Happy New Year. Wow, what a busy, busy year it was!
Thanks to community support, here’s what we achieved together:
- 342 culturally diverse participants supported through our training programs, art gallery, retail shop and events
- 152 migrant and local artists supported through our gallery and art programs
- 123 designers selling their unique creations through Space2b’s retail outlet,
- 108 of these from culturally diverse backgrounds
- 44 incredible volunteers make Space2b the place to be
- 7,325 volunteer hours contributed, an estimated value of $343,707 ($46/hour)
We simply wouldn’t be here without the collective effort of many!
Thank you to those who are believing in us, supporting us, and being part of our story.
REPORTING | The Space2B Experience
Pathways With Purpose
This year, 77 people were on pathways to employment through The Space2b Experience, combining business mentoring, hands-on learning, craft and English conversation. The program is as unique as the people we work with, shaped around dreams and strengths.
Proudly supported by Commonwealth’s Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration Grant
Space2Work: Learning by doing!
Particpants gained real on-the-job experience across retail, gallery, events, social media and hospitality, all while practicing workplace English. With buddy mentors by their side, confidence grew fast.
Come on in and say hello
Space2Fly: Ideas Into Income
Creative entrepreneurs received tailored product and business mentoring, supporting them to build skills, confidence, and sustainable income pathways. Many now sell their work through Space2b, with others also reaching wider audiences by stocking their products in additional retail outlets.
Create & Chat
For those not quite ready for work or business, Create & Chat offered art, craft and English conversation – connection first, confidence next.
Art Everywhere
Our ArtSpace was booked out all year, with monthly exhibitions supporting emerging artists.
March and June focused on newly arrived creatives, and our community Affordable Art Show is on now (until end of Jan),
Thanks to Community Bank Windsor.
Please make contact if you wish to exhibit with us.
Park Towers Meetups
With support from Sisters of Charity, women from Park Towers met fortnightly to build skills and confidence, from voting and self-advocacy to bike riding and work experience at Space2b.
Storytime Goes Studio
Our multilingual Storytime (Hindi, Arabic, Amharic & Mandarin) went into the recording studio this year, creating online story videos, a huge step, new training and a joyful milestone.
A great partnership with City of Port Phiillip
Crafting Futures
With South East Community Links (SECL), 20 Afghan women transformed pre-loved denim into beautiful hand-embroidered pieces under the new Collective Threads brand. The collection launched at Space2b and is already selling fast.
Something Special Is Brewing
Welcome Kemi Dradi and The Gardener’s Apothecary.
You may remember her from the Astral African Market – now she’s serving soulful coffee daily.
Come on in and taste her coffee. You won't be disapointed!
Celebrating Diwali With Food, Art, Music And Stories
A sold-out night of food, art, music and stories.
Huge thanks to chef Neha from @aussienukkad
KIndly supported by the Palais Theatre Community Fund.
Celebrating Mozambique Style
A great partnership with the Mozambique Association Australia!
Over 200 people came together to eat, dance and celebrate with the Mozambique community.
What a night of connection, fun and community!
Thanks to the City of Port Phillip, all Space2b participants attended free
Shared Stories
"I am deeply grateful to have begun my journey at Space2b, where the spirit of entrepreneurship is nurtured and championed in women, and our stories are brought to life." – Aliet from Umbrellus (Entrepreneur)
"Space2b offered me and countless others the most fundamental but vital feeling of belonging in a society where one often feels hyperconnected, and yet, still alone. This space reminds me that sometimes meaningful conversations and being truly seen are all you need to thrive. I will carry this feeling long after I leave." – Jo (marketing Trainee)
"Working with Space2b has made me feel that my skills are valued here in Australia and leading the Story tellers has been a joy! Watching these women grow into confident storytellers fills me with pride. Their resilience has inspired me deeply. As a storyteller and trainer, I’ve learnt that language is power and there’s nothing more beautiful than expressing your story in your mother tongue. I look to 2026 with excitement." – Rohini
"Space2b has given me joy and friendship here in my new home! At Space2b I learn English by chatting and making and use my sewing skills which makes me feel seen. I love to spend time at Space2b, I have met many people from all over the world. They are my family and make me happy!" – Elene
THANKING | You
None of this would be possible without you!
Our community of artists, makers, participants, volunteers, partners, donors and friends. Whether you visited an exhibition, shared a coffee, mentored someone, made a purchase, or simply cheered us on, you helped create a safe, joyful place where people can belong, grow and thrive.
As we head into the new year, we’re filled with gratitude, hope and excitement for what’s ahead. Thank you for walking alongside us and for believing in the power of creativity, connection and community.
From all of us at Space2b, Happy Holidays and see you in 2026!
We Open Tuesday 13 January 2026 with a special January sale!
Together we make a difference
Space2b acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and the diverse nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and future, and celebrate their stories, culture and traditions.
