Welcome Zoe to The Place Team!
Our New Programs Assistant
We’re happy to announce that we have a new team member at The Place, please welcome Zoe our new Programs Assistant.
Zoe moved to Australia 10 years ago from Bosnia, after marrying her Novocastrian husband and has lived in the Hunter ever since. She has a diverse professional background, with significant marketing and PR experience and has worked in a variety of industries: non-government organisations, peacekeeping forces, a diplomatic mission, museums, galleries, healthcare and more.
Zoe is excited to work for a community organisation like The Place, saying
“they can be little hives of activity, true hubs for their local communities, fostering community engagement and inclusion, providing a sense of belonging and invoking a feeling of ownership and pride of place in people.”
We’re so glad to have Zoe as part of our team, if you see her when you’re next at The Place please say hello!
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!
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
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