About Us

North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre is a not-for-profit incorporated charity situated in Errol Street in the heart of North & West Melbourne.
The centre has now been in operation for over 48 years and is proudly run by a loyal and committed team of volunteers and paid staff.
Our programs and activities respond to the needs of communities from North Melbourne and West Melbourne, providing an accessible and inclusive agenda which fosters belonging and community spirit, reduces social dislocation and ultimately improves wellbeing of the people.
The centre works closely with its community partners and is supported by funding and goodwill from the community, the City of Melbourne council, and the Victorian Government.

A word from our Director

"We are dedicated to providing opportunities for local people to connect, learn and share, whatever form this takes. This year we have some great activities and events planned, including Multicultural Eid, the digital expansion of North & West Melbourne News, more short courses aimed at building skills, and the fourth Queensberry Cup. Together, let's make North & West Melbourne stronger and more connected."  

– Ariel Valent, Director

Our Mission

To enrich community life to achieve an equitable, engaged, and inclusive community.

Our Vision

To foster a thriving urban community with DRIVE: Diverse, Resilient, Inclusive, Vibrant, and Equitable

Our Values

We believe in and promote Creativity, Collaboration, Equity, Integrity, Respect, Diversity

Our Team

At North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre, we're supported by a passionate team of professionals with expertise in community development, event coordination, project management, and administration. Our work is also made possible thanks to the generous support of our dedicated volunteers, who play a vital role in helping us build a stronger, more connected community.

Our Board

North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre is governed by a volunteer committee of management. Members of the association vote for Board members at Annual General Meetings each September. The NWMNC Board is made up of passionate individuals who are committed to seeing both the organisation and the local community thrive. The Board’s role is to set the strategic direction for the organisation, to ensure that it is effectively governed and to appoint the Director. Anyone interested in joining the Board should first become a member, and discuss your interest with the Chair.

Board Membership
Kay Oke, Chair
Alan Cooke, Vice-Chair
Leah Huynh, Treasurer
Kate Ritchie, Secretary
Barry Berih
Greg Ferrington
Sachin Singual
Lorna Hannan
Peiqi (Kevin) Shi

Our History

A woman picking up a brochure
A woman picking up a brochure
A woman picking up a brochure
A woman picking up a brochure
A woman picking up a brochure

A group of volunteers came together in 1975 with the idea of setting up a resource centre providing "several meaningful and necessary functions" in the North Melbourne community. Some of these included providing information, support services to people in need, a centre for people interested in voluntary welfare work, etc.

February 1976 - North Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre opened at the North Melbourne Town Hall as a contact, information and referral centre for the people of North and West Melbourne.

1978/79 - Production of the Community Directory and development of North Melbourne News.

1981 -  Relocated to 56 Errol Street and came to be known as "Centre 56"

1983 -  Relocated to the current premises at 58 Errol Street and came to be known as "Centre 58"

1985 - The first ever street party on Errol street

Late 80s/Early 90s - renamed to North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre

2008 - renamed as The Centre: Connecting Community in North & West Melbourne

2014 - Inaugural Spanish Language Fiesta

2022 - Inaugural Queensberry Cup

2023 - In response to the Centre's Strategic Plan 2022-26 & Community Needs Analysis of 2021, The Centre is renamed as North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre

var Webflow = Webflow || []; Webflow.push(function () { var tabName = getParam('tab'); if (!tabName) return; $('.' + tabName).triggerHandler('click'); function getParam(name) { name = name.replace(/[\[]/, "\\[").replace(/[\]]/, "\\]"); var regex = new RegExp("[\\?&]" + name + "=([^&#]*)"), results = regex.exec(location.search); return results == null ? "" : decodeURIComponent(results[1].replace(/\+/g, " ")); } });