The Place: Charlestown Community Centre

19/06/2026

15 Years – 15 Stories of Belonging – Digital Literacy Programs 📲

Since 2012, The Place has been supporting the community to build confidence and connection in an increasingly digital world. What began with volunteer-led digital literacy classes has grown into a comprehensive program, strengthened through partnership with Good Things Australia from 2018.

Today, initiatives such as Be Connected, Digital Mentor and Youth Mentor training, Digital Sisters and Get Online Week continue to empower people of all ages and backgrounds with essential digital skills. Over and above learning technology, these programs open doors to opportunity, reduce social isolation and ensure everyone can participate fully in modern life 👏🏽

Read the full story via our website: https://www.theplacecharlestown.org.au/15-years-15-stories-of-belonging-digital-literacy-programs

18/06/2026

15 Years – 15 Stories of Belonging – Place Based Abilities Program 💫

The Place Based Abilities Program (PBA) delivered in collaboration with ReadyUp Skills creates meaningful opportunities for young people with disability to connect, participate and thrive within their community. Through a diverse range of weekly activities, participants build skills, confidence and friendships in a supportive and inclusive environment - and it's entirely FREE 💜

The program also amplifies voices through its podcast, Placed to Speak, sharing stories and perspectives that celebrate lived experience 🎙 Alongside this, community events bring people together to champion inclusion and diversity, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging and demonstrating what’s possible when community is truly accessible for all.

We are thrilled to announce that our Place Based Abilities Program has been extended for another year! Thank you to the Australian Government for funding this wonderful community initiative 👏🏽 Read more about PBA here: https://www.theplacecharlestown.org.au/15-years-15-stories-of-belonging-place-based-abilities-program

ReadyUp Skills

17/06/2026

🎌🍜✨ MANGA & MISO IS COMING! ✨🍜🎌

Calling all anime fans, manga lovers, aspiring artists, and ramen enthusiasts! 🌟

Join us for Manga & Miso – a FREE, all-ages, accessibility-friendly community event packed with creativity, food, and fun!

🎨 Learn to draw your own anime-style characters in a beginner-friendly manga workshop with Newcastle artist Ryan Boorer from AMS Art Studio. After the workshop, relax in our Ramen Café with delicious noodles, strike a pose in the anime-themed photoshoot room, and enjoy a range of exciting side activities throughout the evening.

📅 Saturday 27 June
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Place: Charlestown Community Centre
💙 FREE • All Ages • Accessibility Friendly

👉 Register via our Google Form: https://forms.gle/dieo9iGHfVPpJXvX7
📞 Call The Place: (02) 4032 5500
📧 Email: [email protected]

Proudly brought to you by the Place Based Abilities Program.

Join us on Saturday 27 June from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm  for Manga & Miso, a FREE, all-ages, accessibility-friendly community event.

12/06/2026

📢 EOFY Venue Hire Special – Save 10%!

Looking for the perfect space for your next workshop, training session, business meeting or conference?

Book your next event at The Place and receive 10% off new bookings of 2 hours or more for events held between June and August 2026. Plus, when you book now, you'll lock in our current rates before the upcoming price increase ✅

The best part? Every booking supports local community programs that reduce isolation, build skills and strengthen connections in our community.

Meet with Purpose. Create Impact ✨
Book by 30 June 2026! Contact us on (02) 4032 5500 or email [email protected]

Terms & conditions apply, find out more here: https://www.theplacecharlestown.org.au/eofy-offer-secure-your-event-space-and-save

12/06/2026

Curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can help you in your everyday life📲

In June & July we're running FREE AI workshops for over 50's at community spaces across Lake Mac & Newcastle! 👏🏽

These sessions will cover what AI really is and show you simple, practical and fun ways you can use it in daily life! A light lunch and refreshments will also be provided ☕

Choose from the locations, dates & times below:
⭐Bonnells Bay Youth & Community Centre - Thurs 25th June, 10:30am - 1:30pm
⭐Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre - Thurs 2nd July, 1pm - 3pm
⭐Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre - Thurs 16th & 30th July, 10am - 12pm

To register, complete the google form below or contact us on 4032 5500 ✅
https://forms.gle/dckqEApiStoyZf4QA

CALM Inc.
Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre
Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre (West Wallsend)

A FREE Workshop For Over 50's

11/06/2026

15 Years – 15 Stories of Belonging – Study Space ⭐

From 2013 to 2015, Study Space at The Place provided a vital support network for young people navigating the pressures of the HSC. By connecting students with dedicated community mentors, the program created a safe and encouraging environment to study, ask questions and stay motivated 👏🏽

Study Space fostered confidence, connection and a sense of belonging —ensuring students felt supported not only in their studies, but by a community that believed in their potential 🌿

09/06/2026

15 Years - 15 Stories of Belonging - Made @ ThePlace 🎨

From 2023 to 2025, Made @ The Place provided a creative and inclusive space for young people to explore, develop and showcase their artistic skills. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, participants built confidence, expressed their identities and connected with others in a supportive environment 🫶🏾

More than just an art program, it fostered a strong sense of belonging and pride, empowering young people to find their voice and be seen. Made @ The Place highlights the importance of creativity as a pathway to connection, wellbeing and community engagement ✨

Learn more about Made @ The Place and it's impact via the link below:
https://www.theplacecharlestown.org.au/15-years-15-stories-of-beloning-made-the-place

08/06/2026

On Tuesday, in recognition of 2026 Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day, Tuesday Club participants enjoyed a special dot art workshop celebrating Aboriginal culture and creativity.

The group learned about the meaning behind traditional symbols and motifs used in Aboriginal art before creating their own dot-art inspired pieces reflecting themes of land, community, and belonging.

The workshop was led by local Aboriginal artist Chrissy Feros and her colleagues, a group of Aboriginal creatives who generously shared their knowledge, stories, and time. In addition to creating artwork, participants had the opportunity to see, handle, and listen to a variety of traditional artefacts, including rain sticks, clap sticks, an emu caller, and many other cultural items brought along by the artists.

The session sparked a joyful outpouring of creativity, a renewed appreciation for the richness of Aboriginal art and culture, and many meaningful conversations throughout the morning ❤️🖤💛