NCQ, in collaboration with sector representatives, senior community development practitioners, and academic partners, are developing two free, online and accessible short courses tailored to the needs of the Neighbourhood Centre workforce. Introduction to Neighbourhood Centres and an Overview of Community Development in Neighbourhood Centres will launch in 2025.
There are over 1,500 staff working in Neighbourhood Centres each week, and another 2,500 volunteers. But with no tertiary institution in Queensland offering qualifications in community development, a need for up to date, relevant and accessible training exists.
In response to the growing need, NCQ is developing a two-hour course on an Introduction to Neighbourhood Centres, and a four-hour course on an Overview of Community Development in Neighbourhood Centres. Launching in July 2025, these free, online and self-paced courses will be hosted by Central Queensland University (CQU). Participants will receive a verifiable digital badge acknowledging their completion of each micro-credential course.
The primary audience for the courses are those working in the sector, including staff, volunteers, students on placement, and board members. However, the courses will be valuable to people working alongside Neighbourhood Centres or needing to better understand the sector, including government contract officers, policy makers or those working in organisations partnering with Neighbourhood Centres.
As a follow-up to the micro-credentials, NCQ will be facilitating Managers’ Conversations across each of the regional networks. These will be focused, in-person sessions exclusively for Centre leads—a dedicated space for honest and meaningful discussion about how we can create the right environment for stronger community development practice in Neighbourhood Centres.
The micro-credentials will contribute to growing a shared understanding of Neighbourhood Centres and the thriving of community development practice in Queensland.
This program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training