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Join the local community in breaking fast during Ramadan < Back The Huddle's 2023 Iftar Cassandra Hadson 24 Apr 2023 Join the local community in breaking fast during Ramadan The City of Melbourne is proudly diverse, with more than 56 per cent of residents having been born overseas. In North Melbourne, almost seven per cent of the community observe Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, marked by a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. On March 30, The Huddle held a community iftar, inviting members from the local North Melbourne public housing estate, community leaders, program participants and their families. It was important for this event to be inclusive of all community, rather than concentrated on community elders and leaders. With COVID-19 and venue refurbishments across 2020, 2021 and 2022, the event was a great opportunity to connect with a community who have experienced a difficult few years and have not had access to the spaces and places in which they feel most comfortable. The Huddle's 2023 iftar dinner involved members from the local North Melbourne public housing estate, community leaders, program participants and their families The North Melbourne Recreation Centre was transformed on the night, with professional staging, dining, and seating bought into the venue. On the night, more than 160 people attended, with most of these attendees being mothers, who cannot always take part in such events. During the evening, several activities took place to ensure all the attendees felt comfortable and at home. The North Melbourne Arts Bus facilitated arts and crafts on the night for the children and were able to refer participants to their monthly program at the North Melbourne Community Centre. Somali food was served to attendees and mats were laid out during the maghrib prayer. Importantly, Sheikh Adam from the Australian Muslim Special Services Agency addressed the audience, explaining to all non-Muslims in attendance the significance of Ramadan and was then able to lead the maghrib prayer. Islamic Nasheeds (a song without musical instruments with lyrics that resemble hymns that praise God) were played throughout the evening, and our MC on the night was previous Huddle employee Nasteha Mohamud. During the event, one mother mentioned that she felt “transported back to Somalia” while another mother thanked a staff member in part “for helping to raise her children”. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to experience the hospitality and warmth of Ramadan, and many commented on the delicious food and festive atmosphere. As the days passed, we witnessed a ripple of positive outcomes beyond the immediate iftar dinner. The event served as a means for promoting cultural diversity and inclusion, which is particularly important in the current climate of heightened social tensions. It provided the opportunity for The Huddle, local businesses, and organisations to build relationships and pave future collaborations and partnerships. The Huddle’s iftar played an important role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community and belonging, while also promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity. Previous Next

From sport to study sessions, 8-year-old Nyra is making the most of every opportunity at The Huddle — and loving every minute of it. < Back Meet Nyra: Kicking Goals On and Off the Field Patrick McPhee 29 July 2025 From sport to study sessions, 8-year-old Nyra is making the most of every opportunity at The Huddle — and loving every minute of it. Nyra is a grade 3 student who first attended an activity at The Huddle in July 2024. Since then, she has participated in a range of different programs offered by The Huddle. We sat with Nyra to hear about her experience. In July 2024 Nyra joined Huddle Up! Junior at Docklands with a group of her friends. This is a sport and recreation program for 5-12 year-olds that offers young people the opportunity to get involved and get active through social games and sport. Nyra shared that she “likes that it includes running (and) we get fit!” Also, that she gets to try new sports she may not have otherwise. Since participating Nyra has tried sports including Basketball, Soccer, AFL and more! While participating at Huddle Up! Nyra learnt about Study Squad. Study Squad launched in Docklands in Term 4 2024 and Nyra as well as some of her friends was one of the first participants. Study Squad provides a safe place for young people to access learning support outside of school hours, Nyra attended almost every week coming in to complete her weekly math homework. Nyra enjoyed that Study Squad “gave us snacks, has fun study breaks, lots of time to study and a fun game at the end”. Nyra also explained that she enjoyed studying there as she “felt supported with my friends around me”. Through her time in the previous program Nyra learnt about the exciting Welcome to AFL program. Welcome to AFL is an introductory AFL program for newly arrived, multicultural and international student communities to learn the basics of AFL. Nyra attended Welcome to AFL at Marvel Stadium attending Round 2 of the 2025 AFL season where the North Melbourne Kangaroos beat Melbourne by 59 points. Nyra shared “This was my first game of footy that I watched, I liked having friends there and waving the flag when players kicked goals. I found the players face cards (in the cheer squad) funny.” Nyra also had the opportunity to go on Marvel Stadium where she learnt to kick and handball and she “did better than I expected!”. Just recently Nyra turned 8 years old making her eligible for her first Huddle Holidays during the July school holidays. Huddle Holidays is a school holiday program that promotes happy and healthy lifestyles to local children, of all cultural backgrounds. Nyra attended the Welcome to Tennis Activity hosted by the Australian Tennis Foundation, here she learnt some basics of Tennis, in a cardio session and met even more young people her age! Above everything, getting to do all these activities with friends has been Nyra’s favourite part about her time at The Huddle. Nyra’s journey, though just 1 year in time, has already demonstrated part of the life cycle of programs at The Huddle available to young people from 5 through to 25 years’ old and their families. We look forward to seeing Nyra back for more at future programs! To learn more about the programs mentioned below please click on the below links. Huddle Up! Junior Study Squad Welcome to AFL Huddle Holidays Previous Next

