North Shore Sydney Multiple Birth Association (NSSMBA): Rebuilding Community Culture for Families with Multiples

When organisations look to rebuild culture after change, stress, or disconnection, the most powerful solutions often come from within the community itself. The North Shore Sydney Multiple Birth Association (NSSMBA) is a shining example of what’s possible when grassroots leadership meets purpose-driven support.

Run entirely by volunteers — all parents of twins, triplets, or more — NSSMBA offers a deeply personal, local response to the unique challenges faced by families with multiple births.

Rebuilding Culture One Family at a Time

Since 1977, NSSMBA has supported families across Sydney’s North Shore, creating an environment of belonging, trust, and shared experience. Originally named the Lower North Shore Multiple Birth Association, it rebranded in 2021 to reflect its broader reach — now serving communities across Hornsby Shire, Ku-ring-gai, Ryde, Willoughby, and more.

This volunteer-led organisation isn’t just supporting families — it’s rebuilding culture at the community level by:

• Normalising help-seeking during times of strain

• Embedding care into systems like equipment hire and support groups

• Celebrating shared wins through events and education

It’s a model that other nonprofits and support organisations can learn from.

Practical Support Meets Emotional Safety

What makes NSSMBA effective is its combination of structured services and emotional connection. The organisation understands that when parents feel seen, they’re more likely to stay engaged — and that’s where cultural resilience begins.

Services include:

• Peer-driven playgroups and meetups, where families can exchange advice, stories, and encouragement

• Affordable access to critical baby gear, such as hospital-grade breast pumps and twin carriers

• Workshops on real-life topics, from sleep routines to school readiness

• Festive and social gatherings, offering joyful connection through the ups and downs

These aren’t just services — they’re signals of a strong volunteer culture where people are supported, empowered, and valued.

Volunteer Leadership That Drives Change

Every committee member of NSSMBA is a parent of multiples. This means every decision is informed by lived experience — not assumption. That approach builds rapid trust and fosters a culture where participation feels safe and purposeful.

This is what culture rebuilding looks like in action: systems shaped by those they serve, open feedback channels, and an ongoing focus on learning what’s working — and what’s not.

Why It Matters Now

As many community organisations work to rebuild volunteer culture, NSSMBA shows that clarity, empathy, and flexible engagement can make all the difference. It’s not about imposing structure — it’s about creating space for people to co-shape it.

With isolation on the rise and burnout common among new parents, programs like NSSMBA are more than a support service. They’re a community blueprint for how culture can be restored, one touchpoint at a time.