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< Back Using Basketball to Empower Melbourne’s Youth Basketball is breaking barriers and empowering youth in Melbourne’s West. Rachael Scotland 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

Game Changers program provided by The Huddle < Back Supporting young people on their unique career journeys Em O’Halloran, John King and Maddy Ware 29 Aug 2022 Game Changers program provided by The Huddle Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, young people aged 15-24 were already disproportionately adversely affected in the labour market. Before COVID-19, it took young people on average 2.6 years to transition from full-time education to full-time work, despite being more qualified than any previous generation. The crisis has aggravated existing disadvantage and significantly disrupted the plans and livelihoods of most young Australians. When entering the job market, young people in this age bracket with little or no work experience are the most vulnerable. Without timely and targeted intervention, young adults looking to access the workforce are at a high risk of missing out on a secure entry into the labour market and, therefore, more likely to experience long-term unemployment and/or underemployment. Either avenue will result in financial hardship. The ongoing economic implications of the pandemic for Australia's youth population are significant. However, these implications will be more acute for many young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This is due to the intersection of age, the life stage of adolescence, young people's family support role and pre-existing structural barriers to accessing employment. The objective for The Huddle is to adjust from a one-size-fits-all job placement support model to a more individualistic approach. Introducing: Game Changers - a program that creates employment opportunities within and supported by The Huddle to maximise youth engagement in paid work and strengthen employment pathways. Betty Betty is a 20-year-old Ethiopian-Australian and Wyndham resident, currently studying Year 12 at Tarneit Senior College. Betty first interacted with The Huddle in 2020, when she began participating in school holiday activities such as the professional barista course and MasterChef as part of the DET-funded Huddle Holidays initiative. Shortly afterwards, Betty started attending The Huddle’s after-school homework program, Study Squad, to seek free tutoring to support her with her Year 12 studies. After some time of continued involvement, The Huddle’s Education Coordinator encouraged Betty to participate in Game Changers to access individualised employment pathways support as well. Betty connected with the Careers Coordinator in late 2021 to participate in the Game Changers program. Initially, she was very shy and reserved, barely talking throughout her initial appointments. Collectively, they identified that Betty’s immediate goals should focus on creating a resume and identifying her industries of interest. Betty continued engaging with the Careers Coordinator in 2022 and shared that she had applied for many jobs through various online systems but was unsuccessful. The key takeaways from their sessions were a need for focus on improving her cover letter writing, finding ways to nurture her self-confidence, and learning the navigate workplace cross-cultural junctions. Throughout ongoing one-on-one coaching with the Careers Coordinator, Betty managed to flesh out her resume with work experience, apply for her Working with Children’s Check, and began volunteering alongside The Huddle. “I helped out and pushed myself outside my comfort zone” Over time, The Huddle staff observed a shift in Betty’s confidence and communication skills, and watched her initiating conversations with guests, volunteers and staff. Shortly after, Betty applied for a casual employment position with the North Melbourne Football Club selling merchandise on Game Days at Marvel Stadium. “I felt more confident applying and interviewing because I can use my recent volunteering experience to demonstrate my skills” With the guidance of the Game Changers program, Betty was successful in gaining both confidence and employment, and now works match days and contributes to the membership team. Betty completed her first shift at the North Melbourne vs. GWS game at Marvel Stadium in June 2022. She demonstrated confidence and solid interpersonal skills during her first shift, engaging positively with NMFC staff, club members, patrons and customers. Betty’s confidence and communication skills have improved dramatically since her first Game Changers coaching session. The Careers Coordinator shared that “…it has been a rewarding experience to witness Betty’s development and employment journey”. Betty’s pathway from participant to volunteer to an employee at NMFC demonstrates the power that individualised career coaching can have on a young person’s life. The Game Changers coaching sessions provided Betty with access to culturally safe networks and experiences that enabled her to build her transferable skills and confidence. The program supported her to traverse the unique barriers she faced in obtaining employment and aided her in navigating the ‘unwritten’ rules of Australian workplace culture and expectations. The Careers team at The Huddle will continue to run Game Changers to support and coach young people to harness educational work experiences to better prepare and equip themselves with the transferable skills, expertise and networks needed to integrate into the Australian workforce successfully and confidently. Previous Next

