuses on developing and implementing initiatives that foster interaction, participation, and a sense of belonging among our community members, stakeholders, and the broader organisation, primarily with the Somali community in the Cities of Melbourne and Wyndham. “Because of the skills, knowledge, and confidence I had developed in the part-time role, it allowed me to grow and be in a position where I was encouraged to apply for and appointed for the Coordinator Community Engagement role, which was only possible because of the valuable work the Game Changers program does for young people,” Moukhtar said. Moukhtar’s journey from Game Changers participant to Community Engagement Coordinator shows the power of mentorship, experience, and opportunity. His story highlights how programs like Game Changers empower young people, build confidence, and create meaningful career pathways. Previous Next

Discover how 200 young people owned the summer. < Back Beyond the Break: Huddle Holidays Igniting New Passions This Summer Xavier Smith 6 Feb 2026 Discover how 200 young people owned the summer. Over 200 young people from across Melbourne and Wyndham came together this summer to learn new skills, build friendships, and grow their confidence. Huddle Holidays Summer 2026 has officially wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of new experiences and strengthened community ties. Across seven vibrant activities, our Junior and Senior programs provided a safe, inclusive, and enriching space for young people to make the most of their school holidays. From the quiet concentration of a movie day to the high-energy courts of the Australian Open, the program was designed to foster social connection, health and wellbeing, and personal growth for every participant. Exploring and Creating: Junior Program (8–12 years old) Our Junior program was all about exploration and skill-building. Across four targeted activities, young people were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Melbourne Museum: Participants became explorers for a day, navigating the museum's vast galleries to uncover the wonders of history and science. This excursion sparked curiosity and gave juniors the chance to learn in an immersive, world-class environment. Softball Superclinic in Truganina: Delivered by our fantastic partners at Softball Victoria , this high-energy clinic focused on the fundamentals of the game. From picking up a bat for the first time to running the bases, participants built physical coordination and confidence on the pitch. Crafternoon: Our "Crafternoon" transformed the room into a hub of color and imagination. Juniors engaged in hands-on creative projects, allowing them to express themselves artistically while developing fine motor skills and sharing ideas with peers. Movie Day: After a busy summer of movement, our in-house Movie Day provided a much-needed space for relaxation. Young people enjoyed a shared cinematic experience in a welcoming environment, strengthening social bonds through low-pressure downtime. Independence and Teamwork: Senior Program (13–18 years old) The Senior program focused on empowering young people through independence and team-based challenges. By providing a supportive environment, the program helped participants build the confidence to tackle new physical and social hurdles. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): Taking to the water offered a unique lesson in balance and resilience. Seniors worked together to navigate the waves, encouraging one another as they mastered the basics of SUP in a session that blended physical fitness with outdoor fun. The Australian Open: Through the support of the Australian Tennis Foundation , our seniors experienced the electric atmosphere of elite professional sport. Witnessing world-class athletes in action at a major tournament inspired many to see the possibilities of where dedication and practice can lead. Female-Only Volleyball Tournament: This tournament was more than just a competition; it was a space for young women to take the lead. Players demonstrated incredible teamwork and spirit, competing in a supportive environment that celebrated both athletic effort and community connection. A Community Where Everyone Belongs At the heart of Huddle Holidays is the desire to make every young person feel seen and valued. This summer, the feedback from our participants highlighted the inclusive culture that defines The Huddle. "I like the supportive and welcoming community of The Huddle the most. They try to make you feel included and comfortable in every event and no one feels excluded." — Program Participant Another participant noted that the program opened their eyes to new possibilities: "The program offers things I have never thought of doing and gives me new interests." Looking Ahead As we look back on a summer of growth and fun, we are reminded of the power of accessible, inclusive programming. We are proud to see our young people returning to school with new stories, new friends, and a greater sense of belonging. A huge thank you to all our participants, families, activity providers, volunteers, and partners — we couldn’t have done it without you! We can’t wait to do it all again. We'll see you for the next Huddle Holidays during the Easter break! Previous Next

