Community development & wellbeing is at the heart of what we do
In 2024/25, Vikings deepened our commitment to community development and wellbeing by opening our doors to those seeking connection, purpose, and support. From veterans and young people to seniors and men’s mental health groups, our venues provide more than food and beverages, they’re trusted spaces in which people can belong. Through a combination of targeted programs, long-standing relationships, and $151,300 in waived room hire fees, Vikings helped increase social connections, empower community groups, and support meaningful wellbeing outcomes across the Tuggeranong Valley.
A safe space for the aged to connect and belong
Our commitment to community wellbeing extends to those experiencing social isolation due to age, mental or physical health, or life transitions. Across our club venues, we proudly provide free access to function rooms and private meeting spaces for groups that support connection, wellbeing, and mental resilience. At Erindale Vikings, the Senior Citizens Group meets twice weekly in a comfortable, familiar space where they catch up over cards and morning tea. The group remains open and welcoming to new members, with around 20 attendees at each session. These gatherings, while simple in nature, have a significant impact.
“We have senior members reaching out for connection, and it’s nice to know we can point them in the direction of good company and a place of belonging. Over time, we see the difference it makes, connecting with someone over a cup of tea and a game of cribbage.”
– Yvonne Hutchinson, Erindale Reception
Making the time for kids’ wellbeing too
At the other end of the age spectrum, Vikings continues to support Make the Time’s Perseus Program at Viking Park. This youth-focused initiative creates a safe and empowering environment for young people who are disengaged from school or navigating the youth justice system. The program focuses on building routine, resilience, and confidence through sport and structured mentoring.
Promoting men’s mental health
Meanwhile, programs like The Men’s Table have introduced new opportunities to improve mental health and connection within our venues. After reaching out in 2024 for a private space to host their monthly sessions, Vikings provided access to a private room free of charge. The Men’s Table is a national initiative offering men a space to share openly in a non-judgmental setting.
An informal and welcoming meeting place
The effort to make groups feel welcome are underpinned by Vikings’ culture of inclusion, and extends far beyond the structured programs we offer to affiliated sports clubs, and extends to groups who use our function spaces for free such as Tuggeranong Probus Club and Huntington’s support networks.
Our bistros and cafes are also used daily by groups seeking a meeting place, such as the beloved Dragonflies and Butterflies, craft groups who set up at Erindale Vikings every morning, demonstrating that connection can happen anywhere, and often does.
Whether it’s seniors playing cards, veterans gathering over morning tea and bowls, young people finding structure and support through sport, or the local craft group meeting to gossip and sew, these stories reflect a single goal: to ensure that no one in our community feels left behind. In 2024/25, through continued investment in access, relationships, and people, Vikings has helped make connection a little more possible for everyone.