The welcoming environment that is fostered at Huddle Up! < Back Amomai's Story Steph Webb 4 Sept 2023 The welcoming environment that is fostered at Huddle Up! Huddle Up! Senior at Eagle Stadium aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for young people to socialise and stay healthy together. On Friday nights, participants are invited to attend and play a social volleyball round robin tournament and practise their skills. Amomai first joined Huddle Up! at Manor Lakes College in May 2022. Since then, they have attended the Eagle Stadium program 29 times, as well as one of Huddle Holiday’s volleyball tournaments. A newcomer to the world of volleyball, Amomai enjoyed coming along just to hang out with their friends. Amomai and their large group were regulars at the Werribee Stadium, and program facilitators became quite familiar with the group of pals. “Before coming to the program, I really liked playing volleyball, but I wasn’t good enough to join a team, so this program has really helped me get better. It’s just really cool here”. - Amomai However, after some time, the group began to slim down, and Amomai was the last participant who remained a constant at the program. It seemed that a growing enjoyment of the program, as well as a development of skill and love of volleyball, were the main contributors to Amomai’s commitment. Based on how much Amomai’s skills and confidence had improved, they continued to come down weekly to the sessions without their friends. I was able to make new friends at The Huddle once my friends stopped coming. I didn’t have a team but now I have two different teams that I can join each week.” - Amomai Thanks in part to the welcoming environment that is fostered at Huddle Up!, Amomai came down each week to the program with the confidence to make new friends. They always are the first to put their hand up and assist with scoring or fixturing teams. “Personally, I have seen Amomai’s confidence grow, not only in terms of their volleyball skills but also ability to join in with anyone and make all young people feel welcomed into the program just as they have experienced.” – Program Facilitator Amomai has made countless friends through Huddle Up!, and shares that they all regularly hang out outside of the program. Within the program, they have found that they are less worried about being vulnerable or making mistakes while learning new skills, thanks to these newfound friendships. “It’s my favourite sport. Before I used to stay home and now, I have something to look forward to after school”. As Amomai's story illustrates, Huddle Up! is not just about playing volleyball; it's about creating lasting bonds and offering young people a place to grow, both in skill and confidence. Huddle Up Senior at Eagle Stadium, continues to run every Friday night from 4:30pm-6:15pm and 6:15pm-8pm on Court 12. Register via the link here Previous Next

< Back Meet Nyra: Kicking Goals On and Off the Field 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. Patrick McPhee Previous Next

The North Melbourne Kangaroos have officially launched Game Day, The Huddle’s newest education program < Back The Huddle launches Australian-first immersive AFL program, Game Day North Media 29 Sept 2022 The North Melbourne Kangaroos have officially launched Game Day, The Huddle’s newest education program The North Melbourne Kangaroos have officially launched Game Day, The Huddle’s newest education program. Game Day will run out of The Huddle’s new-look facility, developed as part of the club’s current upgrades to its Arden Street headquarters. An Australian-first immersive AFL themed program, Game Day will be presented in a world-class education centre featuring cutting-edge technology. The Huddle has launched its new facility and program Game Day, which will see thousands of local students experience a cutting-edge and interactive way of learning Game Day will take grade 5 and 6 students on an empowering journey to build on their strengths and plan for their future. Throughout the Game Day experience, students will work in teams to complete STEM challenges which will require teamwork and resilience to solve problems and learn how to win. Innovative technology will be used to create an atmosphere where students feel like they are part of an AFL game. Since its inception in 2010, The Huddle’s award-winning programs have engaged more than 100,000 young people from over 160 different cultures, with a particular focus on those that are vulnerable and at risk of disengagement. Game Day encompasses our mission at The Huddle, and we are thrilled to see the concept come to life through this incredible facility, made possible through a $7.3 million investment by the Victorian State Government. - The Huddle CEO Cam McLeod In 2023, Game Day is expected to engage up to 4,500 students from 100 schools located in low socio-economic areas across Victoria. “At The Huddle, our mission is to improve education and employment outcomes for young people by leveraging the power of sport,” The Huddle CEO Cam McLeod said. “Pre-COVID 40% of Australian students were disengaged in the classroom, leading to students falling two years behind their peers and becoming at-risk of leaving school. Through innovative technology, the Game Day program will work to strengthen the engagement of at-risk and vulnerable young people, helping them to learn, grow and belong. “Game Day encompasses our mission at The Huddle, and we are thrilled to see the concept come to life through this incredible facility, made possible through a $7.3 million investment by the Victorian State Government.” A world-class team from Spatial, MKTG and Beautiful Minds have worked to design and produce Game Day including screenplay, audio, visual, special effects and a pedagogical framework aligned to the Victorian Curriculum. Previous Next

