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 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.

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.

Mid-Year Update 2024

Hubs are about connecting people with schools, each other and organisations offering health, education and settlement support services to bridge critical information and service gaps in local communities.