Local Community Services Association (LCSA) represents around 200 locally managed Neighbourhood or Community Centres and Not-For-Profit Organisations throughout New South Wales. They
share a community development and socially inclusive approach to the delivery and provision of
services, as well as activities for socially isolated and disadvantaged local communities.
Neighbourhood Centres have been operating in Australia for nearly 40 years - many developed out of the social
reforms of the 1970s. They are known by a variety of names across Australia. Neighbourhood Centres (and/or Houses) are typically small organisations situated in local community settings that operate at grassroots
level. They strive to be accessible and welcoming. They are inclusive and supportive of people from
diverse backgrounds and with varying abilities. While they are known for their diversity, they share
some common features. As noted above, first and foremost, they share a commitment to community
development. Neighbourhood Centres constitute a critical element of the network of not-for-profit organisations
across Australia.
Neighbourhood Centres are embedded in a range of networks and partnerships. They
work together in local government and regional networks and the majority are members of their state
and territory peak organisations.