What's happening at NCLC
NCLC is a Registered Training Provider of nationally recognised courses
More Information about our products and services
Narre Community Learning Centre - History
Narre Community Learning Centre (NCLC) is a community based education and human services organisation based in Narre Warren, 38 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. The Centre was established in December 1981 under the title of Narre Neighbours.
In 1982 it had 35 enrolled students, at one campus site and a budget of $2,000. Today, it has approximately 2,200 enrolments, 3 sites and an operational budget of in excess of $1.2 million.
NCLC was established in response to local community need, particularly among women, for enhanced opportunities for socialisation within a remotesuburban setting. A group of local residents recognised the potential value in sharing skills and knowledge and establishing supportive networks. From humble beginnings, the Centre expanded in line with increased community awareness and demand, population growth and increased funding opportunities. This process was successfully facilitated due to the commitment and expertise of management and staff and the participation and support of consumers.
By 1994, the pattern of fast growth in membership numbers and programs had stabilised, reflecting the stage of maturity Narre Community Learning Centre had reached in the organisational life-cycle. In 1996, Narre Community Learning Centre began to plan for development in line with projected population increases for the next ten years, within its catchment – a major growth corridor.
Since its inception there have been several name changes from Narre Warren Neighbours to Narre Neighbours Inc. to its current title Narre Community Learning Centre. This latest change was instigated in 1997 to deflect community identity confusion with Neighbourhood Watch, but more importantly to reflect a change in culture with a greater emphasis upon the provision of community learning and accredited training programs.
NCLC utilises the expertise of a mix of voluntary and professional staff supplying a wide range of adult education and training services within the City of Casey catchment area. Our catchment reflects diversity in demographics needs and issues from the fast growing young populations of Cranbourne North, Narre Warren South, to the rural settings of Narre Warren North, Harkaway and Clyde.
Since its inception in 1981, Narre Community Learning Centre has grown to become Victoria’s largest provider of community education services and has received national recognition for best practice in service delivery and management leadership.
The functions of Narre Community Learning Centre have expanded as the organisation has continued to service growing community demands. 2001 saw a new Board of Governance and qualified experienced senior staff coordinating new strategic directions and evaluating effectiveness and sustainability of programs, products, staffing and services.
This approach has strengthened our position and profile within the community education, neighbourhood house and local government sectors as an example of organisational achievement and excellence. The breadth of NCLC’s operations has seen the organisation become renowned as a major provider of education and training and as a contributor to local and state policy processes.
The most commendable aspect of this is that we have matured and successfully expanded our operations, whilst maintaining a ‘grass roots’ community focussed philosophical base for informing decision making and activities.