Bluegum Qigong - New Name, New Look!
Same Great Classes

We’re excited to announce that ‘Qigong for a Healthy Life’ has had a fabulous refresh and is now called Bluegum Qigong! The classes are the same, just with a new name and logo that has more significance for teacher Adrienne. Adrienne was led to Tai Chi and Qigong in 2003 after having severe rheumatoid arthritis for 35 years. Qigong is a powerful system of ancient Chinese health therapy and is a way of working with your life energy, Qi (chi). It stimulates Qi through breathing and gentle movements, resulting in a deep feeling of relaxation and harmony that assists the body in health recovery.
Adrienne decided on the name Bluegum Qigong because of the strength and grounding that can come from trees. The new name and logo references the Southern Hemisphere, where Bluegum Qigong is practised. Adrienne explains “ As I use trees symbolically in all my classes it seemed very fitting and eucalypts are so uniquely Australian too”. The goose symbolises the Da Yan Wild Goose Qigong set that Adrienne studied and practices while the Yin Yang symbol is an ancient symbol showing two forces that complement and balance each other, which is central to all Tai Chi and Qigong practices.
If you would like to experience Qigong for yourself or find out more contact Adrienne on: 0428 553 317.

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
















