Evidence of impact
Community hubs create lasting impact for families, schools and communities across Australia. Through independent evaluation, research, publications and stories from across the network, this section highlights the outcomes, insights and learnings that continue to shape and strengthen the community hubs model.
“Since establishing our community hub, our school has transformed into a true community centre – not just a place of learning. For many families, it’s a lifeline: a space that offers connection, support, and real opportunity”
- Tobin Cuss, Principal, Fleetwood Primary School
Casey, Victoria
Evidence of impact resources
From national evaluations and research partnerships to school stories and network updates, these resources provide evidence of the role community hubs play in supporting connection, participation, confidence and belonging.
Social return on investment evaluation of the National Community Hubs Program 2023
In 2023, Community Hubs Australia engaged Deloitte Access Economics to undertake a comprehensive social return on investment (SROI) evaluation of the National Community Hubs Program.
The evaluation found that community hubs generated approximately $65.7 million in social benefits for Australian society in 2023 – representing a return of $3.50 for every $1 invested.
The evaluation also found that hubs contributed to improved quality of life for participants, stronger educational outcomes for children, increased employment opportunities and broader social cohesion outcomes across communities.
Previous SROI evaluation report 2019
In 2019 Deloitte Access Economics undertook a comprehensive social return on investment (SROI) evaluation of the NCHP. The National Community Hubs Program (NCHP) had an SROI of 2.2 in 2019. This means that, for every $1 invested in the program, there were $2.2 in social benefits realised in Australia.