What can NSCLC do for you?

By Jay Bryce

Feb 15, 2023

North Shepparton Community and Learning Centre exists to give a hand up to everyone within the community.

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Manager Deborah Orlandi did her best to sum up the extensive service the centre offers.

“Support, social, educational, lifelong learning, art, crafts, referral, advocacy — anything we can do for our community,” she said.

“We have computer courses, tools for a trade, a men’s shed, social groups, community groups, outside school holiday programs.

Ms Orlandi said the school holiday programs normally had around 40 kids involved, many with additional needs.

Familiar face: Volunteer Catharina Rhyger has been involved with the centre for over 20 years. Photo by Jay Bryce

Ms Orlandi said the centre was the only community house in the region that was classified as a registered training organisation.

“We have cert three in children’s services and diploma in children’s services,” she said.

Ms Orlandi said she felt there was a lack of awareness of what the centre could offer people, and often had community members telling her they had no idea the centre existed.

She said she was trying to change that by talking to members of the community outside the centre’s walls, having lengthy conversations sometimes just in peoples’ front yards.

Bears in there: When the *News* visited, the centre was holding a bear-making class. Front, Maureen Trinder and Anita Boland. Back, Martyna Crowley and class facilitator Skye Robinson. Photo by Jay Bryce

“We can help you with anything. Walk in, say g’day, have a chat and a cuppa,” she said.

“So many people have done that and they never leave.

“It’s for everybody. You don’t need to be in need of something to do some training. Everyone needs social inclusion, to get out and feel connected to something.”