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History

1972
  • 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 Simona Green, and previously Jane Boyd for many years.
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 becomes 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” Book launch “The Best of Gretta Anna” with son Martin Teplitzky and Valli Little – Food Director of Delicious Magazine
  • 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 Costa Georgiadis
2017
  • Film Night + Q&A Chasing Asylum and Q&A with RACS and Refugee Council
2018
  • 40th anniversary of the Music & Movement program
  • 45th anniversary of Explorers Playgroup
2020
  • In Conversation with Morris Gleitzman, Australian Childrens’ Laureate
  • In Conversation: Creative Women
  • Michelle Worthley becomes Director of the Centre
2021
  • Michelle Nixon (Asst. Director) celebrates 20 years with NSCC
  • Earth Hour event
  • Seniors Festival programme
  • In Conversation: Death & Dying with Jenny Briscoe Hough and Zenith Virago
  • In Conversation: Innovation & Sustainability with Bridget Kennedy and Joe Taranto
2022
  • North Sydney Community Centre celebrates 50 years!
  • After School Care celebrates 50 years! Music & Movement celebrate 40 years!
  • Great events such as: Biggest Morning Tea, World Environment Day sustainability workshops, Student & Tutor Exhibition, Zonta partnered events, Seniors Festival activities, NAIDOC Week workshops, Climate For Change conversation and International Women’s Day In Conversation event with Susan Kennett, Victoria Alexander, Carol Dettmann and Bridie Connell.
2023
  • Explorers Playgroup celebrates 50 years!
  • Uluru Statement event with Eddie Synot
  • Women in Community Leadership event
  • Michelle Nixon retires after 22 years with North Sydney Community Centre
2024
  • Northside Produce Market celebrates 25 years!

Contact Us

Contact Information
(02) 9922 2299
Monday to Friday - 10:00am to 6:00pm
220 Miller St, North Sydney - Back of Ted Mack Civic Park