Welcome to Banksia Garden's after-school program

Addressing educational disadvantage in Southern Hume

Since its inception in 1979, Banksia Gardens Community Services (BGCS) has been dedicated to serving low income residents of the Public Housing Estate adjacent to its centre, as well as disadvantaged individuals and communities in Broadmeadows and across Hume in Melbourne’s north.

In Southern Hume where BGCS is located, unemployment rates are four to five times the national average, and disadvantage is concentrated. Within the community, many children struggle at school due to trauma associated with such things as fleeing war and civil unrest, living in refugee camps and witnessing or experiencing domestic violence. Many of the local and regional children and young people are from migrant and refugee backgrounds and are new arrivals.

A safe and supportive environment for learning

The after-school program supports this cohort. Children attending the after-school program are not able to afford private tuition and children with parents who have little or no English rely on BGCS to help them with their homework and their literacy.

Held Tuesday to Friday during school terms, most sessions take place at Banksia in Broadmeadows and one session is delivered online for local and regional children. It’s a welcoming, inclusive environment, where children and young people from diverse cultural backgrounds can receive support with their learning and social-emotional development, in a fun and positive environment. Activities include literacy learning for primary students, arts and crafts, soccer, boxing, Muay Thai and gardening and nature-based learning.

Some of the key highlights from the year:

• Significant investment was made in literacy learning resources for primary-school-aged students and in a targeted maths database that aligns with the Victorian curriculum.

• 195 students were registered including more than 90 new registrations, with an average of 90 students attending each week across all programs.

• 35 volunteers supported the programs.

• Processes for supporting and managing placement students and volunteers have been improved to provide a more meaningful experience.

  
  

Celebrating success and community impact

The after-school program won the OSHLSP of the Year Award at the Centre for Multicultural Youth 2023 My Education Awards, recognising the program as the best learning initiative for school-aged children and young people in metropolitan Melbourne.

The program’s holistic approach benefits not only the child participants, but also parents, tutors and the wider community. A parent group also runs during the sessions, offering a support network and assistance with accessing services, work, learning and school communication. This provides a chance to integrate into the community and develop English language skills, especially for newly arrived families. Volunteer tutors, many who are local residents from diverse backgrounds, gain skills and confidence, enhancing their employment prospects.

BGCS CEO, Gina Dougall, was guest speaker at the 2024 Annual 1889 Bequest Society lunch and she painted this picture of the after-school program:

“If you were to come to Banksia Gardens Community Services in Broadmeadows on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday at 3pm you would see about 90 kids. Some would be playing soccer with Melbourne Victory coaches. Some would be doing arts and crafts activities. In one room you would see a large group of African mums laughing and sharing stories as they wait for their kids. In large classrooms, many children would be working with volunteer tutors. Every child who attends the study program is also given healthy food, fruit, other snacks and a drink. It is always lively and busy and in great demand.”

The program’s success is evident in the increased confidence and engagement levels of the children and young people. Families feel relaxed and safe attending the program, which often serves as a stepping stone to other Banksia activities.