< Back Purification of the Heart: A Soulful Retreat of Reflection, Connection, and Nature A Journey of Healing and Empowerment. Asli Abdullahi Previous Next

The River Nile School has partnered with The Huddle to empower students' leadership and sense of belonging. < Back Empowering Young Women to Learn, Grow and Belong with the River Nile School Josh Raymer 19 Sept 2024 The River Nile School has partnered with The Huddle to empower students' leadership and sense of belonging. For several years, the River Nile School in North Melbourne has partnered with The Huddle to participate in a range of different programs that empower their student’s leadership and sense of belonging through sports, education, and community engagement. The River Nile School offers full time senior secondary qualifications to support young women from a refugee background, who may have experienced disrupted schooling or find a flexible learning environment most suitable to their learning. We facilitated our True North program in River Nile School classrooms on multiple occasions to help develop students’ leadership, connections, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and resilience. By participating in various activities, the students find out more about themselves and others, including their identity and their values. River Nile School students also made the short trip down to the North Melbourne Recreation Centre to participate in our Huddle Up! program which brings young people together to participate in sports and recreational activities. Not only does Huddle Up! promote physical health, but it also continues to strengthen the social connections, teamwork, and a sense of belonging built through the True North sessions. River Nile School students have been actively participating in Huddle Up! and enjoyed the benefits of being physically active in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Staff at River Nile School have observed a marked improvement in students’ engagement and wellbeing, as well as providing new opportunities and perspectives that engaged students and provided them with a stronger sense of belonging and greater community connections. Students have echoed this sentiment by sharing that they have become more confident, emotionally intelligent, physically active and socially connected. The long-standing relationship between The Huddle and the River Nile School has provided students with a more supportive educational environment to empower their students to learn, grow and belong, and this relationship will continue to be strengthened in years to come. Previous Next

The Huddle will begin delivering its award-winning programs in new locations from July < Back The Huddle partners with YMCA Victoria Riley Goodwin 16 June 2022 The Huddle will begin delivering its award-winning programs in new locations from July The Huddle will begin delivering its award-winning programs in new locations from July after the Active Melbourne Recreation Facilities contract was awarded to the YMCA of Victoria in partnership with The Huddle. Active Melbourne is the City of Melbourne’s Sport and Recreation team who work to provide facilities, programs and services that connect the community. After an extensive tender process, the Active Melbourne contract will see The Huddle’s outreach programs being delivered across 9 venues including the North Melbourne Community Centre and the Hub@Docklands. All of The Huddle’s programs are free, inclusive and accessible with a focus on connecting and empowering young people to learn, grow and belong. Programs will include school holiday activities, camping retreats, women’s workouts, study support, career readiness and employment opportunities. “We are thrilled and sincerely thank the City of Melbourne for the opportunity to expand our community outreach programs further across Melbourne,” The Huddle CEO Cam McLeod said. “We also extend our thanks to the YMCA and look forward to continuing to work with them. “Since 2010, The Huddle’s core focus has been to strengthen social inclusion, education and careers for young people and we are excited at the opportunity this partnership will bring. “The YMCA’s focus on inclusivity and connection to their communities falls in line with our values at The Huddle, so our relationship is a great fit.” Previous Next

< Back Recapping Huddle Holidays Summer 2025 That’s a wrap! Reliving and remembering the Summer Huddle Holidays! Patrick McPhee Previous Next

