Willmot Community Hub is creating safe spaces for young women to learn, connect and thrive

Twelve-year-old Maya first heard about the Jesuit Social Services’ led Willmot Community Hub through her mother. Overhearing phone conversations and seeing her mum at community events sparked a curiosity, and soon after, Maya began attending too. 

“I’d hear Mum talking about the Hub and think, that sounds really interesting,” she recalls. “Then one day I asked if I could come along with her. She said, ‘Let me think of a day’ – and it started from there.” 

Since then, Maya has become an active part of the Willmot Hub community, supporting community and advocacy events, participating in youth activities, and most importantly, joining Girls Group. 

Girls Group is a weekly program that brings together girls aged 10-17 from the local area to learn, reflect and connect in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions cover a range of topics relevant to young people, such as mental health, consent, relationships, identity and self-confidence. 

“We talk about things that really matter – like depression, anxiety, stress, and how to recognise and speak up about situations that aren’t okay,” Maya explains. “It’s really good that we learn about it, because some people don’t get that kind of education at school or home.” 

The program is designed to be respectful and youth-led, with facilitators creating an open and inclusive space where questions are encouraged and judgement is left at the door. 

“At school, sometimes you put your hand up and you’re ignored or told it’s a bad question,” Maya says. “At Girls Group, there’s no such thing as a bad question. As long as you’re being respectful, you’re listened to.” 

Girls Group is also a space for connection and confidence-building. Many of Maya’s closest friendships have formed through the program, and the sense of belonging it offers has strengthened her self-assurance both within the Hub and beyond. 

This growing confidence has enabled Maya to contribute to her community in meaningful ways. One example was her involvement in leading a ‘Transport Forum’, which was an advocacy event that brought together 124 people to call for improved bus routes, more school buses, an expansion of the Community Transport Program, and increased investment in public transport across the 2770 Mount Druitt postcode. 

“One of the things we did was talk about transport in Willmot because it wasn’t quite the best…me and the school leaders came to the Hub and gave a speech about why we think there should be better buses and bus stops and they listened – we’re quite persuasive.” 

“All around, the Girls Group has just been really great for me. I’ve made friends with girls I might never have spoken to otherwise. It’s helped me feel more confident around new people—not just at the Hub, but at school and in everyday life.” 

“Now I know what’s okay and what’s not, and I can speak up for myself and my friends. I’ve learnt that it’s okay not to be okay, and that it’s important to talk about things.” 

When asked what she would say to a peer considering joining Girls Group, Maya doesn’t hesitate. 

“If you want to feel safe, heard and supported, this is the place to come.”