Action Ready: Climate & Disaster Capacity Building Program
FREE After-school program for high school students aged 12-17
When: 4pm - 5:30pm, Thursday afternoons from 8th June - 10th August
Booking available here
The temperature is rising, and so is our local disaster risk. But you can build resilience against the effects of climate change by understanding how natural hazards might impact your community and how to prepare for emergencies. Join Red Cross' 8-week after-school program for high school students aged 12-17.
Each week, Red Cross will cover a new topic which will include interactive discussions, and collaborative games and activities designed to build disaster risk knowledge, emergency preparedness and climate action skills. Topics include:
- Climate projections and natural and human-made hazards in Lake Macquarie.
- Local emergency management arrangements & the roles of emergency services in times of crisis.
- How to prepare yourself & community for emergencies.
- How to get involved in collective action for our climate.
- Coping skills for resilience in times of crisis.
- Identifying solutions to local problems.
This is a free event, but places are limited, so you must register to secure your place.
For more details and questions, please contact: amortimer@redcross.org.au or call 0497 459 246
A dynamic and flexible approach to emergency preparedness
First-hand lessons to help you save money, save time and build better systems
We’re thrilled to welcome Tantrum Youth Arts as the newest tenants at The Place! In their 50th year, Tantrum have returned to Charlestown, where the company ran its first weekly program and we couldn’t be happier to have them joining us! As a not-for-profit co-operative and registered charity Tantrum invests deeply in young artists, providing creative and performance opportunities for children and young adults. Through their youth-led drama workshops, Tantrum train young people aged 8-17 in theatre and performance making, and debut original theatre shows throughout the year. Their award-winning disability arts program for young adults, Accelerate Ensemble , is recognised for building community and empowering its participants to make bold theatre. Tantrum also supports early career artists aged 18+, in all disciplines, to deepen their arts practices and business savvy skills, to build a sustainable career in the Hunter. Tantrum’s weekly after-school workshops return in February (held in Rathmines and Hamilton) along with Accelerate Ensemble (held at City Hall Newcastle). It’s a pleasure to have Tantrum Youth Arts at The place, we’re enjoying getting to know your awesome staff and look forward to working together! Find out more about Tantrum and sign up for a free trial via the Tantrum website HERE
As we reach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have achieved together. 2025 has been a year of connection, resilience, and community spirit at The Place Charlestown Community Centre. Whether you participated in a program, volunteered your time, partnered with us, or simply walked through our doors with a smile, your contribution has helped make our Centre a welcoming and vibrant space for all. This year has also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by many in our community. Cost-of-living pressures, social isolation, and complex life circumstances continue to impact people in different ways. Yet, despite these realities, we have witnessed incredible compassion, generosity, and strength from individuals and groups across our community. As we enter the festive season, I encourage everyone to take the time to “fill your cup”, to rest, recharge, and spend time with those who lift you up. It’s important to look after ourselves so that we can continue to support others. At the same time, Christmas can be a difficult period for many. There are those who may be grieving, feeling lonely, or facing financial or emotional hardship. Let’s keep these community members in our thoughts and extend kindness wherever we can. A small gesture, a smile, a conversation, a check-in, a helping hand, can make a far bigger difference than we realise. Thank you for being part of our community this year. Your presence enriches The Place and strengthens the fabric of connection we are proud to foster. We look forward to sharing a new year filled with possibility, hope, and continued collaboration. Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and meaningful holiday season. Cristelle and the team at The Place
Reconnect with the paths that matter most to you!
A FREE Vibrant Celebration For All!
Every community has a story and now there’s a place to tell it!
