Over 200 young people joined us these school holidays for new sports, real-life skills, and unforgettable fun across Melbourne. < Back Winter School Holiday Activities for Young People Patrick McPhee 31 July 2025 Over 200 young people joined us these school holidays for new sports, real-life skills, and unforgettable fun across Melbourne. Huddle Holidays Winter 2025 has come to an end and what an awesome way to beat the cold it was! Huddle Holidays is a school holiday program offered at the end of each school term for primary and secondary school students aged 8-18. The program provides children and young people with opportunities to try new experiences, developing their skills and capacity across social inclusion, health and emotional wellbeing, leadership, education, and careers. This time around the juniors (8- to 12-years-old) participated in a Welcome to Tennis clinic, an exciting day of activities planned by The Huddle and a trip to Ice HQ for our annual Ice-Skating activity! These holidays the Junior program focused on providing the opportunity to try something new, build social connections and demonstrate resilience! One junior participant shared that their favourite part of the program was “meeting new people and making good friends”, meeting a key focus of the program to increase a sense of belonging in the community! The first Junior activity, ‘Welcome to Tennis’, was based at the North Melbourne Recreation Centre. Here the young people engaged in a cardio tennis session, one participant shared that “playing tennis was amazing, good and first time experiencing for me.” For many of cohort this was their first experience playing tennis and even holding a racquet! The activity was supported by the Australian Tennis Foundation who provided amazing coaches that facilitated the session as well as supporting a group of young people from Wyndham to access transport to the activity. Providing the opportunity to try new things is always a key focus of Huddle Holidays and introducing a new sport is just one example of how The Huddle achieves this! Next up for the juniors was the Huddle Activity Day! This session was also run at the North Melbourne Recreation Centre with a bus being provided for young people coming from the Wyndham region. The Activity Day provided young people the opportunity to engage in a range of different games and activities facilitated by staff from The Huddle such as Rock, Paper, Scissors Evolution, Sprout Ball, I’ve Got a Letter and many more! These activities aimed to support the young people to communicate with each other and through this, foster deeper connections and sense of belonging. One participant shared “it's safe, it makes me familiar and fun”. The value of playing fun games that encourage communication between participants was a highlight of this activity. Days like this encourage young people to have fun while feeling welcomed and safe at programs provided by The Huddle. Ice-Skating was the final event for the Juniors; this year it was run as a merged event with senior participants also attending the same session, providing a nice opportunity for siblings who cross age groups to attend together. This activity was extremely popular booking out in hours! Ice-Skating is an activity that Huddle Holidays aims to do annually, providing the chance to engage in something you might not otherwise, while also demonstrating great resilience as participants learn a challenging new skill, but show that they can get back up and keep trying after they fall. This year the session was run at Ice HQ, whose staff provided a brief intro to skating before supporting the young people to feel safe on the Ice. One participant shared about Ice- Skating, "it was my first time doing and it was really fun” and another identified that “the staff were so inclusive and kind”. We are sure there are plenty of participants ready to sign up for this activity again next year! The senior programming (13- to 18-years-old) saw two additional activities to Ice Skating, these included a competitive 3 v 3 Basketball Tournament and a Barista Course. One explained their experience as “very engaging, I had a lot of fun, I learnt some new skills and made some new friends.” As well as providing opportunities for young people to build connections the senior program tries to include opportunities like the Barista course that support young people develop skills they can use in their everyday lives and add to their resumes. The Basketball tournament was held at Eagle Stadium. It saw many returning players compete and great sportspersonship was demonstrated throughout the day! The winning team on the day featured young people who regularly attend our Huddle Up! Senior program. They had all competed before, but this was their first time winning a tournament run by The Huddle. To learn more about our free Sport and Recreation program head to the link here . The Barista session was run at The Huddle classroom in North Melbourne. Participants learned about the history of coffee, the different types of coffee and how to make them as well as some of the basics behind why coffee works as a business. The general key take away for each person as summed up by one participant was that “It gave me a real-life skill I can apply to my life. I learnt many new things, and it was a great experience overall.” As well as just enjoying “learning how to make coffees and hot chocolates and drinking the hot chocolates”. Another highlight of the activity was inviting staff from the North Melbourne Football Club to stop by and enjoy a free cuppa made by the young people. The Huddle was also lucky to have 3 volunteers attend from the Community Bank Seddon. These workers add so much to the program and are big reason as to why so many young people can attend the program, with their support there was over 200 attendances these holidays! Thanks to our participants, their families, activity providers and partners – Victorian Department of Education and Community Bank Seddon. We couldn’t have this much fun without you! Huddle Holidays will return in September 2025 with an all-new, exciting range of activities across both junior and senior age groups. If you would like and further information or to join our email list to be notified when we launch registrations, please email huddle@nmfc.com.au . Previous Next

