Community hub marks year of support for local families

THE Northern Bay College Family Learning Centre Community Hub is marking the end of a year of sustained activity, after working with more than 160 families across 2025 through a mix of education, wellbeing and practical support programs.

The hub engaged with 162 local families during the year, providing services designed to build skills, confidence and connection.

Across 2025, 136 referrals were made to help families access additional support services, while 132 English classes and 27 sewing classes offered practical learning opportunities.

Wellbeing initiatives remained a core focus, including 15 women’s yoga sessions, an intensive swimming program completed by 20 women, and bike-riding lessons for 13 participants.

The hub also continued to meet essential day-to-day needs, hosting 68 toy library sessions, distributing 600 food boxes and delivering eight Services Australia sessions to help families navigate government systems.

A Northern Bay College Community Hub spokesperson said the figures captured only part of the story, with the hub’s impact best seen in the confidence and connections built among participants.

“It is a privilege to watch hub participants blossom, laugh and thrive,” they said.

“The growth, resilience and connections built throughout the year are what make this work so meaningful.”

For more information, visit nbc.vic.edu.au, or contact community hub leader Narelle Smith-Haslett on 5224 9783.