A new chapter is unfolding
So is our impact
Connecting Community with Opportunity — in a new way for 2026
As many of you know, The Social Hub experienced an unexpected and deeply unfortunate closure of our cinema and café due to building safety issues that were completely outside of our control.
This was not the way we imagined ending the year especially heading into what should have been our busiest season. But through it all, one thing has remained clear:
But while our doors may have closed, our mission never has.
Our mission has never changed.
We exist to connect our community with opportunity.
That vision has not only survived this setback — it has become clearer than ever.
Now, we’re stepping into the next evolution of The Social Hub:
A digital-first, community-powered ecosystem designed to support small businesses, empower local talent, and uplift the next generation of media and creative professionals in the Central Highlands.
Welcome to what comes next.
🌟 Launching in Early 2026
A New Ecosystem for Local Business & Creative Growth
In 2026, The Social Hub will relaunch as a three-part digital ecosystem designed to connect, support, and amplify our region:
The Social Hub Media Group
A collaborative network of trusted service providers.
The Social Hub Media Group brings together skilled, values-aligned professionals across:
✨Marketing
✨Branding
✨Web design & development
✨Photography & videography
✨Social media & content creation
✨Graphic design
✨Events & creative services
✨Business strategy
Instead of competing, this collective thrives on collaboration.
Each partner gets:
✔ A professional profile on our website
✔ Referrals matched to their strengths
✔ Increased visibility through our campaigns
✔ Access to local business leads
✔ Opportunities to mentor youth participants
✔ Collaboration pathways with other specialists
Membership will include a small annual fee to support platform hosting, admin, listings, and ongoing promotion, keeping the network sustainable and high quality.
This is your chance to become a founding partner in a movement that changes how local businesses find support.
The Shop Local Marketplace
A digital space for small businesses to be seen, supported, and discovered.
For product-based and service-based businesses wanting more visibility — especially those without websites — the Marketplace will offer:
✔ A dedicated online profile
✔ Product, service, or promotion listings
✔ Optional product hosting for businesses who need it
✔ Inclusion in themed buying guides
✔ Access to our growing regional audience
✔ Cross-promotion through our campaigns
✔ Opportunities to be featured in our monthly digital magazine
This is a central home for:
✨MakersHome-based businesses
✨Retailers
✨Service providers
✨New startups
✨Local creators
THE GOAL: Keep local money local, and make it easier for customers to support local brands year-round.
The Social Edit Magazine (Monthly Edition)
Your go-to guide for what’s happening, what’s new, and what’s next in the Central Highlands.
Launching alongside the Marketplace, The Social Edit will feature:
✨ Local business spotlights
✨ New product highlights
✨ Monthly sales & specials
✨ Community events
✨ Youth-led creative stories
✨ Behind-the-scenes business features
✨ Shop Local recommendations
✨ Business resources & marketing tips
This digital magazine will be emailed to our full community database and promoted across social media — giving every featured business additional visibility and credibility.
Think of it as Emerald’s community magazine for the digital age.
Creating Pathways for
Local Youth
Supporting young people has always been part of our mission and now we get to build real pathways for them.
Through the Media Group, Marketplace, and Social Edit Magazine, we will be creating opportunities for youth to explore careers in:
✔️Web design & development
✔️Marketing & digital strategy
✔️Content creation & social media
✔️Graphic design
✔️Photography & videography
✔️Copywriting & storytelling
✔️Business development & project management
In 2026, we plan to launch
More Opportunity
✔ Youth internships
✔ Mentorship programs with Media Group partners
✔ Junior creator roles for the magazine
✔ Real client project experience
✔ Work experience positions through local schools
✔ Paid opportunities as the ecosystem grows
This is how we continue our mission:
Connecting young people with meaningful opportunities in industries they rarely get access to in regional Queensland.
💛 Why This Evolution Matters
The Social Hub was never defined by a building.
It was defined by:
❤️The people who walked through our doors
❤️The community that grew with us
❤️The youth we uplifted
❤️The opportunities we created along the way
This next chapter honours all of that — and expands it.