Welcome to our new Board Members!

Get to know our Board

Pictured above: Joanne Martin, Jack Schmidt, Mayor Kay Fraser, John Ferguson, Gemma Morgan, Dylan Shoesmith

The Place recently welcomed three new board members along with two previous members who are now filling Councillor positions. Our Board members come from a range of experiences and backgrounds with varying passions and interests for the community.

 

Cr Christine Buckley - East Ward Councillor

Cr Buckley is passionate about providing services to support those who are at risk. She was elected to local government in 2016 serving as Deputy Mayor from 2020 to 2021, and as community representative on The Place board for several years.


Cr Jack Antcliff - North Ward Councillor

Cr Antcliff is interested in youth engagement and futurefocused decision making. He was a founding member of The Bright Minds Project, a mental health awareness initiative, and was previously a Youth Representative on The Place board.


Dylan Shoesmith - Youth Representative

Dylan has served on local, regional and state-wide youth advisory committees. As a board member of The Place, he seeks to provide a voice for the young adults.


Jack Schmidt - Community Representative

Jack is passionate about engaging with his local community by getting behind causes that matter to them. Jack brings a wealth of organisation, project management, time management, communication, and networking skills.


Joanne Martin - Community Representative

Joanne is passionate about lifelong learning and improving the health and wellbeing of our community. She is community minded and values driven with considerable strategy and business development, leadership, and governance experience.


Our Board members haven a coherent goal of providing the community with opportunities and advocacy.

 

by Cristelle Govender 7 May 2025
Two More Animal-Inspired Creative Workshops!
by Cristelle Govender 29 April 2025
Seeking a Passionate Volunteer for The Place Board
by Cristelle Govender 29 April 2025
A Celebration of Realistic Art
by Cristelle Govender 29 April 2025
Communication strategies to support decision-making for people who communicate informally
by Cristelle Govender 29 April 2025
Neighbourhood and Community Centres Week 2025
by Cristelle Govender 29 April 2025
Are you a community service professional interested in exploring arts-based approaches to supporting women with lived experiences of gendered violence? Join a free Creative Networking Event for the Reclaiming My Place Healing & Recovery Project . When: Tuesday, May 13 Where: The Place, Charlestown Time: Drop in anytime between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM Whether you have 15 minutes or a couple of hours, feel free to pop in for a bit or stay for the whole session—whatever works for you! About the Reclaiming My Place Project: Reclaiming My Place (RMP) is an innovative arts-based program developed by the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) at the University of Newcastle. The program engages women who have lived experiences of gendered violence and interrupted education journeys, using creative arts to foster mindfulness, healing, relaxation, and pathways to lifelong learning. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community professionals, discover the transformative impact of creative approaches, and explore ways to support women on their healing journeys. 🔗 Want to know more? Contact: Felicity Cocuzzoli felicity.cocuzzoli@newcastle.edu.au 0419 795 452  This project is proudly supported by the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network, and the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education.
by Cristelle Govender 28 March 2025
Learn the Language of Inclusion: Introduction to Auslan 1
by Cristelle Govender 28 March 2025
Get Emergency Ready: Free Workshop
by Cristelle Govender 28 March 2025
April Activities - Laughter, Culture & Community
by Cristelle Govender 28 March 2025
“You cannot know the meaning of your life until you are connected to the Power that created you.” – Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of Sahaja Yoga In the midst of busy schedules and endless distractions, finding a moment of true peace can feel out of reach. That’s where Sahaja Yoga offers something truly special—a chance to slow down, reconnect, and experience the transformative power of meditation. Guided by the teachings of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaja Yoga invites you to explore the art of mental silence —a state of deep calm and clarity where stress melts away and you reconnect with your inner self. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, these weekly sessions offer a gentle, welcoming space to find balance, healing, and peace. Sessions held every Monday Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm All are welcome, no experience necessary Contact: 0419 466 120  Come along and experience the stillness within. This could be the most peaceful hour of your week.
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