FREE Escape to Europe Virtual Experience
Take a virtual holiday with us!

Date: Wednesday 20th October
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
We could all do with an escape at the moment, so to celebrate Get Online Week
we’re hosting a FREE virtual holiday experience for over 50’s!
We’ll take you to three mystery countries online and will be showing you some amazing sights and experiences in Europe from the comfort of your own home. We’ll also share excellent tools and free resources for exploring the world online using the Be Connected website.
This event is a great opportunity to expand your digital skills, connect online with people in your local community and have a much-needed online escape!
As part of your virtual holiday, you’ll receive a special ‘In Flight Refreshments Pack’ delivered to your home (contactless delivery) so you can enjoy some treats as we travel! You will need to provide your home address to receive this special pack (within Newcastle or Lake Macquarie).
Please note this event will be held via ZOOM and is specifically for people aged 50 and over who live in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
We will provide basic instructions for joining us on Zoom. If you are new to Zoom and would like some support before the event, please let us know, we are happy to help.
Please only register for this event if you truly intend to participate online, there are only 15 spots available on our virtual trip.
To register get your FREE Eventbrite ticket here
and a Zoom meeting invite will be sent to your email address before the event.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at programs@theplacecharlestown.org.au
or on (02) 4032 5505.
We hope you can join us for a fabulous virtual adventure on the 20th of October!

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
