River Nile student's reflection on her 2 years participating in Voice Your Voice < Back Aida's Voice Claudie Groves 19 Oct 2023 River Nile student's reflection on her 2 years participating in Voice Your Voice Aida is the first to complete two rounds of Voice Your Voice, a collaborative and hands-on advocacy program delivered by The Huddle to local secondary and VCAL students. Like her introductory experience in 2022, this year’s initiative encouraged Aida and her peers at River Nile School to think bigger than just awareness-raising, and to think about what it truly means to feel safe, valued, and included in society. Together, this group of young women not only spoke about the issues that are commonly faced by people of refugee and migrant backgrounds, but also – and more powerfully – explored ways to mobilise communities and build capacity for meaningful social action in this regard. They participated in several workshops with Voice Your Voice throughout their third semester, creating short video campaigns on topics of their own choosing. “My group focused on racism, which is a problem many of us face every day due to our hijabs and skin colour.” “Being able to talk about something so persistent, hurtful and wrong is really important, and advocating for change means a lot to those of us who have personally experienced racism.” Last year, Aida and her team worked on a media project about cyberbullying, which they argue is just as pervasive and challenging. The issue’s popularity and resonance also meant that this team grew to be the largest in Voice Your Voice’s history. “Everyone played a role, whether that was doing voiceovers, writing the script, editing or starring in the actual video.” “I really want to thank The Huddle for providing us with this opportunity as people who are new to Australia.” Voice Your Voice aims to inspire students like Aida, giving them the tools necessary to self-advocate and contribute to cohesive communities where all feel they belong. Previous Next

An 8-year Surfing Adventure with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea < Back Making Waves in Anglesea Ruth Game 19 Feb 2024 An 8-year Surfing Adventure with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea The collaborative effort between Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC), Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea (GRAW) and The Huddle created another joyous beach experience for young participants and their parents this January. The generous provision of wetsuits and surf lessons from GRAW, coupled with the dedication of ASLSC volunteers, has each year become one of the major highlights of The Huddle calendar. This initiative, beginning in 2016 and now funded by The Department of Education and Bendigo Bank Seddon introduces first-timers to the beach, teaches skills for water competency and provides a quintessential Australian experience all by the generosity of the Anglesea community. Since the beginning of this partnership, over 150 wetsuits and 8 surf lessons provided by GRAW, there has been enthusiastic participation of ASLSC volunteers and the wider club over 9 visits to their venue, and overwhelming positive feedback from 300+ participants. "I was so impressed with the patience and enthusiasm that the young water safety volunteers displayed. They genuinely made the days of so many young people." – Huddle Staff Member In 2016, families living in Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne and Ascot Vale were invited to brainstorm ideas for a Huddle school holiday program to keep youth engaged over the break. The concept of a Surf Trip began to form, and The Huddle reached out to Go Ride A Wave and Anglesea was quickly suggested as a suitable location for beginners. From there, a relationship with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club was established and has strengthened year on year. ASLSC’s Nippers, volunteers, and young people have been keeping other young people and their families safe in the water and have shared in the joy of many participants’ first time at the beach. Three themes have emerged from this partnership over the years; the importance of water competency, social inclusion, and providing what is a quintessential Australian experience; a day at the beach with a snag. "I was so excited, and a bit nervous. I got dumped by a wave but I will definitely come back next year!” - Participant The generous contribution of wetsuits and surf lessons by GRAW has been a game-changer. Paired with the dedication of ASLSC volunteers and their newly renovated venue, the event has been meticulously organised every year. Partnering with GRAW and ASLSC has ensured the sustainability of such a well-loved program. “I was so impressed with the patience and enthusiasm that the young water safety volunteers displayed. They genuinely made the days of so many young people." – Huddle Staff Member “I can’t emphasise enough how loved this day is by the families we work with and that’s in huge part to the warmth and generosity of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club.” – Huddle staff member The success of this place-based partnerships initiative funded by the Department of Education and Bendigo Bank Seddon paves the way for future collaborations with ASLSC and Go Ride a Wave Anglesea. The Huddle is committed to expanding this program, ensuring more young people can experience the joy of the ocean in a safe and supportive environment. “The waves are kinda hard and I was like oh my god, I was really scared... I had a try and then it was really fun!” – Huddle participant To support initiatives like these and make a lasting impact on young lives, consider contributing to The Huddle's mission. Your support can help create more memorable experiences and positive transformations for the community. Previous Next