The House

The house was built in the 1860s and was named Kingsley. It has been an elegant homestead that has had several loving families sharing its space over the years. In the 1950′s the house was home to the Mayor of St Kilda. Around the early 1980′s the house was handed to the community to become a resource for everyone and has now been the centre of community work for Elwood and St. Kilda for over 27 years. Hence the name: Elwood – St. Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc. We are a centre for adult education and community support. Our organisation provides social, education and recreational activities in a supportive and welcoming environment.

ESNLC Inc. was established by enthusiastic volunteers at a well-attended public meeting in July 1983, and the organisation’s Constitution was set in place.  By October that year activities such as playgroups, aerobics, drawing, sewing, knitting, craft and yoga were running. There was also a women’s discussion group and participation from the local Polish community. On four days a week the Centre hosted ‘Drop-in Time’.  In March 1984 the first Coordinator was appointed by the Committee of Management, to assist with the increased use of the House. The following year saw the establishment of the Elwood Toy Library, a major project that provided local families with access to good quality toys for a minimal annual fee.  On 10^th May 1986 disaster struck: fire caused the House to close its doors for six months. Activities slowly resumed in the freshly painted and re-carpeted building and the program continued to grow.  Elwood Primary School set up their After School Care Program here in 1988 and by 1989 the House was open 7 days a week, offering educational and recreational classes and community self-help groups.  To assist in the organisation of this activity 10 hours of coordination funding was provided by Community Services Victoria.

Aims

Education and Recreation are our main goals. ESNLC is special: as well as a neighbourhood house we also are an RTO, which enables us to deliver Nationally Certified Education. These certifications mean that you can get recognition to continue studies at a TAFE or University.

Vision and mission

Our vision is to promote a positive view of multiculturalism, ageing and disability and to enhance the well-being of older, disabled and socially isolated adults through continuing education. ESNLC’S philosophy is that no discrimination will be accepted. All students and visitors are welcome to join our classes and participate in activities around the house.

Our mission is to provide community education programs that meet the diverse needs of older, disabled and socially isolated members of the community. The purpose of these programs is to maintain and further develop the skills and abilities that promote personal well-being, further educational opportunities, and community participation.

Not for profit

Our programs are very inexpensive because our aim is to educate and sustain an operation for people in need, not to do business. We want to help those who have not been able to complete their education due to lack of finances, lack of language learning or any other obstacles that may have prevented to finish their education. In order to sustain the operation we are also working on a program of short courses with highly qualified instructors to offer the professional community of Port Phillip an alternative to learn and recreate themselves.