Fun with Families
Board Games · Indoor Activities · Family Time · Community Connection
Every Monday afternoon, AYC opens its doors for a free, joyful family gathering — board games, indoor activities, and community connection for African youth, parents, grandparents, and siblings. Come together, play together, and build the bonds that hold a community strong.
Why We Run Family Games Night
Family Games Night is not just entertainment — it is a deliberate, evidence-informed response to social isolation, intergenerational disconnection, and the wellbeing challenges facing African families in Brimbank.
"When families play together, they heal together."
Strengthening Family Bonds
In a busy world, families rarely sit together without screens. Games Night creates a dedicated weekly moment for parents and children to laugh, compete, and connect face to face.
Reducing Social Isolation
Many newly arrived and long-term African families in Brimbank experience loneliness and disconnection. A free, welcoming weekly gathering gives families a reason to leave home and belong to something bigger.
Intergenerational Connection
Elders, parents, teenagers, and young children all play side by side. Traditional games like chess and cards carry cultural knowledge across generations in a way that feels natural and joyful.
Youth Diversion & Safety
A structured, positive Monday evening activity keeps young people engaged, off the streets, and connected to trusted adults — a proven protective factor against antisocial behaviour.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Play, laughter, and social connection are powerful mental health tools. Games Night is delivered under AYC's B-MAD framework as a frontline wellbeing intervention for the whole family.
Shared Food & Cultural Pride
Families bring dishes to share — African, Ethiopian, South Sudanese, and more. Food is identity. Sharing it builds pride, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding within the community.
What Happens on the Night
Every Monday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the hall comes alive with activity stations for all ages. There is always something for everyone — from toddlers to grandparents.
Board Games & Chess
Chess, checkers, Ludo, Scrabble, Snakes & Ladders — classic games that spark strategy, patience, and friendly rivalry across all ages.
Card Games
Uno, Snap, Go Fish, and traditional African card games. Easy to learn, impossible to put down — perfect for mixed-age family groups.
Dominoes
A community favourite. Dominoes tables fill fast — the clatter of tiles and the roar of a winning move are the soundtrack of Monday nights at AYC.
Table Tennis
Fast, fun, and fiercely competitive. Table tennis brings out the best in everyone — from first-timers to seasoned players. Tournaments run regularly.
Indoor Tug of War
Teams of families, friends, and neighbours compete in indoor tug of war — pure energy, laughter, and team spirit that gets the whole room cheering.
Musical Games
Musical chairs, freeze dance, and rhythm games for the little ones and the young at heart. Music fills the room and smiles fill every face.
Shared Family Feast
Families bring dishes to share — a rotating spread of African, Ethiopian, South Sudanese, and multicultural food. Eating together is part of the program.
Free Play & Socialising
Not every moment needs a game. Families sit, talk, catch up, and simply enjoy being together in a safe, warm, welcoming space.
Supporting Brimbank's Families
AYC's Monday Family Games Night directly supports Brimbank City Council's community wellbeing priorities — reducing social isolation, strengthening family cohesion, supporting multicultural inclusion, and providing safe, positive activities for young people. Every Monday, dozens of Brimbank families gather in St Albans for an evening of play, food, and connection — at no cost to them.
Learn about our B-MAD FrameworkPart of the B-MAD Framework
Monday Family Games Night is one of many activities delivered under AYC's B-MAD prevention framework — Beyond Mental-health Alcohol and Drugs. By creating consistent, enjoyable touchpoints for young people, we build the protective factors that support long-term mental health and wellbeing.
Learn more about B-MADLet Us Know You're Coming
No registration required — but if you'd like us to know your family is coming, fill in the form. We'll make sure there's space, food, and a game waiting for you.
Before Games Night
Join the free Monday Community BBQ from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the same venue.
Monday BBQ detailsFamily Registration Form
Takes less than 2 minutes
Join Us This Monday Night
No registration needed — just show up. Bring a friend, bring your family, bring a dish to share. We'd love to see you.
Every Monday · 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm · 309A Main Rd E, St Albans VIC 3021 · Free
Register My Family