Winter adventure with the junior and senior Huddle Holidays participants at IceHQ for ice skating! < Back Winter Adventures with Ice-Skating ⛸️ 10 July 2024 Winter adventure with the junior and senior Huddle Holidays participants at IceHQ for ice skating! Winter Adventures with Huddle Holidays ⛸️ At Huddle Holidays, our junior and senior crews recently enjoyed a thrilling ice-skating session at IceHQ, making the most of the winter weather! Whether they were seasoned skaters or first-timers, everyone embraced the icy fun 🥶 As the holiday season winds down, Huddle Holidays offers a range of free programs tailored for juniors and seniors. These fun and exciting activities are designed to keep young minds active and engaged, fostering new skills and experiences. Explore our programs today and discover how Huddle Holidays can enrich your winter break with unforgettable adventures! Huddle Holidays is supported by The Victorian State Government and Community Bank Seddon to create free, fun and exciting experiences for young people during the holiday break. Previous Next

NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. < Back Unleashing the Power of Sport to Improve Numeracy Emily O'Halloran 9 May 2024 NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. In the words of Nelson Mandela, " Sport has the power to change the world…to inspire...to unite people... It speaks to youth in a language they understand." This wisdom transcends beyond the playing field and resonates within our classrooms. Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health underscores the connection between sports-based learning activities and heightened student motivation, improved attendance, and enhanced academic performance. But what about the specific links between sport and mathematics? The evidence is compelling. In a 2017 study, Sanchal and Sharma found that introducing a sports context in learning improved attitudes towards maths. Furthermore, findings from the American Institutes for Research demonstrated that students engaged in sports-related maths programs showed enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and overall maths proficiency. As a former Numeracy Leader, I've seen firsthand the transformative effect of infusing sports into maths lessons. Games like dodgeball for statistics, BinBall for percentages, and table soccer for angles make abstract concepts tangible, fun and playful experiences. Lessons like "Impossible Soccer Angles" and "Kicking Goals," part of the Middle Years Mathematics Challenges series by the Mathematical Association of Victoria, demonstrate how maths and sports can not only break down barriers but also make learning fun and engaging. While integrating sport and play into lessons is undoubtedly beneficial, the reality is that it demands precious energy and time, both of which are scarce commodities for teachers. Fortunately, there are quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resources available. One standout example is NBA Math Hoops, a program designed by Learn Fresh for primary and junior secondary students. In NBA Math Hoops, students simulate basketball games using a board game format that incorporates real-life statistical data from NBA players. Through this engaging approach, students not only reinforce their mathematical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the practical applications of numeracy in everyday life. Students draft NBA players for their team, assess player statistics, strategise game moves, and make decisions based on mathematical principles. The success of NBA Math Hoops and similar programs lies in their ability to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and real-world applications. By incorporating sports into the learning process, students are more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic about maths. The dynamic nature of sport fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – all essential components of mathematical proficiency. Harriet Dunn, a primary school teacher from Merri-Bek Primary School, put it very simply after bringing NBA Math Hoops into her classroom: “For once the students looked forward to maths lessons”. The power of sports to engage students in maths is not just theoretical; it's real and transformative. As school leaders, consider championing programs like NBA Math Hoops to create an environment where learning becomes synonymous with excitement. Get free access to NBA Math Hoops in your school and explore how The Huddle is improving education and employment outcomes through the power of sport by following this link: https://www.thehuddle.org.au/nbamathhoops Previous Next