Joining the Flemington Education Plan Strategic Advisory Group < Back Students find their True North Joshua Raymer 6 June 2023 Joining the Flemington Education Plan Strategic Advisory Group During Term 2 of this year, The Huddle delivered multiple True North programs at three schools located in Flemington to help improve students’ capacity to succeed, aligning with the goals of the Flemington Education Plan . The goal of this plan is to aid “…the Flemington community in having high-quality, seamless education from birth that fosters positive health and wellbeing and the capacity to succeed.” True North, in a similar vein, helps students to develop an understanding of how their values and attributes shape their identity and future pathways. Early in 2023, The Huddle met with the Department of Education to discuss the Flemington Education Plan, and the opportunities available for The Huddle to collaborate with Debney Meadows Primary School, Flemington Primary School, and Mount Alexander College. Following this meeting, the three schools then joined and participated in The Huddle’s True North program. Students were empowered to discover who they are, and explored themes such as identity, values, persistence, social connection, and mindset, amongst others. The free program allowed students to learn more about themselves and one another, while providing teachers with an opportunity to observe their students with a different lens and approach to learning. The Huddle is no stranger to students from Mount Alexander College, Flemington Primary School, and Debney Meadows Primary School. For many years, The Huddle has delivered True North and Voice Your Voice to these students and has strengthened the relationship between The Huddle and these schools. The success of Huddle programs within the Flemington area is evident from the feedback from both students and educators alike. “Student engagement levels were high, and True North provided lots of opportunities for students to reflect.” – Year 5/6 teacher, Flemington Primary School. “The facilitator was attentive to student engagement, kind, and patient, and kept pulling students back to the purpose of the task. The tasks were engaging for the students and were targeted strongly towards the curriculum. As a teacher, I was able to find out more about the students, as I could observe them from a different perspective. - Year 5/6 teacher, Flemington Primary School Following the successful delivery of True North at DMPS, FPS and MAC, The Huddle has now joined the Flemington Education Plan Strategic Advisory Group. The Huddle is also working closely with the Department of Education and Flemington-based schools to deliver additional Huddle programs such as Game Day, GOAL!, Math Hoops and more, with an aim of further enhancing educational opportunities for Flemington-based learners. If you would like to find out more about how to get your school involved in True North and other Huddle programs, please click here . Previous Next

Celebrating rich diversity and resilient spirit at the Community Fair < Back Celebrating rich diversity and a resilient spirit! Fatima Ahmed 19 July 2024 Celebrating rich diversity and resilient spirit at the Community Fair The Community Fair event was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the bustling location of 33 Alfred Street, North Melbourne. The event marked the highly anticipated official launch of the North Melbourne Public Housing Residents Association (NMPHRA), an organisation dedicated to advocating for and supporting the residents of North Melbourne's public housing community. The objective of the Community Fair was to celebrate the rich diversity and resilient spirit of North Melbourne's public housing community. The fair aimed to bring residents together in a joyous atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity and pride among attendees. Through a variety of activities and exhibits, the event highlighted the cultural mosaic that defines the area, showcasing the unique traditions, talents, and stories of its residents. The fair served as a platform to highlight the essential services provided by local organisations. Various stalls and booths were set up, each representing different community service providers, non-profit organisations, and local businesses. The event featured an array of engaging activities and entertainment. Children enjoyed face painting, games, and interactive workshops, while adults had the opportunity to attend cultural performances, including music, dance, and storytelling to celebrate the diverse heritage of the community. Overall, the community fair was a success and the launch of the NMPHRA was warmly welcomed, bringing together residents and stakeholders in a celebration of community spirit, diversity, and mutual support. Previous Next

