About Us
About The Place
The Place: Charlestown Community Centre
is the place where people from all walks of life have access to local and regional services including opportunities to participate in educational, developmental, and social activities.
We are a not-for-profit community facility with a primary purpose of supporting active community development which is enabled through the mechanism of a financially sustainable social enterprise. The Place offers quality venue hire and state of the art facilities that are accessible to the whole community.
Our Vision, Mission, Values & Goals
Vision
The Place enables active community development through sustainable social enterprise.
Mission
To welcome and support a diverse community to meet, connect, belong and grow.
Values
Inclusive and Respectful
We welcome all members of the community equally; we respect difference and diversity.
Participatory
We encourage genuine engagement; we actively nurture and support ideas; we promote innovative partnerships.
Integrity
We embrace honesty and reliability; we maintain confidentiality; we are transparent in business and governance.
Financially and Socially Responsible
We maintain a balance between sustainable business practices and social outcomes; we care for our community members and assist them to understand and access services.
Proactive and Responsive
We listen to our community and direct our efforts in innovative and unique ways to best serve the current identified needs.
Goals
The Place: Charlestown Community Centre’s primary goal is to support active Community Development. This is enabled through the mechanism of a Financially Sustainable Social Enterprise. The social enterprise is underpinned by Strong and Effective Governance.
Goal 1: Community Development
Goal 2: Financially Sustainable Social Enterprise
Goal 3: Strong and Effective Governance
The Place Board
The Place Board meet bi-monthly to shape the strategic direction for the centre, monitor it's operation, and ensure there are sufficient resources available to enable it's success.
The Board is comprised of nine members, who are representatives from the community, Lake Macquarie City Council, and The GPT Group.
The Current Board Members are:
Helen Plummer
Chairperson
Executive Manager Project Governance, Lake Macquarie City Council
Ellyse McCallum
Secretary
Community Representative
Cr Jack Antcliff
Board Member
North Ward Councillor, Lake Macquarie City Council
Emmanuela Luka
Board Member
Community Youth Representative
Vacant
Board Member
Community Youth Representative
Cr Christine Buckley
Vice Chairperson
East Ward Councillor, Lake Macquarie City Council
Cr Adam Shultz
Board Member
Mayor, Lake Macquarie City Council
Kate Murphy
Board Member
Centre Manager, The GPT Group Charlestown Square
Sheron Steward
Treasurer
Community Representative
Nick Pidcock
Honorary Solicitor
Community Representative
Staff & Volunteers
The Place staff team currently consists of:
Manager
Programs & Marketing Coordinator
Administration Coordinator
Administration & Venue Assistants (Part Time)
The Place staff are supported by volunteers, who provide valuable assistance in ensuring the efficient operation of the centre.
To enquire about volunteering at The Place, please contact us (click here).
Funding
The Place: Charlestown Community Centre is a not for profit organisation with charity status. We generate income through utilising the venue as a social enterprise. As a not-for-profit organisation, all income generated through
venue hire directly benefits the community by service support and development, facility maintenance and improvements, and program and event delivery.
During the 2017/18 financial year The Place has been grateful to receive financial support from Lake Macquarie City Council. This contribution will enable the continued provision of valuable services to the members of our local community, and to engage all sectors of our community and economy in working together to support opportunities to strengthen the social capital of our region.
We continue to seek opportunities to attract partnerships, sponsorship and grants as the Centre develops.
For current fundraising campaigns and information on how to donate, please
click here.
