A new community initiative aimed at strengthening youth development and family wellbeing was officially launched last Thursday, 12 March 2026, with the opening of the MCC Salisbury Wellbeing Hub. The centre has been created to provide a supportive environment where young people, families and community members can access programs focused on mentoring, wellbeing, learning and personal development.
David Chiluba (let) and Zoe Jettison (right), SA Minister for multicultural affairs
The hub represents the culmination of years of community-driven work that began with small mentoring initiatives designed to guide and support young people. Over time, this effort grew into a broader vision: creating a dedicated space where communities could access support services, connect with mentors and participate in programs that encourage growth and opportunity.
The project was initiated and championed by David Chikubwa, who has played a key role in developing the concept and bringing the initiative to life. Drawing on his experience in community leadership, counselling and mentoring, he helped shape the vision of a centre that would not only provide services but also empower communities to become active participants in addressing their own challenges.
MCC’s inauguration slide show
The official opening ceremony was attended by Zoe Bettison, the SA minister for multicultural affairs who formally launched the facility and acknowledged the importance of community-led initiatives that support multicultural communities and young people across South Australia.
The new hub is designed to bring together several services under one roof. These include therapeutic counselling, mentoring, youth development programs, learning support and recreational wellbeing activities. By integrating these services within a single space, the centre aims to create a holistic environment where prevention, healing and opportunity can take place every day.
The initiative forms part of the broader work of the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCC), one of the state’s long-standing organisations supporting multicultural communities. For decades, MCC has been involved in programs that help migrants and diverse communities access support services, develop skills, build leadership capacity and strengthen their participation in Australian society.
The organisation has built a reputation for working closely with communities to design solutions that reflect their real needs. Its programs often focus on youth engagement, settlement support, leadership development and social inclusion.
The opening of the Salisbury Wellbeing Hub reflects this ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between institutions and communities. The centre aims to create a welcoming and culturally responsive environment where young people and families feel supported while gaining access to resources that help them thrive.
The initiative has also attracted strong support from government departments, schools, local councils and community organisations, demonstrating the importance of partnerships in addressing complex social challenges.
Beyond providing services, the hub embodies a broader vision: that strong communities help shape strong young people, and that sustainable solutions often emerge when communities themselves are empowered to lead.
As the MCC Salisbury Wellbeing Hub begins its work, it is expected to become an important space for mentorship, learning, healing and collaboration—helping individuals and families build brighter futures while strengthening the social fabric of the wider community.
