Join the Board of The Place Charlestown Community Centre

Are you passionate about community, leadership, and creating positive change?
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for one board vacancy, with a particular focus on welcoming fresh perspectives from emerging leaders in our community.

About Us

The Place is a vibrant community hub that supports connection, learning, creativity, and wellbeing across Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. We are a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

Why Join Our Board?

Joining our board provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the community we serve. By integrating the pillars of alignment, diversity, and skills, we ensure that our board remains engaged, effective, and responsive to the needs of our community, organisation and stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you are community-minded, collaborative, and eager to develop your leadership skills, we would love to hear from you! We are particularly keen to hear from individuals aged 18–23 to fill a current vacancy and to ensure our board reflects the diverse voices of the community we serve. (All appointments will be based on merit and commitment to our mission.) Specifically, we are seeking:

1. Alignment with Our Mission: to welcome and support a diverse community to meet, connect, belong, and grow.

  - A deep understanding and dedication to our organisation’s purpose and goals.

  - Alignment with our core values of inclusivity, integrity, responsibility, and responsiveness.

  - The ability to work collaboratively with other board members towards common goals.

2. Diversity of Perspectives:

  - Individuals from varied backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

  - Cultural competence and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are accommodated, heard and valued.

3. Relevant Experience, Skills and Expertise:

  - Qualifications and/or experience in areas such as finance.

  - A willingness to learn and adapt to industry trends and best practices.

  - Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to develop effective solutions to complex issues.

  - Lived experience of key community issues.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a volunteer board member, you will be expected to:

- Participate in regular strategic planning sessions to ensure alignment with our mission and goals.

- Support the activities and events held by the organisation, including attending key functions.

- Contribute your expertise to enhance the board’s decision-making process and the overall governance of the organisation.

- Engage in opportunities for training and other continuous learning and development activities.

A Board Information Pack is available here. Please ensure you read to assist in your application. Contact us if you require a print or email version.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our board and believe you have the passion, commitment, and skills to contribute to our success, we invite you to submit an expression of interest. Information sought includes:

- A brief statement of why you are interested in joining our board.

- An overview of your background and how it aligns with our needs.

- Any relevant experience or skills you bring to the table.

Submission Information

Please submit your expression of interest by 9 June 2025. We will review all applications and contact selected candidates for further discussion.

Following are the key dates for 2025:

• Tuesday 29 April 2025

Interested youth members of the community are invited to access an Information Pack and then consider submitting an Expression of Interest form.

• Monday 9 June 2025

Expressions of Interest must be lodged with The Place before 5pm.

• Monday, 16 June to Friday 20 June

Candidate Interviews by appointment.

• Tuesday 24 June 2025

All candidates are notified of the Boards decision and successful candidate is invited to an informal orientation.

• Monday, 30 June 2025 to Friday, 4 July 2025

Informal Orientation session (2 hours) will be held at The Place by appointment.

• Thursday 10 July 2025

The July General Meeting will be held, and a new Youth Board Member admitted.

We look forward to hearing from individuals who are eager to contribute their time, expertise, and passion to our organisation. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact and drive our mission forward.

Should you wish to express interest in applying for the Board positions becoming vacant you will need to complete and submit an expression of interest form. The EOI form can be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Complete a Google Form here

• Download a PDF version of the form from our website by clicking here. Print and complete the form and submit it in person, via post, or scan or email it to: manager@theplacecharlestown.org.au

• Contact us at The Place on 02 4032 5500 to arrange for an EOI form to be collected. Complete the form and submit it in person, via post, or scan or email it to: manager@theplacecharlestown.org.au

For further information, please contact Cristelle Govender, Centre Manager on  02 4032 5505.  Cristelle can put you in contact with the existing Community and Youth Representatives if you would like to discuss the opportunity