Justine Teggelove was never a fanatic football fan. However, after realising the role sport could play in creating inclusive environments for young people, Justine and her company Rodine Australia partnered with North Melbourne’s celebrated not-for-profit, The Huddle.

Adopted and raised in Western Australia, Justine grew-up surrounded by sport – in particular AFL – and was often inspired by its ability to bring people together and build her community.

“I was exposed to inclusiveness from a young age. It was rare that I was made to feel as though my skin colour was a factor in what I could do, or what I could achieve. I believe sport played a role in breaking down barriers, and making my norm-norm (normal) one that was mostly free from racism,” Ms Teggelove said.

“My mum always said that I was born from her heart not her body. She was the Head of Migrant Education at one of the Universities in WA, and instilled in me the confidence, and in some ways responsibility, to own my story.”

Ms Teggelove, who is the only female CEO, co-founder and owner in the commercial construction industry, has made it her mission to diversify Australian workplaces, by financially supporting programs that systematically address the causes of disengagement among young people.

“When I transitioned into the construction industry from nursing, I became increasingly aware that my norm wasn’t the same as other peoples. Where I grew-up feeling included and welcomed, I learned that a lot of young people, particularly those of migrant and refugee backgrounds, don’t.”

“Even though I’m in construction, my purpose isn’t just to build buildings. It’s about offering people the same opportunities I was given to thrive in Australia. My mantra is: it’s the responsibility of those that have, to help those who have not. Construction is my vehicle to do this.”

In 2012 Justine Teggelove was introduced to The Huddle via a Club tour with Huddle Patron and former North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow. It was through this tour that she realised the vast impact and importance the North Melbourne Football Club is having across the North Melbourne, Wyndham and Tasmanian communities.

“My son Daniel ‘Daz’ was recovering from a knee operation, and a mutual friend arranged a meet-and-greet with Andrew Swallow. What we thought would be a hand-shake and a signature opportunity, turned out to be a full day of activities (from 8:30am to 5:00pm with Andrew),” Ms Teggelove said.

“When we came to pick-up Daz, Andrew showed us around the Club before giving us a tour of The Huddle. Once we became aware of what the Club was doing to support the community, we had to know more.”

Since Ms Teggelove’s introduction to the Club, Rodine Australia has supported a number of the Huddle’s programs and students, through gifting.

“Sometimes humans can be so insular. What inspires me, and inspires me about The Huddle, is the people working there. These people, often volunteers, are able to look outside of themselves and see clearly what needs to be done in order to build their community.”

Established in 2010, The Huddle has won numerous awards and engaged more than 50,000 young people through its programs. It aims to strengthen and enhance young people’s skills, increase their ability to participate in society, as well as contribute to more socially inclusive communities.

The Huddle aims to support young people to Learn, Grow and Belong in their community through a range of initiatives with a focus on sport and recreation, education and careers, digital skills and civic participation.

When asked for some words of wisdom that she could offer young people, Ms Teggelove encouraged students to step outside of their comfort zone.

“You are stronger than you think you are. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of courage to achieve your goals. Give it a go, and even if you don’t feel confident, pretend you are.”

“Learn to be comfortable with your story and get people to talk about you, to you. In the end, your story is what makes you unique – no-one can take that away from you.”

For more information visit: http://www.nmfc.com.au/huddle