Welcoming New Faces to The Place

Introducing Our New Board Members



Over the past few months, we embarked on an exciting journey to find dedicated community members to join The Place as volunteer board members. It was a challenging yet rewarding process, with many exceptional applicants eager to contribute to the growth and success of our community.


After much consideration, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of three new board members: Sheron Steward, Ellyse McCallum, and Emmanuela Luka. Their passion, diverse skills, and commitment to community-building will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of The Place.


In addition to these appointments, we’re excited to welcome Lake Macquarie City Council representatives: Mayor Adam Shultz, Cr Christine Buckley, and Cr Jack Antcliff. They join our continuing board members: Helen Plummer, Kate Murphy, and our honorary member, Nick Pidcock. Together, this dynamic team is ready to collaborate and drive innovation for the benefit of our community.


We also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing board members for their dedicated service and valuable contributions: Mayor Kay Fraser, Gemma Morgan, Joanne Martin, Dylan Shoesmith, and Jack Schmidt. A special thank you goes to our long-serving Chair, John Ferguson, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping The Place into what it is today.


As we step into this new chapter with Helen Plummer as the Chair, we’re filled with excitement for the future and look forward to the incredible ideas and initiatives this talented team will bring to life. The current executive team is Cr Christine Buckley as Vice Chair, Sheron Steward as Treasurer, and Ellyse McCallum as Secretary.


Stay tuned for updates as we continue to work together to create positive change for our community. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey—together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community!

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You’re invited to celebrate a very special milestone for The Place as we mark 15 years of community, connection and belonging in Lake Macquarie. To honour this journey, we’re hosting a community celebration on Friday the 1st of May from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm and everyone is welcome! The afternoon will feature our ' 15 Years of Belonging' public photo exhibition, showcasing the people, programs and moments that have shaped The Place over the years. We’ll also host a special community recognition event celebrating our long-standing groups and the incredible individuals who have helped shape The Place and what it is today. Enjoy food, music, entertainment and connection as we come together to celebrate our diverse and vibrant community. Whether you’ve been part of The Place for years or are visiting for the first time, we’d love you to join us. This is a free event open to the whole community, however RSVPs are essential. Please RSVP HERE , call (02) 4032 5500 or email programs@theplacecharlestown.org.au We look forward to celebrating 15 years of impact with you!
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