Our History - Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre

History of the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre

Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre commenced as Beaconsfield Community Centre operating out of a portable building in Beaconsfield Avenue, thanks to an enthusiastic group of Beaconsfield residents who formed an Incorporated Association to run a neighbourhood house in 1992. Activities were held in several different buildings because the Beaconsfield Avenue building venue was small.

In 2004 the Centre relocated to its current, larger venue in the Beaconsfield Community Complex in O’Neil Road. The move offered an opportunity to expand programs and the Centre grew rapidly. The name was changed to Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre, to avoid confusion with the name of the new building.

All programs are now held under one roof at the Complex, with a popular children’s program and a wide variety of social, art and craft, health and learning activities. The courses and activities change to reflect community demand but many of the original programs are still offered and well-attended.

What is a Neighbourhood Centre?

A Neighbourhood Centre is just that – a centre for the neighbourhood to use. The first Neighbourhood Centres were established in 1973, with the help of State Government funding. Currently there are 8 Neighbourhood Centres throughout Cardinia Shire.

Neighbourhood Centres are special because they are managed by and for the community. The Committee of Management and staff at the Centre share decision making on management, policies and procedures.

Neighbourhood Centres have a special atmosphere. They are welcoming, non threatening places where anyone can come to meet new friends, get helpful information and learn new skills. Although Neighbourhood Centres differ from each other in many ways, they all aim to reflect the needs of their community, encourage personal growth, self help and sharing of knowledge, and provide stepping stones to allow people to grow.