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 6 February 2026
Learn the basics of Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used in everyday life
by Cristelle Govender 30 January 2026
Led by JBR Consultancy
by Cristelle Govender 30 January 2026
A dynamic and flexible approach to emergency preparedness
by Cristelle Govender 30 January 2026
First-hand lessons to help you save money, save time and build better systems
by Cristelle Govender 30 January 2026
We’re thrilled to welcome Tantrum Youth Arts as the newest tenants at The Place! In their 50th year, Tantrum have returned to Charlestown, where the company ran its first weekly program and we couldn’t be happier to have them joining us! As a not-for-profit co-operative and registered charity Tantrum invests deeply in young artists, providing creative and performance opportunities for children and young adults. Through their youth-led drama workshops, Tantrum train young people aged 8-17 in theatre and performance making, and debut original theatre shows throughout the year. Their award-winning disability arts program for young adults, Accelerate Ensemble , is recognised for building community and empowering its participants to make bold theatre. Tantrum also supports early career artists aged 18+, in all disciplines, to deepen their arts practices and business savvy skills, to build a sustainable career in the Hunter. Tantrum’s weekly after-school workshops return in February (held in Rathmines and Hamilton) along with Accelerate Ensemble (held at City Hall Newcastle). It’s a pleasure to have Tantrum Youth Arts at The place, we’re enjoying getting to know your awesome staff and look forward to working together! Find out more about Tantrum and sign up for a free trial via the Tantrum website HERE
by Cristelle Govender 30 January 2026
Hire Our Brand New Podcast Studio!
by Cristelle Govender 28 November 2025
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
by Cristelle Govender 28 November 2025
Reconnect with the paths that matter most to you!
by Cristelle Govender 5 November 2025
A FREE Vibrant Celebration For All!
by Cristelle Govender 5 November 2025
Every community has a story and now there’s a place to tell it!
Show More