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No one can deny that in the past two years, every member of the community faced challenges like never before < Back Volunteer profile - Tess Beagley Riley Goodwin 14 Jan 2022 No one can deny that in the past two years, every member of the community faced challenges like never before No one can deny that in the past two years, every member of the community faced challenges like never before. However, it takes a special kind of person to see the extra strain put on others and put their hand up to help. Tess Beagley is one such person. “It is just who I am, to always be doing something with the community,” said Tess. “When you’ve got skills to give to people who need the extra support then you can’t stand by, it’s just one of those things.” One of The Huddle’s 2021 volunteer recruits, Tess reached out to The Huddle after hearing about our after-school study program, Study Squad. “Towards the end of 2020 I was looking at tutoring and was put in touch with The Huddle to get involved with their Study Squad program. “I really felt for all the students last year but at the time there were so many volunteers for Study Squad that I actually ended up helping run Huddle Up programs for juniors. “After the year we’ve all had, I think the kids had eared a bit of a break so I was happy to help out in any way I could.” Moving into 2021, Tess was keen to still lend a hand and quickly found a spot volunteering with our school holiday program. “I’m starting a new job this month but earlier I had a bit of time up my sleeve, so I headed along to the Anglesea Surf Day and it was so much fun. “The kids loved it and I was so impressed with how quickly they took to the water.” Not only supporting young people begin 2021 with a smile, but Tess also soon discovered that through volunteering, she had built lasting connections with community members. “It was a really fun way to re-engage with the community and support people who have had a really hard year. I could follow up with parents and kids on how they have been over summer, so it was nice to have that connection. “Parents know how difficult life can be sometimes and then to give up your time, they really appreciate it. I got a lot of thank-you from the parents I saw which was really nice.” In supporting others, Tess found that she was able to bring back some happiness that was missing in recent times. Young people kicked off their year with cries of excitement as they saw the water for the first time, showcasing the resilience of young people in bouncing back from times of crisis. Volunteers are a core part of The Huddle and it is when we see young people supporting other young people to learn, grow and belong that we see the true strength in our community. Previous Next

Celebrating the stories, milestones, and highlights that defined our year. < Back The Huddle’s 2024 Wrap-Up! Previous Next

The Huddle shows support for Shooters Shoot's end of year basketball event < Back Hoopin' For A Cause Previous Next

< Back Meet Selina from Study Squad! A safe space for young people engaged in education to learn, grow and belong. Patrick McPhee Previous Next

Check out the highlights from this year's winter Huddle Holidays program. < Back Winter Huddle Holidays wrap up Previous Next

< Back My Visit At The Huddle For Game Day I am going to The Huddle to take part in an excursion called Game Day. Check out what the day looks like. Tam Shama 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

North Melbourne vs Hawthorn, Round 6 < Back Welcome To AFL, Round 6 Previous Next

Kicking into the holidays with jewellery making thats fun and creative! < Back Making the holidays shine with Jewellery making! 2 July 2024 Kicking into the holidays with jewellery making thats fun and creative! The Huddle Holidays are up and running for the mid-year school holidays! Our young participants kicked off the holiday program with a fun and creative jewellery making workshop at The Huddle Classroom at North Melbourne Football Club. They crafted and designed their own personalised jewellery from necklaces, bracelets and whatever they could imagine. This is one of the many Huddle Holiday programs happening throughout the school holidays. Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest news and upcoming activities by following our social pages and signing up to our newsletter. Come join us for a fun experience filled with laughter, learning, and glamour! 😁 Previous Next

< Back Strength to strength How The Huddle’s free tutoring program in Werribee is flourishing in 2022 Josh Raymer 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 helped Tigist develop skills, connections and community impact < Back Community Impact Through Game Changers Previous Next