Our Community Programs & Services
Our range of programs and services support our diverse community to connect, share, learn and strengthen.
We are responsive to the emerging needs of our community, enabling and supporting participant led community activities.
Information & Referral Support
We provide the community with information and referral to local groups, activities and services. A wide range of information on community activities and support services for groups and individuals is available at our Centre. Information is available through our noticeboard, monthly Newsletter, News & What's On, Regular Activities and Facebook Page.
We actively assist members of the community to access information and connect with crisis support services when needed.
For information and community activities in the Lake Macquarie area visit the Lake Macquarie City Council Community Notice Board or the Lake Macquarie City Council Community Directory.
Kindness Cupboard
Our Kindness Cupboard is open and accessible for all, have a look when you're next at The Place. If you would like to leave some non-perishable or hygiene items for those in need you can pop them in the cupboard, in the donations box next to the cupboard or speak to our friendly staff. For more information contact us on (02) 4032 5500.
Made @ The Place
General Info
*** NOTE: This Program is now CONCLUDED***
Made @ The Place is a FREE creative arts program for
young people aged 12 - 24. This program provides young people with the opportunity to learn, create, exhibit, and sell their creative work. Participants will learn specific creative skills over 4 weeks, in a fun and supportive environment encouraging positive peer relationships, self-expression, and belonging.
The four-week workshop sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from 4pm – 6pm. There are 8 workshop sessions in total over a two-year period, each featuring a local artist and genre. By the end of each workshop, participants will create a self-determined piece of art including painting, drawing, or digital art to exhibit at The Place and through an online store. Please see all workshop dates below.
Due to funding from the NSW Government this program is entirely FREE and all art supplies, food and refreshments will be provided. Registrations are essential.
Workshop Dates
2023
3rd May – 24th of May
7th June – 28th June
26th July – 16th August
18th October – 8th November
2024
28th February – 20th March
8th May – 29th May
31st July – 21st August
23rd October – 13th November
Registrations - Express Interest for May/June 2025
Workshop 1: Mixed Media Animals – Thursdays from 22 May to 12 June - Register here
Workshop 2: Pop Art Animal Portraits – Wednesdays from 4 June to 25 June - Register here
Contact The Place on 02 4032 5500 or email youthprograms1@theplacecharlestown.org.au
Great Mates – Young Men Empowered
Registrations
Contact The Place on 02 4032 5500 or email youthprograms1@theplacecharlestown.org.au
Place Based Abilities Program
The Place Based Abilities Program, held over two years, is a FREE social and capacity building program for young people identifying as neurodivergent regardless of whether they are eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This collaborative program, provided by The Place in collaboration with ReadyUp Skills responds to the reluctance of youth with disability to engage in mainstream social activities, as highlighted through feedback from caregivers and the youth themselves, by focusing on their unique strengths and needs.
This program is entirely FREE and you don’t need NDIS funding to participate! We welcome and celebrate people of all gender identities and expressions. Also, family members, guardians and support workers are welcome if needed.
Key components of the program that are built into the long term plan include a Community-Centred Recreational Engagement Initiative. This activity empowers participants, aged 10-16 and 17-25, to design their own recreational activities, allowing them to plan events that align with their interests and needs. Moreover, participants will lead in organising one open community event per term, where they will invite mainstream youth into their space in an effort to promote civic participation, strengthen community bonds, and foster a sense of control and belonging among the participants.
Program Dates
The program will run consistently over two years and participants can join at any stage.
The groups meet weekly during the school term, on Monday and Thursday afternoons at The Place:
The 10-16 age group will meet on Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm REGISTER FOR THIS AGE GROUP HERE
The 17-25 age group will meet on Mondays from 4:30pm - 7:30pm
REGISTER FOR THIS AGE GROUP HERE
You can also contact us on (02) 4032 5500 to find out more and register.
This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Charlestown Square Tuesday Club: Inclusive Connections
Date & Time
Meeting weekly on Tuesday mornings at The Place from 9:30am - 12pm
Tuesday Club meets during the school term. No meetings during school holidays or on Public Holidays.
General Information
Charlestown Square Tuesday Club is a vibrant weekly seniors' social group in Charlestown, bringing older adults together for friendship, connection and a variety of enjoyable community activities. Held every Tuesday morning at The Place Charlestown Community Centre, the club provides a welcoming space for seniors from across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to meet new people, stay socially active and enjoy new experiences.
With a history spanning over 46 years, Tuesday Club originally began as a women's social group and has since evolved into an inclusive and welcoming space for all seniors. Today, the club welcomes women, men, gender-diverse people and members of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, bringing people from all walks of life together.
This seniors' social group is all about fostering friendships, sharing laughs and creating memorable moments. Our weekly seniors' activities centre around themes of fun, friendship, connection and wellbeing, and include games, arts and crafts, entertainment, guest speakers, special events and cultural celebrations.
New members are welcome and are invited to join the club.
Your first visit is FREE!
This program is sponsored by GPT Charlestown Square.
Contact
For more information please contact The Place on 02 4032 5500.
Be Connected Digital Literacy
Be Connected is an Australian government initiative that aims to empower Australians to thrive in a digital world. The Be Connected program provides a range of free resources, tools, training and events to help to improve the digital skills and confidence of older Australians. The Place is proud to be a Network Partner for the Be Connected Program and provides programs and events to support people to get online and improve their digital skills and confidence.
FREE Community Digital Skills Training
In a world that is becoming increasingly reliant upon internet technology, it is important to make sure that all members of the community are able to access and use it.
That’s why at The Place: Charlestown we run inclusive digital skills training for community members. Express your interest by contacting us.
Contact
To find out more and register for one of our Be Connected programs call 02 4032 5500 or email programs@theplacecharlestown.org.au
Bluegum Qigong
Dates & Time
Beginners class - Friday mornings 9:15 am - 10:15 am
Intermediate class - Friday mornings 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Wild Goose Qigong
A more advanced Qigong class Mondays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
General Information
The classes are designed so that everyone can follow at their own pace,
adapting movement as necessary if there is stiffness or pain.
If needed, the movements can be modified to be done whilst sitting, or whilst using a support aid or chair to lean on.
Wear comfortable loose clothing and flat shoes. All welcome.
Cost: $10 per class
Contact
For more information please contact Adrienne 0428 553 317.
Art Display
FREE Exhibition Space Available
Attention Artists
Book Exchange
Print / Copy / Scan
Printing, photocopying, scanning, laminating and binding services are available at The Place during reception hours.
| Printing & Photocopying | ||
|---|---|---|
| Black & White | A4: $0.20 per page | A3: $0.40 per page |
| Colour | A4: $0.50 per page | A3: $1.00 per page |
| Scanning | ||
| Black & White or Colour |
A4: $0.20 per page |
A3: $0.40 per page |
| Laminating | ||
| Black & White or Colour |
A4: $1.00 per page | A3: $2.00 per page |
| Binding | ||
|---|---|---|
| A4 documents only | A4: $3.00 per 20 pages | Extra pages $0.15 |
