Beaufort St Community Centre

About Us

As our name suggests, the Beaufort St Community Centre is all about friends, family, socialising and learning - for fun and for life. Previously known as Mt Lawley Neighbourhood Learning Centre we're proud to have been a part of the Perth community for more than 30 years.

Our fantastic group of skilled volunteers offer a range of classes throughout the year. We have craft and fitness classes for kids as well as courses in fitness, craft, parenting, languages and lifestyle for adults. If you can't find what you're looking for, or have a skill of your own to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Membership with the Centre gives you access to our courses and social events (did someone say "social book club"?), and a whole lot more:

Crèche access
Family membership and participation in social functions
Discount photocopying
Free use of our computers with internet access
Access to our craft book library
Equipment hire (sewing machines, smocking pleaters, overlockers, and more)
Coffee and tea
Access to room hire

History

The Mt Lawley Neighbourhood Learning Centre was formed in 1978 to provide creative and educational opportunities for locals in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Members met to discuss ideas, exchange skills and enhance their community. Inclusiveness was vital to the concept—childcare was an integral part and it was important that fees were kept to a minimum.

The first Learning Centre program included coffee evenings with guest speakers (50c a session) on a variety of topics such as family medicine and alternative gardening.

At the end of 1979, the Centre moved to its current home at 715 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley, which was purchased for the Centre by the City of Stirling with whom it holds a Management Licence. “Lerene House” is a beautiful heritage building and, while renovated over the years to stay safe and inviting, it retains the character, charm and atmosphere of its history.

The renovations have been funded in various ways, including grants from Lotterywest and the proceeds of fundraising and through the City of Stirling. As the Centre is a self-funded, volunteer-run, non-profit organisation, members pay membership and course fees which are supplemented by fundraising and the hiring out of meeting rooms to local groups. All funds raised go towards keeping the Centre in operation and paying the wages of our crèche and office staff.

Today

We still rely upon the expertise and generosity of local volunteers to provide affordable educational and entertaining courses for the community. The Centre provides a sanctuary for parents who can leave their young children in the licensed crèche while attending classes and enjoying adult company.

We do much more than just share the knowledge and skills of generous and talented people—we provide a focal point for new people in the area who want to make friends in a safe and welcoming environment

Our most recent change has been to adopt a new trading name, Beaufort St Community Centre, to make us easier to find, while remaining faithful to our history and location. We have also retained our original name, Mt Lawley Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc..