Community Hubs

Mr FULBROOK (Playford) (17:57): I rise to speak about community hubs and the great work they do both nationally and in the community that I am privileged to represent. Community hubs build social cohesion in Australia. They are welcoming places where families from diverse backgrounds, particularly mothers with preschool children, come to connect, share and learn.

The National Community Hubs Program is a proven place-based and culturally centred way of building connections and strengthening social and economic capital within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Hubs are embedded in primary schools and they bridge the gap between families, schools and the wider community. They connect families with each other, their school and local services and support. Their success rests on the teamwork between coordinators, hub leaders and school leadership.

Community hubs work across four key areas: engagement, by connecting families in culturally diverse communities; early childhood, by preparing preschool children through playgroups; English, by providing opportunities to learn and practise the language; and vocational pathways, by creating links to volunteering and employment. In raising this, I acknowledge the leadership of Bec Kotow, CEO of Community Hubs Australia, for her role in guiding this model nationally.

In South Australia, we are fortunate to have three hubs located across the Playford, Port Adelaide Enfield and Salisbury council areas. The Salisbury hub serves school communities including Karrendi Primary, Para Vista Primary, Paralowie R-12, Salisbury Primary and St Augustine's Parish School.

Locally, Karrendi Primary School's Karrendi hub has grown into a truly welcoming centre under the leadership of Aleesha Yi. Programs such as adult English classes, playgroups and pathway courses are run with warmth and professionalism. A toy library, established just a year ago, has already become a cornerstone of the hub. It was a joy to celebrate its first anniversary with stories, smiles and the ever popular hippo pop play piano. I was pleased to read to the playgroup and to present certificates to volunteers Parvin and Belinda—illness being no barrier to recognition, with a paper cut-out of Belinda's head a very worthy substitute.

This toy library is more than just toys on shelves. It gives families a place to learn, laugh and grow together, free from financial strain. Parvin deserves special mention. Her commitment has been remarkable and her recognition as a finalist for Volunteer of the Year in Australia with Toy Well speaks volumes. Volunteers like Parvin are the quiet strength of our communities. Their generosity makes a difference every single day and her example inspires others, particularly new arrivals seeking a way to contribute and to belong.

No hub succeeds without volunteers. They are the backbone of every English class, playgroup and event. I cannot name them all today, and I apologise for that, but I want each to know they are deeply valued. I do wish, though, to acknowledge Sue Bradford-O'Reilly for her guidance, which I value greatly, and to also recognise Belinda Reid once more for her outstanding contribution, not only to the hub but to our wider community.

Community hubs are about connection and that spirit was on full display at the Bush Playgroup held at Para Wirra Conservation Park on 12 August. Five buses of parents and children came together for a day of fresh air, a picnic and toasted marshmallows. The day was made possible thanks to Green Adelaide and Words Grow Minds, and to Marra Dreaming for offering basket weaving. I also thank Costco and the Red Tree Foundation for providing fruit and snacks for families. These events are the grassroots experiences that turn strangers into neighbours.

Community hubs are also forward-looking. On 5 November, Minister Cook and I will welcome hub participants to parliament. This will be a wonderful opportunity for families to see it up close and feel that their voices and stories are part of our shared civic life.

For anyone wanting to learn more or become involved, I encourage you to begin your journey at the Community Hubs web page: communityhubs.org.au. Whether through volunteering, attending English classes, joining a playgroup or simply connecting with others, each hub has a place for everyone.

Community hubs are one of the quiet success stories of our country. They bring people together, foster understanding and give families the tools to thrive. I am proud that within Adelaide's north, we have embraced this program and I thank every leader, every volunteer and every partner who make our hubs the welcoming and vibrant places they are.