History~

It all began in 1976 when the Doveton Community Health Centre called a public meeting and asked for volunteers to run a community drop in centre. Mary Fahey, Norma McMahon and June Nichols decided that they would like to organize such a centre. The group started on the 5th of May 1976 and it was known as the Doveton Drop In.
 
Jane McLean and Norma Gray joined in July 1976 and the group met in a house next to Grassmere in Photinia Street on Wednesdays. Everyone was welcome, a light lunch was served for a donation and childcare was provided during demonstrations and speakers. Those that had cars provided transport every week.
 
Derrick, a social worker and Margaret Rees, an occupational therapist at the health centre gave us help and support. We stayed in the house for 3 years; moved to the scout hall that proved to be unsuitable so moved back again to the original house. After this we made our final move to the hall (Oak Ave Hall) where we are today.
 
The name was changed to Doveton Neighbourhood Place and we received our first round of funding from the government to employ a Coordinator in 1983. The first Coordinator was Connie McVicarthen,followed by Margaret Bickers, Elaine Allsop, Leanne Green, Sharrie Grocock, Cherie Plancake, Margaret Berens,Ronnie Rowley and our current Manager Jodie Berry.
 
We receive funding from a number of sources from government to philanthropic groups and local fundraising. Our programs include adult education and training, playgroups, health issues, self-supported groups, occasional child care, craft and children’s programs.
 
During 2003, the centre underwent major renovations. The centre  boasts facilities such as extended training rooms, purpose built computer training room, storerooms, kitchen,  entrance and foyer with upgraded and redesigned offices.
 
The official opening of the centre, with the new name of Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc was held on the 29th of May 2003. The then Mayor of Casey, Cr Brian Oates performed the opening ceremony.
 
Coinciding with the name change, a modern logo was developed to identify DNLC. The new Feather Quill represents Learning and New Opportunities and reflects the old Dove Bird logo.