What is the Hub Leader Exchange Program?
The Hub Leader Exchange Program forms part of our investment in professional development of hub leaders and collaboration across the hubs network. Run every two years (alternating with the national conference) the program is an initiative funded by Community Hubs Australia (CHA) where hub leaders will immerse themselves in a different hub, swap ideas and experiences, and then share their learnings with hub leaders across the network. 10 hub leaders – five pairs – will be selected to participate in the exchange program in 2026.
In Term 1 2026, hub leaders are invited to apply for the opportunity to participate in the two-way exchange, visiting another hub and hosting their exchange partner in their own hub in two three-day blocks between 27 April – 26 June 2026. During the three-day visits, the five pairs will share successes and challenges in the hub, and exchange ideas about hub activities, partners, and ways for building engagement with the school and the community.
The exchange participants will reflect on the exchange experience and prepare presentations to share their learnings with the network as part of an online webinar series, and at the national conference in 2027. This will give all hub leaders the opportunity to benefit from new ideas that they may implement in their own hub, and encourage the ongoing sharing of knowledge, skills and resources in a national community of practice.
Note: Hub leaders must have permission from their Principal, availability and capacity to spend three days visiting another hub, as well as hosting their exchange partner for three days. Therefore, before applying, it is essential that hub leaders discuss this professional development opportunity with their Principal.
The Principal and support coordinator will be asked to complete a form to support their hub leader’s application and to act as a referee if the hub leader is shortlisted.
Five pairs will be able to arrange the two-way exchange as separate three-day blocks between 27 April – 26 June, 2026.
Following the exchange, CHA will support exchange participants to present their learnings with the national hubs network as part of an online webinar series, and at the national conference in 2027.
The participating hub leaders will have the opportunity to attend and host hub activities, and school and stakeholder meetings, for three consecutive days between 27 April – 26 June, 2026. They will be responsible for completing pre-exchange preparations and post-exchange reflections in their own time. As participating in the exchange program sits outside of the normal hub leader role, and may impact normal hub operations, it is important that hub leaders have school leadership approval before applying. Participating hub leaders will be expected to travel and work during their normal hours and receive their normal pay during the three days. Pay for any additional hours worked by hub leaders as part of the exchange program is at the Principal’s discretion.
Participating hub leaders will experience the environment and operation of another hub, observing the way their exchange partner supports hub participants, and works with the school, the support coordinator, and service providers. In the two-way exchange, hub leaders will also have a chance to host, showcasing the activities they run and sharing their successes and challenges with their exchange partner.
Hub leaders are invited to apply via SmartyGrants from 4 – 20 February, 2026.
Applications are open to all hub leaders (except those who participated in the pilot in 2024). Applications will be considered against the following criteria:
- Availability and capacity to spend three days visiting another hub and hosting their exchange partner for three days.
- Ability to reflect on the experience and share learnings with the national hubs network.
- An enthusiasm and openness to learn and share more broadly.
- Support from school leadership and support coordinator.
Once applications have been received, they will be reviewed in the following stages:
1. Application reviewed
2. Shortlist invited to interview
3. Nominated references contacted
4. Application outcome
Irrespective of CHA’s final decision, all hub leaders will be notified of the outcome of their application.
To view frequently asked questions, refer to this document. If you have any further questions that we can to add to the document, contact Linda Perugini, Program Manager –
lindaperugini@communityhubs.org.au
To view roles and responsibilities associated with the Hub Leader Exchange Program refer to the following documents:
Deloitte’s Social Return on Investment Evaluation – 2023