National Community Hubs Program SROI Evaluation Report 2021

This evaluation estimates that the NCHP delivered benefits of $33.9 million to Australian society in 2019. As the NCHP was delivered on a budget of $15.2 million in 2019, it is estimated that the program had an SROI of 2.2. The NCHP budget encompasses direct government investment, investment from not-for-profit organisations, direct costs to schools and in-kind supports.

Overall, the analysis shows that the NCHP had the largest impact on the quality of life of participants, accounting for 59.7 per cent of its total social impact in 2019. Employment and volunteer benefits accounted for 25.7 per cent of the social benefits of the program in 2019, which are realised through increased productivity in the economy.

Previous Reports

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.

2024 in Review

In 2024, schools welcomed 13,790 new and existing families into their hubs. The 2024 in Review tells the stories of how our national network of hubs helped their communities connect, share and learn.