Where we began

The Narre Warren Drop-In Centre opened with classes, social groups and $1 per day childcare. Despite its tiny staff and budget, the centre became a hub of activity.

Local woman Kay Vrieze became co-ordinator and helped build the organisation. By the end of 1981, our membership had grown from 35 to 178.

We continued to grow with a new logo, photocopier and electric typewriter, plus a budget of $9000. Our ‘Funtime’ program was introduced for structured pre-kinder time, catering for around 80 children each week.

In 1984, the centre underwent some renovations to accommodate our growing programs and courses, with the hall doubling in size, as well as the addition of some classroom spaces. This same year, the ‘Narre Seniors Share & Care’ group was established with 6 initial members – this program is our longest running, and still runs today, more than 40 years later! Tertiary Oriented Programs in English and Sociology were first introduced in 1984, setting the foundations for what would develop into our delivery of Vocational Education.

1985 and 1986 were years of growth, with the purchase of our first TV and video and some additional renovations to the hall, as well as the introduction of after-school programs for primary and secondary school students in topics such as craft, cooking and badminton. Our ‘Adult Literacy’ program was established in 1986, offering one-on-one tutoring, and setting the foundations for what would eventually develop into our current English Programs, supporting members of the CALD community. Permission was received in 1986 to build a craft shop next door, which provided members of the community with craft classes, as well as the opportunity to buy and sell hand made items.

The late 1980’s saw an expansion of our programs to include ‘Basic Maths for Women’ and ‘Cottage Crafts’, as well as ‘Signed English’ which was an early course in sign language. Courses in ‘Protective Behaviours’  programs were developed and delivered to parents, secondary schools and other community centres.

Since 2019, we have been known as Foundation Learning Centre to reflect our community development work across the Mornington Peninsula and South-East Melbourne.