Hear from Georgia Cleary, Service Lead at our Nowra Hub!
As part of our service offering at Aruma, we operate 21 Community Hubs across New South Wales, ACT, Queensland and Victoria. Each managed by a local, dedicated team, the Hubs offer participants a fun, safe and inclusive space to spend an enjoyable day.
“The Hub isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a community where people feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and the motivation to lead fulfilling lives.”
In 2024 we also launched Club Aruma, a program that coordinates social and community activities, centre based programs and in home support to provide fun and social events and activities such as cooking, movie nights or event outings (and more!).
To give you more of an idea of what goes on behind the scenes in our Hubs, we spoke to Georgia Cleary, Service Lead at the new Nowra Hub which opened its doors on Moss Street in 2024.
My role involves coordinating activities, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, and encouraging participants to take an active role in planning and decision-making. The Hub is designed to be a welcoming and dynamic environment where everyone feels comfortable, valued, and empowered to make choices about how they spend their day.
I’ve always had a passion for creating meaningful experiences and inclusive environments. I started as a Disability Support Worker at Aruma before moving into a leadership role, taking on more responsibility in planning, coordinating, and ensuring the Hub is a space where participants feel empowered.
My previous job experience in Interior Design came in handy when planning the new Nowra Hub, it’s been incredibly rewarding to design and bring to life a space that is both functional and inviting.
No two days are alike. Each morning begins with a check-in, where participants finalise their schedules, making sure their personal interests, goals, and ideas shape the day ahead.
A typical day offers a mix of activities, including arts, music, gaming, and sensory sessions. The flexible environment allows for both group activities and independent interests, whether that’s working on personal goals, enjoying quiet time, or participating in team-building exercises.
Special events and celebrations are a key part of the Hub as well, bringing participants together from different locations, strengthening community connections, and creating a welcoming space for everyone. Beyond the Hub, we also organise various community inclusion activities, including group outings, volunteering with local organisations, and collaborative projects that encourage meaningful connections beyond our space.
The energy in the hub is incredible, everyone who walks in feels it immediately. I love watching people step out of their comfort zones, whether that’s leading an activity, sharing an idea, or taking on a new challenge.
Seeing participants build confidence, form friendships, and develop skills that help them contribute to the wider community is incredibly rewarding.
More fun, more creativity, and even greater opportunities for participants to shape their own experiences at the hub.
I’m particularly excited to expand on skill-building initiatives, helping participants explore employment pathways, develop leadership skills, and find new ways to contribute to their communities in ways that align with their passions and goals.
The Hub is a space for growth, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve as a place where participants feel inspired, empowered, and proud of what they achieve.
Check out our website to find your nearest Hub or visit Club Aruma for a range of accessible activities and programs.
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