In Melbourne's fast-growing western suburbs, Point Cook Community Hub is helping families build connections, develop new skills and find a sense of belonging within their local community.
Based at Point Cook P-9 College, the Hub supports many culturally and linguistically diverse families, including migrant and refugee women and their young children. Through playgroups, English language programs and community activities, the Hub creates opportunities for families to learn, participate and connect.
For the past two years, Sing&Grow has become an important part of that journey.
The partnership began in 2024 when Sing&Grow delivered its first eight-week program at the Hub. Following positive feedback from families, the program returned the following year, further strengthening its connection with the community.
For Community Hub Leader Lauren Goosen, the appeal was immediately clear.
"I first heard about Sing&Grow through other Community Hubs who hosted the program," she said.
"It has been wonderful to see the positive impact it has had on our families, and I'm really excited to continue this partnership and offer this amazing program to our community."
Many of the families attending the Hub speak English as a second language, making communication and language development a key focus.
"I was hoping the program would gently introduce and encourage more English interaction between parents and their little ones, as English is a second language for many of our families," she said.
"I also hoped it would show families that their little ones can learn and develop through songs, repetition and simple actions."
Lauren describes that families have discovered practical and accessible ways to support their children's learning through everyday interactions.
"Families have become more confident in engaging with their children through music and play and understanding that everyday interactions can be a great learning opportunity."
As the weeks progressed, the impact became increasingly visible.
Children began singing along during sessions, confidently following actions and participating in group activities. Parents also became more comfortable joining in and sharing these experiences alongside their children.
Yet one of the most significant outcomes extended beyond participating families.
The Community Hub itself gained new tools and knowledge that continue to be used long after the sessions finished.
"It has had a huge impact. I have incorporated some of the songs into playgroup, and the little ones are now familiar with them," she said.
"I'm also seeing parents becoming more confident and wanting to join in during circle time and sing along with their little ones."
Today, many of the songs introduced through Sing&Grow remain part of regular playgroup activities.
This ongoing use of music-based strategies highlights a unique strength of the partnership.
Rather than ending after the final session, the program's impact has become embedded within the Hub's everyday practice. Facilitators have built their own confidence and capability to use music intentionally to support engagement, participation and learning.
The result is a legacy that benefits both families and the broader community.
"Seeing families confidently participate together has shown me how Sing&Grow has continued to have an impact even after the sessions have finished," she said.
By building the skills of both families and Community Hub facilitators, the partnership has created benefits that continue long after the final session. The songs, routines and strategies remain embedded in playgroup activities and family life, helping create ongoing opportunities for learning, connection and participation. For a community built on cultural diversity, these shared experiences provide a powerful foundation for inclusion, confidence and belonging.