Playgroups and Early Learning

Playgroups and play-based learning are crucial for children’s health, development and the transition to school These settings help parents, especially refugees, make new friends and build social connections.

Some refugee parents may be hesitant to join playgroups due to not understanding their value or feeling unwelcome, plus practical barriers like transport.
Facilitators introduce routines, work on literacy and numeracy and support children through programs such as “beginning school bell” to prepare them for starting school.
Refugee mothers may feel isolated; playgroup participation is promoted gradually to build their confidence and help them provide community support for their children.
Community hubs overcome language barriers with creative play and body language, creating inclusive spaces for both children and parents.

Previous Reports

Mid-Year Update 2026

During the first six months of 2026, schools welcomed 9,899 families into their hubs. The Mid-Year Update tells the stories of how our national network of hubs have helped their communities connect, share and learn.

Hub Census 2025 – Key findings

The Hub Census 2025 highlights the significant role community hubs play in building belonging, strengthening early learning, and supporting pathways to participation and employment.

2025 in Review

This report highlights key outcomes, participation and impact from across the national community hubs network in 2025, reflecting progress at a national level and the ongoing support hubs provide to families through schools and local communities.

Mid-Year Update 2025

At the six-month mark of 2025, we look back on some of the stories of impact from our hubs network. The first half of 2025 has brought encouraging momentum – from sustaining a strong national footprint of 98 hubs to continuing the vital support hubs provide to families throughout the school year.

Executive summary: Social return on investment evaluation of the National Community Hubs Program, 2023

This report aims to highlight the impact of the National Community Hubs Program on local communities throughout Australia by estimating the social return on investment of the program in 2023.

Social return on investment evaluation of the National Community Hubs Program 2023

The SROI evaluation concluded that a staggering $65.7 million of social benefits were derived through participation in the community hub network in 2023 – generating a return of $3.50 for every dollar invested.