NMFC / AMF Learning and Life Centre Program

Preliminary discussions in early 2008 between the North Melbourne Football Club ("NMFC"), The Scanlon Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation ("AMF") led to the establishment of a partnership with a view to developing the Learning and Life Centre, an innovative community facility in the proposed Arden Street redevelopment. The aim of the project is to create a unique and rewarding community/sports club relationship which will include access to meeting rooms, a theatrette, an indoor sports stadium and a modern, open educational facility known as the 'Learning Centre'. It is expected that construction of the redevelopment will be finalised by early 2010.  

In developing the Learning and Life Centre, our intention is to create a unique environment within an elite sporting club, which, apart from offering community facilities, will also providing relevant and professionally designed programs for children and adults from all walks of life. These programs will meet the Centre's primary aims and objectives of promoting education, health and sport as a means to enhancing community spirit and social cohesion.  

As a result of extensive community consultation carried out on our behalf by MyriaD Consultants, the Centre for Multicultural Youth and Ahmed Ahmed, we believe that the aims and objectives of the Learning and Life Centre will best be achieved by focussing on providing the following: 

• 1. Programs developed for young people which incorporate curriculum-based school topics for visiting students. These programs, involving teachers and NMFC players, will provide positive educational, multicultural and healthy living programs in an engaging and unique environment.
• 2. After-hours 'homework classes' for local youth in the Learning Centre with qualified tutors and teaching aides. These classes may be run in conjunction with existing local providers.
• 3. Engaging relevant community organisations to run programs in the Centre in partnership with the NMFC and AMF (e.g. Melbourne Aboriginal Youth, Sport and Recreation, Victoria Police, Heart Foundation). NMFC will provide access to the facility and supporting resources.
• 4. The opportunity for community groups to book parts of the facility, including the Learning centre, theatrette, indoor stadium and meeting rooms, for use which is consistent with the aims and objectives of the Centre.

The North Melbourne Football Club and the Australian Multicultural Foundation will spend the next 3 to 6 months developing suitable programs to meet the aims and objectives of the Learning and Life Centre.  Additional information will be provided in due course. 

Please contact John Murphy (NMFC Public & Community Relations Officer) on 0401 812 883 or John.Murphy@kangaroos.com.au for any further information.

Click here to download "AMF Arden Street Summary Key Findings" document