Community Programs

NCIE delivers programs shaped by communities that strengthen culture, support wellbeing and create new opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all stages of life. Through co-design with trusted partners, we respond to local needs, build culturally safe spaces and positive pathways for our community to connect, grow, and thrive.

Building Strong Futures for Our Children

Our Team is dedicated to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and disadvantage by supporting children’s health and wellbeing.

Our Approach

Community‑designed and community‑led programs

Culturally safe and inclusive

Focused on long‑term wellbeing and opportunity

Group of children playing soccer on a field with an adult supervising, a colorful mural in the background.

Young, Fit & Deadly

Young, Fit & Deadly is NCIE’s flagship health and wellbeing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5–14. We offer safe transport from local Redfern schools and drop-off for nearby families.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 pm during school terms

Each afternoon has a theme:

Muscle Monday (sports and fitness).
Wellness Wednesday (culture, cooking and wellbeing).
Free Play Friday (creative and active fun).

Our program provides a safe, supportive space to stay active, connected and deadly. A one-week School Holiday Program runs each break.

Partner With Us Donate

As a working parent and carer, it is such a relief to know that there are safe, enriching programs like this that not only keep my pre-teens engaged and happy during the holidays but also allow me to continue working with peace of mind. It makes a world of difference to have a program that combines fun, learning, and cultural strength in a secure environment."
– Parent of Young, Fit & Deadly Child
“Coming down here for boxing is just a safe area and I like the environment. There's always someone to talk to when, like, you're feeling down or feeling sad. It's just a really nice environment to be in when you're having a hard time.”
– A child from the Redfern community
“NCIE means so much to me. I've been coming here since I was a kid. This place is a cultural hub for everybody, especially for First Nations people and our young ones.”
– Ezekiel Phillips

Friday Night Live

Friday Night Live is a free, community-led youth program by NCIE and Tribal Warrior, strengthening partnerships, expanding community reach, and providing diverse mentoring and strong cultural leadership.

On Fridays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

National Centre of Indigenous Excellence

Our Impact

Our programs contribute to multiple Closing the Gap socio-economic targets set by the National Agreement and prioritised in the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap: What We Want to Achieve framework.

Our programs help families build confidence, strengthen routines, and grow social skills in a safe, supportive environment, creating stronger connections and brighter futures.

Get involved - join, refer, or support our programs

For more information, contact Eden Mashman-Woods, NCIE Programs Manager, at programs@ncie.org.au