Strengthening bonds at the fourth annual Community Iftar. < Back 2026 Huddle Community Iftar: Community & Connection Asli Abdullahi 10 Mar 2026 Strengthening bonds at the fourth annual Community Iftar. The Huddle held its fourth Community Iftar this year, bringing together more than 200 community members in North Melbourne to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The event created a welcoming space for families, community leaders, partners, and young people to gather, reflect, and share the spiritually significant moment of Iftar together. Led by MC Warsan Mohamed, the evening included speeches from The Huddle’s CEO Cameren McLeod, Sheena Watt MP, and Yaqub Hashi, a former Huddle participant and emerging community leader. Each speaker reflected on the importance of community, belonging, and coming together during the holy month of Ramadan. For many attendees, the gathering held deep religious and cultural meaning. Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and strengthening connections, and the Iftar provided an opportunity for the community to come together in unity. After a period of relocation, many participants shared that returning to celebrate together helped them feel at home again. One attendee reflected on the importance of the evening, saying, “Ramadan is a good time to be around the people you love and the community you have grown up with.” The strong turnout highlighted the importance of community-led spaces that foster connection and belonging during Ramadan. Previous Next

< Back Ending the Summer with a Sports Clinic Getting out and active before summers gone! Jasper Menor Previous Next

Huddle Participants and NMFC Players collaborate on an art project to raise funds for the Maldon in Winter Festival < Back Red Box Wildlife Shelter Art Project Previous Next

< Back Welcome 2 AFL, Tasmania W2AFL Lands in Launceston and Hobart across 2 exciting weekends. Ella Marsh Previous Next

A day of creative fun! Kicking off Huddle Holidays with Arts & Crafts. < Back Creative Fun at Huddle Holidays Jasper Menor 14 Jan 2025 A day of creative fun! Kicking off Huddle Holidays with Arts & Crafts. Huddle Holidays brought creativity to life at The Huddle on Arden St.! The day kicked off with games and activities, sparking laughter, curiosity and new friendships. Our Junior participants explored origami, bead-making, and drawing, turning imagination into colourful masterpieces. Beyond crafting, they bonded, shared ideas, and celebrated their creativity together. A huge shoutout to our amazing facilitators, who made every moment engaging and fun. Their energy, encouragement, and smiles kept the excitement alive—just look at the joy on our participants' faces! As the day wrapped up, everyone left with not just their artistic creations, but also new friendships and fun memories. Stay tuned to our stories to see what else our Huddle Holidays participants got up to these Summer holidays! Previous Next

NBA Math Hoops is an online and in-person board game and curriculum, aligned to the Victorian Curriculum, that engages Levels 4 to 7 in fundamental mathematics through the game of basketball. NBA Math Hoops is an online and in-person board game and curriculum, aligned to the Victorian and Australian Curriculum, that engages Levels 4-7 in fundamental mathematics through the game of basketball. NBA Math Hoops: List Register to attend free online training and secure a school set of board games, lesson plans, and resources. You will receive all materials for FREE after attending training. No events at the moment

Ascot Vale West Primary School Students Battle It Out In NBA Math Hoops! < Back NBA Math Hoops in Action at Ascot Vale West PS! 22 Aug 2024 Ascot Vale West Primary School Students Battle It Out In NBA Math Hoops! Ascot Vale West Primary School students gave it their best on the NBA Math Hoops courts to secure a spot at the NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championships in September this year. Students from grades 5 and 6 played three rounds of NBA Math Hoops, where they put their maths skills to the test and showed honourable sportsmanship towards their teammates and opponents. NBA Math Hoops is a comprehensive learning program featuring a board game and curriculum that motivates students to learn fundamental maths skills through the game of basketball. The program is free for all school teachers thanks to our friends @nbamathhoops and @learn_fresh - learn more about how you can access the board game here. Previous Next

We recap seven incredible action packed activities for the Spring 2025 Huddle Holidays. < Back Huddle Holidays Spring 2025 Recap 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

For more information about The Huddle contact us. Contact Us General enquiries: huddle@nmfc.com.au Educator enquiries: education@thehuddle.org.au The Huddle @ Arden St 204-206 Arden St North Melbourne VIC 3051 The Huddle @ Chirnside Park Level 1, 150-226 Watton St Werribee VIC 3030