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!

by Cristelle Govender 18 September 2026
A FREE Event For Get Online Week
by Cristelle Govender 2 September 2026
Facilitated by People With Disability Australia (PWDA)
by Cristelle Govender 2 September 2026
For non NDIS Participants and NDIS Participants
by Cristelle Govender 2 September 2026
By Beyond The Blocks
by Cristelle Govender 2 September 2026
Release. Rewire. Renew
by Cristelle Govender 2 September 2026
The Place is proud to be the first community organisation in NSW to take part in the NSW Device Bank Pilot Program, supporting more people in our community to get connected and build confidence online. Through the program, we helped allocate 30 refurbished laptops to local people in our community, including seniors, carers, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Participants receive 12 months of free data, digital skills training and IT Support to help them make the most of their device. Delivered by NSW Telco Authority in partnership with WorkVentures and Good Things Australia, the NSW Device Bank Pilot Program is part of the NSW Government’s Digital Inclusion Strategy. The program helps bridge the digital divide by giving people access to the essential technology, connectivity and support needed in today’s digital world. We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity for our local community and want to thank everyone who made it possible.
by Cristelle Govender 28 August 2026
A FREE, All Ages, Accessible Community Event
by Cristelle Govender 30 July 2026
Friendship, Fun & Belonging
by Cristelle Govender 30 July 2026
An Incredible Evening to Remember
by Cristelle Govender 30 July 2026
A FREE Workshop For Over 50’s
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