Building Community Together

At The Place: Charlestown

At The Place, our continuous commitment is to find innovative ways to improve, enhance, and empower our community while celebrating the unique charm of Charlestown. We frequently organise events that are designed to educate, unite, and bring our community together.

 

One of our recent endeavours was the annual Free Halloween Community Disco, a delightful occasion that drew participants of all ages for a night filled with dance, costumes, and sweet treats. It was truly remarkable to witness the incredible creativity displayed by our community through their astonishing costumes and impressive dance moves.

 

What made our Halloween Community Disco particularly special was the great turnout. More than a hundred community members, spanning a wide range of age groups, came together to showcase their costumes and revel in the joyous atmosphere.

 

In addition to this exciting disco, we also recently hosted a Free All Generations Trivia Night for Get Online Week made possible by The Good Things Foundation. This event brought together teams comprised of kids, parents, grandparents, colleagues, and friends who competed in an online Trivia for fun prizes. We recognise the value of bridging the generational gap within our community to enhance community building.

 

In addition to hosting events and trivia nights, we offer a program called "cDEX & iDEX". Through this program, we work closely with youth and community members, training them to become Digital Mentors who can provide valuable assistance to those aged over 50 in using digital technology. Our mission is to ensure that every member of our community is empowered in the digital age.

 

The next community training – cDEX – will be held on Wednesday, 29 November. High schools can also participate in training tailored for youth. For further information call us on (02) 4032 5500 or email programsassistant@theplacecharlestown.org.au

by Cristelle Govender 28 November 2025
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
by Cristelle Govender 28 November 2025
Reconnect with the paths that matter most to you!
by Cristelle Govender 5 November 2025
A FREE Vibrant Celebration For All!
by Cristelle Govender 5 November 2025
Every community has a story and now there’s a place to tell it!
by Cristelle Govender 5 November 2025
AEDC Community Mapping Session
by Cristelle Govender 31 October 2025
*Terms & Conditons Apply*
by Cristelle Govender 30 October 2025
Date: Thursday 4th December 2025 Time: 5pm - 6:30pm (arrive from 4:45pm) Cost: FREE Tickets: HERE Are you a Hunter Region STEM educator with an interest in building your professional connections? Join in the launch of the Hunter Region STEM Network! Connect with fellow educators, get hands-on with STEM activities, and boost your STEM teaching confidence. Meet other educators and build your professional networks, engage in hands-on STEM activities, and discuss classroom implementation, gain insights into high quality STEM resources and programs, access Q.Ed Community, Questacon’s Education Community of Practice. With the support of local educators, Questacon facilitates state-based STEM network meetings, connecting educators with each other, with resources, and with the local STEM community. Each meeting you’ll hear from local educators about their classroom practice, connect to your local Questacon Regional Leader, complete a creative hands-on STEM activity, and explore how you can extend and enrich your STEM teaching. Things to know: Suitable for NSW primary and high school teachers, school lab techs, pre-service teachers and outreach educators, as well as those with an interest in STEM education Meetings are FREE to attend, but registration is essential to secure your spot Afternoon tea provided If the location or dates don’t suit you, you can express your interest in future opportunities via the application form Meetings are held each term, but places are limited. About the Program: Questacon Regional Leaders are in every state and territory, building networks of educator communities across the country. Q.Ed community is a hub for state-based communities of practice led by teachers and facilitated by Questacon. With regular, in-person and virtual meets, a Teams channel to chat, professional learning resources and grab'n’go activities and more, Q.Ed community gives you the access, networking and resources to elevate your STEM classroom, wherever you are. For more information contact: teachers@questacon.edu.au or view the event on the Questacon website
by Cristelle Govender 22 October 2025
Experience a spooky Halloween Heist and help to solve the mystery!
by Cristelle Govender 3 October 2025
A Monster Bash For All!
by Cristelle Govender 3 October 2025
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