Community Engagement Programs
- Programs
- Community Engagement
Community Engagement Programs
Community Engagement Programs are culturally-specific programs designed to support the wellbeing, identity, and aspirations of youth from refugee backgrounds. These programs work with specific cultural groups resettling in NSW, providing initiatives to foster belonging, leadership and the development of life skills through culturally grounded activities, mentorship, and community engagement.
Community Engagement Programs are typically day activities planned during weekdays (in school holidays) and weekends (during school terms) for young people (12-25 years old). Activities range from horse riding to hiking, movie nights, visiting galleries, art workshops, bowling and rock climbing.
What are some of the communities we work with?
- Afghan Young Women
- Mixed Women's Football Community
- Mixed Palestinian Community
- Mixed Ukrainian Community
- Mixed Assyrian Community
- African Cup NSW
- Mixed Sudanese Community
Why do we run Community Engagement Programs?
- To provide a culturally safe and welcoming experience tailored to the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds.
- To promote mental and emotional well-being through engaging activities and peer support.
- To foster new friendships and a sense of belonging among participants through shared experiences.
- To build self-confidence, independence, and resilience through physical activity and personal reflection.
- To offer a space for cultural identity exploration and self-expression in a safe and empowering environment.
Other Details
Target Groups: Newly-arrived young people from community groups identified as able to benefit for further support and engagement
Program Delivery:
Flexible delivery dependent on community needs
Requirement:
Dependent on activities being provided
Designed by:
STARTTS Youth Team and young people
Maximum no. of participants:
Dependent on activity taking place
Afghan Young Women
The Afghan Girls Hike Program is a monthly outing designed exclusively for young Afghan women aged 18 to 25 years old.
Monthly hikes across Greater Sydney (from the Blue Mountains to Central Coast and Royal National Park) offer a safe and empowering space for girls to connect with nature and each other, find strength in shared experiences, and nurture their physical and mental well-being. Hikes range from 3-6 kilometres, provide pickup from a train station as well as lunch and snacks, and staff familiar with the trail.
When, Where and How?
- 21 June - Blue Gum Track
- 26 July - Terrace Track
- 23 August - Spit Bridge to Manly Track
- 20 September - Grand Canyon Track
- 18 October - Bondi to Tamarama Walk
- 15 November - Figure 8 Pools
- 6 December - Resolute Beach Track
Hike details and meeting points are organised through a Whatsapp group. If you’re interested to attend, please reach out by email, or by messaging us on the @youth.startts Instagram!
Hike locations across Greater Sydney:
The Blue Mountains
An hour from Western Sydney, we have hikes across various areas of the beautiful Blue Mountains!
Northern Beaches and the Central Coast
North areas of Sydney and the central coast offer beautiful coastal tracks in our schedule!
Royal National Park and South Sydney
There are many hikes and beaches to explore in the National Park in South-Sydney
'Her Game, Her Future' Women's Football Program
‘Her Game, Her Future’ is a federally-funded collaboration between Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club and STARTTS. It was designed to create meaningful opportunities for refugee and asylum seeker women to engage in sport.
The program’s target group includes young women 18+ (younger participants can be considered) of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Participants do not need any football experience or equipment, only comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes to be involved in the non-competitive and welcoming sessions with accredited female coaches.
Why do we run this football program? To…
- Build skills and resilience
- Enhance confidence and mood
- Strengthen community connections
- Improve physical and mental health
When, Where and How?
- When: Every Tuesdays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (1 hour of football coaching, 30-minute shared lunch and debrief)
- Where: Western Sydney Wanderers football fields, Rooty Hill (opposite Blacktown International Sports Park)
- How: Transport provided, with centralised pick-up and drop-off locations
- Extras: Interpreter support and childminding will also be available if requested.
Palestinian Young People
The Youth Team is currently engaged with the Palestinian community and it’s young people to provide additional support while resettling in Australia.
The Palestinian community activities include monthly outings for young people between 12 and 18 years old. Activities have included bowling, horse riding, outings to Luna Park and cinema nights.
Communication to organise Palestinian community activities takes place through local community leaders, schools and families connected to STARTTS. Activities are also advertised as flyers through the @youth.startts Instagram – check there to see if there’s something you can attend!
