Values
- Belonging – We foster a welcoming and safe environment.
- Respect – We value and respect each other, our diverse communities and the heritage of our organisation.
- Responsiveness – We anticipate and respond to the changing needs of our communities.
- Innovation – We look for new, better and more sustainable ways to do what we do.
- Resilience – We apply experience, learning and support to meet the challenge that arise.
- Integrity – We are professional, transparent and accountable.
Vision
A community that connects people, creates opportunities and challenges disadvantage and inequity.
Mission
Successfully work with the community of Carlton and surrounding areas to connect people, create opportunity, promote equity and challenge disadvantage.
HISTORY
The Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc (CNLC) was established in 2002 by merging the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, established in 1973, with a co-located adult community education organisation called Carlton Adult Reading and Writing. It is a Neighbourhood House, RTO and Learn Local. It has two centres, one based in the City of Yarra and one in the City of Melbourne.
In the City of Melbourne we have a migrant and refugee centre, Open Door, which is located on the Carlton public housing estate. Through this centre we deliver social work and employment services as well as run community development activities such as sewing classes, food relief markets and English conversation groups. In the City of Yarra, where our main centre is located, we deliver English as an Additional Language courses and pre-accredited courses such as computer skills and catering for work.
Who we serve and why
Our services are primarily targeted at and delivered to those who are experiencing poverty, financial stress, or misfortune, including migrants, refugees and people with disability.
Over 21% of our enrolled students have a disability, 39.7% of our enrolled students have a refugee or asylum-seeker background, and 37% of our enrolled students have experienced material deprivation and live below the poverty line.
In 2022 54% of people enrolled in CNLC’s EAL programs experienced poverty or long-term unemployment and lived at the Carlton Housing Estate. A further 9% were from Scape (Afghan & Ukrainian refugees with humanitarian visa). Of the students supported by CNLC in 2022, 28% have a disability and 82% are not employed.
COMMITTEE OF GOVERNANCE
The Committee of Governance for CNLC is made up of members from the local community with diverse skills and knowledge. They govern the organization’s direction, mission and values, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6pm. Interested in volunteering? Submit an expression of interest form to info@cnlc.org.au.
HOW WE ARE FUNDED
Operating under the Neighbourhood House framework, we have several government funding models available – ensuring nobody misses out on the fantastic opportunities to create, learn and connect.
CNLC acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government. CNLC supporters include members of the CNLC Association, neighbours, volunteers and past students. There are many ways to engage with the Carlton community and we welcome your interest and support.
To become a Member of the CNLC Association, please complete and return this application form.