Early Years

Neighbourhood centres have existed in NSW since at least 1961. They grew along with the movements for self help, resident action and welfare rights. Many early neighbourhood centres began as Community Aid Centres, Citizens Advice Bureaux or Community Information Centres. Since the 1970s, centres have adopted a community development focus, encouraging and enabling disadvantaged people and communities to participate in the decisions which affect their lives and move away from dependence on traditional forms of welfare.

NSW Government funding began with small seeding grants in the late 1960s and was boosted by Australian Federal Government funding through the Australian Assistance Program which emphasised the development of local initiatives and participation.

The Local Community Services Association (LCSA) was founded in 1974 to act as the representative coordinating body for neighbourhood centres. Member centres formed regional networks or forums which select a representative to the LCSA Management Committee. Regional Representatives maintain a direct information exchange between neighbourhood centres and LCSA, and amongst neighbourhood centres in their region.