Ipswich Community Hubs

Since opening five Community Hubs in Ipswich last year, local service providers have been quick to meet with the team of Hub Leaders, including ZONTA – a global human rights organisation of nearly 30,000 members in 66 countries.

12 volunteers from the Zonta Club of Ipswich put their hand up to teach sewing skills, and to provide sewing machines, and materials in the hubs.

Not only are the women building new skills, many have identified business opportunities through sewing reusable shopping bags and selling them at the local markets.

The sewing groups also give back to community through sewing pads for women who have had mastectomies.

The club also facilitated a sponsorship through Jamie’s Ministry of Food to provide the hubs with cooking classes for beginners and intermediate cooks alike.

“The Hub Leaders, the women and children who attend the Hubs, and the team at Access are immensely grateful for the support that the Zonta club offers”, says Grainne Taia, Support Coordinator.

The Jamie’s Ministry of Food Program is a hands-on cooking course, using Jamie Oliver’s recipes and his philosophy on cooking, buying, storing and eating good, fresh, healthy food on a budget.

“Joining this cooking class has really helped me to understand and cook different dishes that are not from my cultural background…It would be awesome for more women to join and learn new healthy cooking styles for their families,” says mother of six, Pretty Mulanga.

Zonta continues to support Community Hubs with time, resources, and $5000 funding.