North Melbourne families celebrate HIPPY graduation

Twenty proud local families have graduated from the North Melbourne HIPPY program, marking the latest milestone for the celebrated early childhood initiative helping parents become their child’s first teacher.

The graduation, held on October 31 at the Djerring Flemington Hub, saw participants from the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) recognised for completing the two-year, play-based learning program that supports parents and carers to build strong educational foundations at home.

Among the graduates was Bezawit Gizaw, who described the achievement with her son Yeabsira as “fabulous.” Ms Gizaw’s journey with HIPPY has also opened new doors – she will now continue with the program as a tutor, supporting other local families.

North Melbourne HIPPY coordinator Rabab Zain said this pathway to employment was a key part of the program’s impact.

“It not only gives parents the tools to help their children learn, but also supports them to grow their confidence and skills for future work,” she said.

Two other local mums, Anastasia Popova and Natasa Vilusic, also returned this year as tutors after graduating with their daughters in 2024.

I’m a migrant and my husband and I don’t have any family here, so we were on our own,” Ms Popova said. “HIPPY gave us that support. It’s about positive reinforcement, being active, connecting with nature, bonding, and finding joy in simple play – even just a piece of paper and some imagination.

For Ms Vilusic, the experience provided more than early learning skills. “It’s very hard here to find community – you don’t even know your neighbours sometimes,” she said. “This program has been amazing for that.”

The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) holds the Australian licence for HIPPY, which is funded by the Department of Social Services.

BSL’s HIPPY Senior Manager Siska Frederick said the program’s longevity spoke for itself. 

“For 25 years, HIPPY has helped families across Australia grow and thrive,” she said.

More than 28,500 families have now taken part in HIPPY, which operates at 100 sites nationally, including 50 focused on First Nations communities. •