Women and children meet in derelict terraces in Ridge Street before being given lease of old Meals on Wheels building behind Stanton Library. After school program begins.
1973
Playgroup for Under 5’s begins, driven by the enthusiasm of Jan Gregg and Bruce Barrett.
Adult classes (run by an energetic group of volunteers) are also established, offering weaving, bread making and pottery – a true reflection of the 70s.
1974
Centre joins battle to save open space (now Civic Park) from development of two 17-storey office blocks.
1975
Centre becomes independent of Leisure Movement but keeps the name Leisure Centre. Mid 70s adventure playground is built.
1982
Dr Doreen Bridges introduces an Early Childhood Music Program to the Leisure centre, “Music and Movement’, continued up to today under the direction of Jane Boyd.
1983
North Sydney Markets established as the Centre’s main fundraising activity.
1986
Centre takes its first artists in residence. Aboriginal potter Thancoupie and composer John Shortis.
1987
Susan Kennett becomes Director of the Centre
1997
Special Interest talk: Donald Horne - Writer
1999
Northside Produce Market set up as a second fundraising project.
North Sydney Market and Northside Produce Market contribute close to 30% of the Centre’s current income and help support wages and other costs involved in the provision of services.
2000
Leisure Centre is renamed the North Sydney Community Centre.
Special Interest Event: Women’s rights - Wendy McArthy
2001
Special Interest Event: Judy Rymer - message from Moccee
2002
Special Interest Event: Hugh Mackay - Social research & writer
2003
Special Interest Event: Donald Thorne - Tolerance
Special Interest Event: Stuart Rees - Non-violence, the road to peace
Special Interest Event: Dr Helen Caldicott - The nuclear Danger
2004
Special Interest Event: Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence MP - Women in Politics
2005
Community Forum starts (Public talks)
Linda Burney MP - Reviving Reconciliation
2006
Centre moves into new sustainable-design building
2007
Changeable Art program begins
2009
10th Birthday celebration Produce Market (November)
2010
Susan Howieson becomes Director of the Centre
2012
Joanna Jouin became Director of the Centre
Market Tours started
Community Forum becomes In Conversation
In Conversation Edwina McCann - Vogue Australia and Sarah Macdonald - writer & radio host
In Conversation Sibella Court - Stylist Books with Karen McCartney - Designer
2013
Literacy Lunch with John Mc Dermott, Author of Vintage-Life
40th Anniversary of NSCC
30th Anniversary of North Sydney Market
NSCC new website
In Conversation With The Simpson Sisters – Indigenous textiles, music and visual & performing arts
2014
15th Anniversary of Northside Produce Market
Lunch with Noeline Brown, Australia’s Ambassador for Ageing
Joined Social Media
In Conversation: A Country Too Far - Thomas Keneally, Rosie Scott, Denise Leith and Bella Verdramini
In conversation with Paul Botrill from House of Welcome
In Conversation: Bettina Deda, Luisa Manfredini – Downsize with Style
In Conversation: The Life and Times of Marion Mahony Griffin
With Glenda Korporaal and Karen McCartney
2015
In Conversation: Sally Webb and Sarah MacDonald -Travel Without Tears
Book launch “The best of Gretta Anna”
In conversation with Martin Teplitzky and Valli Little
In Conversation: Dr Munjed Al Muderis – Walking Free with Journalist Scott Bevan
In Conversation: Ted Mack – Mayor North Sydney with Ray Martin
In Conversation – Celebrating 100 years Gallipoli
Russell Boyd, Cinematographer, on the Making of ‘Gallipoli’ & Australian Film in the 70’s – Journalist Andrew Urban
2016
North Sydney Market on Miller renamed Miller Street Market
Last Miller Street Market (June)
Launching two Produce Markets (1st and 3rd Saturday of the month) (May)
Changeable Art renamed Pop Up Art Exhibition
In Conversation: Creative Women (7 Women and 6 interviewers)
In Conversation: Wendy Whiteley and Janet Hawley
2018
40th anniversary of the Music & Movement program
45th anniversary of Explorers Playgroup
2020
In Conversation with Morris Gleitzman, Australian Childrens’ Laureate
