The special ceremony, held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, saw the club’s community and educational facility recognised for its outstanding programs and initiatives.
“As an ambassador for The Huddle, I am really proud to be a part of the great work they’re doing and for us to win a prestigious award like this is fantastic,” Swallow told NMFC.com.au.
The 26-year old was seated in the company and countless senators, members of Parliament and distinguished guests who all gathered to honour those making a difference in the lives of new Australians.
“We’re a club that’s not only committed to working hard on the field but we’re also focused on the community around us and through The Huddle we have the ability to reach an incredible amount of young people who we can have a positive impact on.”
North CEO Carl Dilena was thrilled to see The Huddle recognised by the Migration Council of Australia and said it was a credit to the club in its entirety.
“The Huddle team as well as all our players, coaches and staff are all instrumental in doing remarkable work to reach out and help improve social cohesion,” Dilena said.
“The programs we run for school-age children, right through to young adults are having a great impact and our capacity to do more of this work continues to grow with the help and recognition of great organisations such as the National Migration Council.”
General manager of The Huddle Dr Sonja Hood, accepted the award on behalf of the club and was thrilled to see North Melbourne celebrated for its hard work inside and outside of the facility at Aegis Park.
“For the past three years, The Huddle has welcomed tens of thousands of migrants and refugees through its doors. From leadership development, to homework support, sports programs, healthy living initiatives, exam preparation, career counselling, goal setting – and of course, football,” Hood said.
“We have worked with our community to find practical and innovative ways to improve the lives of everyone with whom we connect. The Huddle is also unique in the way our players are actively involved and have truly embraced its values and its purpose.
“We feel very privileged to be acknowledged by the National Migration Council and honoured to be alongside the incredible candidates who were also nominated.
“Special thanks must go to the Scanlon Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation, they took a chance on us back in the beginning and without their support we would not have The Huddle. Peter Scanlon and his foundation have been integral to our journey from the very beginning until now.
“And finally, to the North Melbourne Football Club, who when building a new facility in 2008 chose to dedicate space to community instead of a bar, or a pokies venue: thank you for having the courage to realise that true success doesn’t come from focusing on yourself and your own needs, but instead results from investing in those around you”.
The Huddle was also awarded the 2012 Premier's Award for Community Harmony.
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| Ms Jane McKeon, Sonja Hood and Andrew Demetriou at the presentation ceremony |
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