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

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.

Independent evaluation: Deloitte Access Economics

The National Community Hubs Program (NCHP) was established in 2013 to engage newly arrived communities at risk of limited access to education, health and social services, and opportunities for economic independence.

Scanlon Foundation Research Institute Narrative 10 – Community in the Classroom

The purpose of this, our 10th Narrative, is to highlight the success of the work of Community Hubs Australia in primary schools and to consider whether the premise behind them could be applied in a secondary school context.

Knowledge Translation to Support Early Learning of Refugee Children and their Families

The research presented in this report is based on a three-year study that focussed on developing understandings and resources to support current and future community hubs and centres with the settlement and early learning of refugee children and their families.