Fitzroy Learning Network

The Fitzroy Learning Network is a grassroots not-for-profit Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) provider that is committed to building a stronger and more inclusive Australian community.

‘Opening doors to our community’ is our mission, achieved by providing disadvantaged people with education and skills; friendship, support and the networks they need to fully participate in the community. Our main focus is on English as a Second language, computers/technology and cultural understanding. These programs are supported by a committed and skilled volunteer base.

Every week Refugees, Temporary Protection Visa Holders, Asylum seekers and immigrants from dozens of different countries come to learn the skills they need to settle, study and work in Australia. Most students come from the nearby Atherton Gardens Public Housing high-rise estate, a few minutes away, on the same street as FLN in Fitzroy.

English as a Second Language Classes

Our classes range from functional English to more advanced. We provide a flexible learning environment for students aged from 17-70, many have little or no previous education. We concentrate on making the often daunting task of learning ESL, as painless and supportive as possible. Classes include life skills, understanding Australian culture, assessing opportunities and links into the wider community.

Computer Courses

Computer courses for adults to assist them to get and retain employment.
Available software includes, Adobe Suite, Microsoft, Dream Weaver, - programs which assist students with low literacy to become computer users.

Computer Clubhouse

The Computer Clubhouse, the first of its kind in Australia, helps 90 kids aged from 8-18 years. It is open weekdays from 3.30-7.00 pm.

Licensed through the Computer Clubhouse based at the prestigious Boston Museum of Science, our clubhouse has $100,000 worth of software licenses on 15 computers to give our student the opportunity to use the same programs available to programmers, graphics, web and robotics designers.

The Clubhouse helps bridge the digital divide and gives disadvantaged kids the opportunity to experience the world of computing through multimedia technology, in a friendly environment with volunteer mentors.

Refugee Support Services

Support services for recently arrived Refugees and TPV holders, suffering from stress and trauma.
Linking them to health services, schools, employment opportunities and legal representation. Community and social activities
Community lunches (prepared by volunteers) are held every Tuesday for up to 50 students, volunteers and guests. These lunches give people from different cultures an experience of eating and mixing within ‘Australian’ culture.

Over 55’s Social Group

Home cooked lunches with entertainment are held every Thursday for elderly participants. Our resident chef (a staff member) prepares a gourmet meal each week with fresh ingredients and on birthdays cooks the clients’ favorite dinner. This helps those who are isolated, who would usually only have nursing home meals or have inadequate nutrition. This lunch is often the only social outlet for the week.

Volunteer Program

We run an extensive Volunteer program with over 150 volunteers currently involved in all aspects of the Network. Volunteers are recruited and trained five times per year. There are eight different positions they can nominate for, involving direct and indirect contact with our clients. They may provide mentor support for the ESL classes, Computer Clubhouse, or the sewing program for women. Or be trained as Community Networkers to provide individual home based tutoring and support. Volunteers also provide Network support through administration duties, social events, fundraising & marketing and the Committee of Management.

“Fitzroy Learning Network is a house of welcome. It is a place where refugees and immigrants can begin to rebuild their lives and acquire the skills to start a new life”

Arnold Zable, Writer & Refugee Activist