Why community hubs
Our community hubs are designed around a place-based and people-focused model that responds to local needs to achieve positive outcomes for children, families, schools and the wider community.
Community hubs serve as gateways that connect families with each other, with their school, and with existing services. Dozens of community hubs operate under the National Community Hubs Program, which has been recognised as a leading model to engage and support migrant women with young children. Community hubs focus on reaching women who have pre-school children and leverage existing facilities in primary schools.
A proven model
In 2023, CHA engaged Deloitte Access Economics to complete a social return on investment evaluation (SROI) of the National Community Hubs Program.
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. The highlights of these benefits included
- $40.9 million in improved quality of life for hub participants.
- $754K reduction in school costs due to reduced in-school supports required by students.
- $7.3 million in improved educational outcomes. Children who participate in hubs have an increased potential for greater lifetime earnings.
- $17 million in economic contribution of hub participants who gained employment through community hub involvement.
- $454K in value contributed through hub volunteering.