When, Where and How?
- Communications relating to Palestinian activities includes contacts with local community leaders, schools and families.
- Activities will be advertised through flyers on the @youth.startts Instagram. Young people are encouraged to check there to know what's happening
- Palestinian young people are encouraged to reach out to staff to be informed about upcoming events and activities if interested (through Instagram DM or email)
Ukrainian Young People
Specialised staff work to provide monthly community engagement activities with Ukrainian young people between 18 and 25 years old.
Monthly activities include a mixed hike in Greater Sydney, a monthly movie night in Sydney City and attending community events such as Ukraine Family Day.
When, Where and How?
Ukrainian Youth Drama Class, 2024
- 6 September - Spit to Manly Hike
- 26 September - Movie Night, Redfern
- 12 October - Palm Beach Walk
- 19 October - Ukraine Family Day
- 24 October - Movie Night, Redfern
- 22 November - Royal National Park Hike
- 28 November - Movie Night, Redfern
- 19 December - Movie Night, Redfern
Activities are advertised through @youth.startts Instagram, and Ukrainian Facebook and Whatsapp community groups. Additionally, Ukrainian young people are encouraged to reach out to staff to be informed about upcoming events and activities if interested.
Assyrian Young People
Activities with Assyrian community have ranged from supporting with dance workshops, capacity-building trainings, camps for 18-25 year olds, and weekend activities for young people. Activities typically involve young people 12-25 years old, with Youth Team staff from the community and able to support with language needs.
When, Where and How?
- Activities are advertised through the @youth.startts Instagram
- Young people are encouraged to reach out to find out what activities they can get involved in
- Activities will involve a centralised pickup and drop off location to collect attendees.
Assyrian Cultural Dance Group, 2025
Diverse Sounds, Fairfield High School, 2023
African Football Cup NSW
The African Cup is an annual tournament between African Football teams and players throughout NSW. Many teams travel to Sydney to compete, their players with heritage from over 40 different. Some Youth Team staff members support the Cup every year.
This year, the African Cup NSW will run from 18th October 2025 to 13th December 2025. Head to their social media (below) to register, as games are starting soon!
When, Where and How?
- Activities are organised and advertised on Instagram (@nswafricancup) and Facebook pages (African Cup NSW)
- Young people are encouraged to reach out to find out more information on how to register a team or play.
- African Cup includes Men's Teams (18+ years old), Women's Teams (13+ years old) and Teams for Under 14, Under 15, Under 17
Sudanese Young People
We support Sudanese young people through our engagement with the Sudanese Australian Health and Wellbeing Association (SAHWA).
Check out old camp videos which show the long-standing support the Youth Team has provided towards Sudanese young people and support organisations.
When, Where and How?
- Activities are organised and advertised with community organisations.
- Young people are encouraged to reach out to find out what activities they can get involved in.
Inside scoop
What have young people said about our community activities?
What did you enjoy about the community programs and activities?
You can be open, you can stop being shy or something like this. You can associate with anyone who looks at you. Just be yourself and so.
I attend STARTTS hikes because they give me a sense of belonging , being part of something special, and comfort in a group. I joined about 2 years ago, and since then I’ve met so many people, visited beautiful places, and grown more confident speaking with others, even in bigger groups or with people I don’t know. The volunteers are always warm, friendly, and supportive, which makes the experience even more special.
For me, hiking is a mix of adventure, connection, and self-care. It’s a chance to explore nature, visit new places, and also connect with people in a relaxed way. I find it easier to talk and listen while walking, so hikes give me a natural space to open up and share.
They actually teach us how to understand emotions about your feelings. Yeah. Like if you're feeling angry, how do you understand that you’re angry? Maybe you can look at your body language and what you're usually doing, and you can use it in drama classes. You're just like in your life.
I enjoy many parts: learning about nature, visiting new places, and sharing conversations along the way. Walking makes it easier for me to listen and connect with people. I also enjoy the challenging hikes, even though I push myself most of the time, they leave me feeling proud and better about myself
I really love these hikes and the people involved. Each one brings something new, whether it’s a place, a connection, or just a feeling of achievement. After every hike I can’t wait for the next one. It has truly become something meaningful in my life.