Over 1,000 participants. 83 cultures. One unforgettable day at the footy. < Back Over 1,000 new fans welcomed to footy Xavier Smith 8 May 2026 Over 1,000 participants. 83 cultures. One unforgettable day at the footy. Welcome to AFL returned in 2026 as part of the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from multicultural communities for a powerful and memorable experience at Marvel Stadium. On Sunday, April 19, young people and families stepped onto the turf, many for the very first time, to learn the fundamentals of Australian Rules Football and immerse themselves in one of Australia’s most iconic sporting environments. https://vimeo.com/1190341484 For some, the experience was unlike anything they had ever known. “It was actually my first ever time attending any type of game at a stadium so it was a bit surreal,” one participant shared. The day began with a warm introduction from our energetic MC and Wyndham City’s Young Person of the Year, Kano Ravalji from Third Culture Australia, before participants had the opportunity to have a kick on Marvel Stadium, an opportunity few get to experience in their lifetime. It was more than just learning the game, it was an introduction to Australian culture and a chance to feel part of something bigger. “I would sincerely like to express my gratitude to the entire North Melbourne Football Club family for organising such a wonderful event. The opportunity to play on Marvel Stadium, learning about Aussie culture and Aussie footy, was incredible,” another participant reflected. As the crowd built and anticipation grew, participants then experienced the thrill of live AFL, watching the North Melbourne Kangaroos deliver a dominant performance against the Richmond Tigers. For many, it was their first time witnessing Australia’s game up close, adding another layer of excitement to an already unforgettable day. Throughout the event, there were moments that truly captured the spirit of the program. Participants proudly took part in the guard of honour as the Kangaroos ran onto the field, while Neil and Avi had the honour of representing the program as junior mascots, running out alongside the players. There were also unforgettable surprises along the way. One participant attended her very first AFL game and walked away with a brand new CHiQ TV, while another young participant and her dad were invited into the change rooms post-match to celebrate with the players. Reflecting on that experience, one dad shared, “As a dad, seeing that level of excitement and joy means everything and you’ve absolutely created a Roo for life.” At its heart, Welcome to AFL is about belonging. This year’s event brought together people from 83 different cultural backgrounds, united through a shared experience and a growing connection to the game. Footy became the catalyst, creating a space where communities could come together, feel welcome and celebrate both their diversity and their place within Australian culture. The program also saw a strong presence from the City of Wyndham, a region we are deeply passionate about. Nine buses transported families from three of our partner schools, St Andrews Primary School, Dohertys Creek P–9 College and Werribee Primary School, helping ensure more young people and families could access this unique opportunity. Welcome to AFL continues to demonstrate the power of sport to break down barriers, build confidence and create lasting connections. For over 1,000 participants, this was more than just a day at the footy, it was the beginning of a new sense of belonging and for many, the start of a lifelong connection to the North Melbourne Football Club. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners who made this day possible — the AFL, Study Melbourne, 13Cabs, Third Culture Australia, Wyndham City Council and Marvel Stadium. Your support continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people and families to connect, belong and experience the very best of community and sport. Previous Next

< Back Community legend inducted into Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll Former staff member of The Huddle and emerging multicultural leader in the Melbourne community, Nasteha Mohamud, has been inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll Riley Goodwin Previous Next

< Back The Huddle's Annual Iftar Event A Journey of Personal Growth and Community Connection Previous Next

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

< Back Youth-Led Transformation at NMCC Young voices, real impact — a youth-designed space built on trust, creativity, and community. John King Previous Next

< Back A Big Day for Grahamvale Getting the most out of Game Day sometimes means going the extra mile - and for the students of Grahamvale Primary School, that was quite literally true. Tam Shama Previous Next

Watching tennis superstars up close! < Back A day at the Australian Open Jasper Menor 15 Jan 2025 Watching tennis superstars up close! Our Senior Huddle Holidays participants had an unforgettable day exploring the Australian Open! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric, with exciting activations at every turn—there was never a dull moment! We watched some Aussie superstars hit the courts for practice and even caught the first few sets of an incredible match between Naomi Osaka and Karolina Muchova. The thrill of seeing world-class tennis up close was truly inspiring. The feeling of watching tennis live is like no other—you can feel the energy and glory as two athletes battle it out in front of thousands. For many, it was their first time at the AO, making the experience even more special. The cheers, the action, and the sheer energy of the event made for a day we won’t soon forget! Stay tuned for more Huddle Holidays adventures and watch us hit the waves as we head to Anglesea! Previous Next

A celebration of youth, energy, and community during Ramadan. < Back Uniting Communities Through Sport at North Melbourne Previous Next

< Back Huddle Holidays Summer 2025 An adventurous and fun summer holidays! Previous Next