< Back Welcome To AFL - Session 3 Round 22 v Essendon Previous Next

A Journey of Personal Growth and Community Connection < Back Community Iftar at North Melbourne FC 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

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

How one creative idea became a platform for real conversations and community connection. < Back Think Progress, Not Perfection Zakaria Farah 9 Oct 2025 How one creative idea became a platform for real conversations and community connection. Abdiweli’s story is what How We Move is all about. He was never one to be boxed in by a single path. Instead of waiting to figure everything out, he leaned into what he enjoyed — creative work. What began as a simple idea to start a podcast grew into the Fairdinkum Podcast , a platform that has made its mark by sparking conversations, challenging ideas, and amplifying voices that matter. Guided by the motto “think progress, not perfection” Abdiweli has built something that is both influential and relatable. His journey is a reminder that you don’t need to have everything planned from the start. Success can come from trying, from following curiosity, and from giving yourself space to grow along the way. His story shows that sometimes the best moves aren’t planned — they’re discovered. 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

The future of North Melbourne descended on Arden St for the 2022 Future Roos clinic. < Back Sights and sounds of the Future Roos clinic Previous Next

The Huddle's employees share their stories with Truganina students < Back True North ‘Grit’ with Al-Taqwa College Joshua Raymer 16 May 2023 The Huddle's employees share their stories with Truganina students The True North framework focuses on connections, values, identity, grit, mindset, mental health, emotional intelligence, understanding others, teamwork, leadership, and self-awareness. All workshops support young people to develop resilience, build upon their protective factors by identifying and developing their strengths, and increase their understanding of social cohesion through exploring perspectives and stories of others. For a second year running, The Huddle delivered two True North sessions at Al-Taqwa College’s Year 12 Camps. These camps are aimed to provide 100 students with motivation, inspiration, and strategies to succeed in their final year of secondary schooling. To suit the theme of the camps, The Huddle delivered our ‘Grit’ workshops at both the Boys and Girls camps. The ‘Grit’ workshop explores the importance of students showing resilience and determination - highlighting that to achieve success, an individual must display grit when faced with challenging situations. Importantly, The Huddle had former Al-Taqwa students and community leaders co-facilitate each ‘Grit’ workshop. Saeed Ali (Coordinator, Social Cohesion for Children and Young People, pictured above), Khadija Abdullah (Program Support Officer) and Asli Abdullahi (Coordinator, Social Cohesion for Parents, Women and Families) presented relatable stories demonstrating how they showed grit and determination during their secondary schooling and university studies. The shared experiences of facilitators and students enhanced a sense of connection and understanding between all parties throughout the sessions. The stories told by facilitators resonated strongly with students, and Huddle staff were able to promote how other programs such as Study Squad can help students during their final year of secondary schooling. The Huddle is now working with Al-Taqwa College on integrating more social cohesion through education, or SCTE, initiatives throughout 2023 and beyond. The Huddle recently assisted Al-Taqwa students with running activities at their annual Eid fundraiser, and Al-Taqwa College staff are also utilising The Huddle’s True North Portal and relevant resources to deliver lessons to students. “We really appreciate your team coming out to the camp and running the program. It was definitely beneficial. I’ve also used True North resources during my lessons which were great!” – Urooj Shah, Year 12 Coordinator, Al-Taqwa College Interested in learning more, or accessing free resources? True North and other Huddle educator resources can be found here. Previous Next

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