Our History
Nightcliff Family Centre (NFC) began its operations in Aralia Street back in 1975, following the devastating Cyclone Tracy. The initial premises consisted of demountable accommodation with outside toilets, and parents participated in a roster of duties in exchange for care.
The Centre moved to its current location on March 4, 1981. Through significant hard work, parent involvement, fundraising, and the sponsorship of the Darwin City Council, the Centre has developed into the establishment we know today.
Currently, we offer education and care for 80 children in our recently renovated facilities.
Our aim
At Nightlight Family Centre, our goal is to provide high-quality childcare in a safe and supportive environment. We strive to help each child reach their full potential through programs grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework and a play-based approach to learning.
Management of the Centre
Nightcliff Family Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit long day care centre managed by our parents.
The daily operations of the Centre fall under the Director’s responsibility, with oversight provided by a parent-run Management Committee.
The Management Committee members are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held each year in October or November. The Committee consists of five portfolio positions and up to four general member positions. We encourage all parents to attend the AGM and/or nominate for a Committee position. Without a Committee, there is no Centre!
Parent input is crucial to maintaining the high quality of our Centre. Being part of the Management Committee offers valuable insight into Centre operations, budgeting processes, fundraising, and the everyday challenges we face—an enriching learning experience for all involved.
Philosophy
Nightcliff Family Centre is a special place where children are welcome, are safe, and are loved. We offer a child-centred approach in children’s learning and development that helps nurture the child and allows them to achieve their full potential.
Through our play-based curriculum our educators strive to foster and guide children to create competent, capable, and successful learners that are ready to set forth on a path of lifelong learning.
We aim to provide opportunities for the children to actively learn through their play. Our educators will guide children to source their own learning through the choices they make, the risks they take and the interests they choose.
We promote a respectful, child safe culture where children concerns are always responded to, and children feel empowered to participate in decisions and provide feedback to educators and staff.
Bringing families into the centre to enjoy, participate and connect with their child’s learning creates a wonderful sense of community that build’s trusting relationships. We know that children learn best when they belong, feel secure and trust in those around them. Our inclusive environment provides consistent, positive interactions between educators, families, and children.
Our educators come from many diverse backgrounds and Nightcliff Family Centre celebrate and acknowledge all these wonderful cultures as well as the traditional custodians of the land we live, learn and care for. Equity, inclusion, and diversity are embedded in our practices. We give the children respect, a feeling of value and worth enabling them to succeed and excel in all they wish to do.