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 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!
by Cristelle Govender 5 November 2025
AEDC Community Mapping Session
by Cristelle Govender 31 October 2025
*Terms & Conditons Apply*
by Cristelle Govender 30 October 2025
Date: Thursday 4th December 2025 Time: 5pm - 6:30pm (arrive from 4:45pm) Cost: FREE Tickets: HERE Are you a Hunter Region STEM educator with an interest in building your professional connections? Join in the launch of the Hunter Region STEM Network! Connect with fellow educators, get hands-on with STEM activities, and boost your STEM teaching confidence. Meet other educators and build your professional networks, engage in hands-on STEM activities, and discuss classroom implementation, gain insights into high quality STEM resources and programs, access Q.Ed Community, Questacon’s Education Community of Practice. With the support of local educators, Questacon facilitates state-based STEM network meetings, connecting educators with each other, with resources, and with the local STEM community. Each meeting you’ll hear from local educators about their classroom practice, connect to your local Questacon Regional Leader, complete a creative hands-on STEM activity, and explore how you can extend and enrich your STEM teaching. Things to know: Suitable for NSW primary and high school teachers, school lab techs, pre-service teachers and outreach educators, as well as those with an interest in STEM education Meetings are FREE to attend, but registration is essential to secure your spot Afternoon tea provided If the location or dates don’t suit you, you can express your interest in future opportunities via the application form Meetings are held each term, but places are limited. About the Program: Questacon Regional Leaders are in every state and territory, building networks of educator communities across the country. Q.Ed community is a hub for state-based communities of practice led by teachers and facilitated by Questacon. With regular, in-person and virtual meets, a Teams channel to chat, professional learning resources and grab'n’go activities and more, Q.Ed community gives you the access, networking and resources to elevate your STEM classroom, wherever you are. For more information contact: teachers@questacon.edu.au or view the event on the Questacon website
by Cristelle Govender 22 October 2025
Experience a spooky Halloween Heist and help to solve the mystery!
by Cristelle Govender 3 October 2025
A Monster Bash For All!
by Cristelle Govender 3 October 2025
Are You Ready To Power Through Menopause?
Show More