About Caloundra Community Centre Inc.

Our mission: To walk alongside people and communities towards social and structural change.

Caloundra Community Centre Inc. (formerly known as The Caloundra and District Welfare Council) began in 1978 when a small group of interested people met to discuss their concerns about the lack of community services and supports in Caloundra. Today Caloundra Community Centre Inc. is an incorporated community-based and governed organisation, operating out of the community centres at 58a Queen St, Caloundra; 20 Edwards Terrace, Baringa; and since January 2026 17 Turner Street, Beerwah.

Caloundra Community Centre Inc has a commitment to inclusiveness and seeks to respond to and address the needs and aspirations of the most socially, culturally and economically disadvantaged and discriminated groups in the community. Through a participatory community development approach, we offer a range of community support services and programs from our three Centres, and a range of community development opportunities in the Caloundra region and the southern part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland / Glasshouse country communities.

As a community organisation, Caloundra Community Centre promotes collaborative working relationships with local and regional organisations and networks to maximise the most effective use of resources in meeting local community need.

Caloundra Community Centre is governed by a management committee of 7 volunteer delegates elected by the membership of the organisation.

Current Programs, services and activities offered by Caloundra Community Centre Inc include:

• Community information, Support and Referrals
• Family Support programs
• A variety of family focussed groups and activities such as supported playgroups, parenting education and peer support
• Community Development programs that operate in the Caloundra and Glasshouse Country areas of the Sunshine Coast
• A multicultural employment program that engages with migrants from the greater Caloundra area
• The Pets for Life Program
• A hub for visiting outreach services
• Financial Resilience including Emergency Relief,
• Affordable venues for hire by Community groups (Caloundra, Baringa and Beerwah)

How work is done at Caloundra Community Centre

All our services, activities and programs are delivered within a community development framework that aims to:

• Create relationships for personal/family support and community connectedness
• Create community connections and belonging through facilitation and participation
• Connect people with social and economic participation and opportunities to improve their resilience and prospects
• Support people to feel a sense of control in decisions that affect their lives
• Increase participation around people's concerns and interests

Hosting for real participation and community building

Hosting people requires giving time and creating inviting spaces that make people feel valued. Holding space is about valuing people's
stories, allowing time for connections to be made. Approaching service delivery and community participation from this perspective creates new connections, support, opportunities and even new personal beliefs about self and others. It creates community.

We welcome all people – people come first!

• We are good hosts – we invite and listen; we don’t turn people away
• We sit with people – connect naturally, believe in their strengths and offer support
• People are treated as valued community members – when it’s about relationships, you don’t listen for problems; people are not just clients
• We provide spaces and opportunities for social participation – this is particularly important for those who do not feel welcome elsewhere.
• We are community builders – not just service providers: we facilitate belonging Community based and participant driven
• Family /client / citizen driven
• We integrate our services, programs and activities to respond to immediate problems and facilitate opportunities to improve people’s prospects
• We secure resources (government, philanthropic and community) to respond to community needs and aspirations – we don't chase funding for funding's sake
• Culture of leadership
• We are all leaders here: we share language and culture across the organisation
• We are responsive: flexible, non-hierarchical, acting in a timely way

Key Selection Criteria

• Qualifications and Experience: Demonstrated tertiary qualification in Social Sciences, Community Services, Social Work or a related discipline, along with relevant experience working within the community sector.
• Community Development Knowledge: Proven understanding of the principles and practices of community development, supported by practical experience and a strong commitment to community engagement.
• Sector Knowledge: Sound understanding of the role and function of community and neighbourhood centres and the services they provide to local communities.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Well-developed communication skills with the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with vulnerable and diverse individuals.
• Teamwork and Flexibility: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including with community development workers and volunteers, as well as across the broader organisation. Demonstrated flexibility to respond to changing organisational needs.
• Communication and Facilitation Skills: Highly developed written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in the use of technology and experience in facilitating groups and community activities.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Applications Close at 8am on the closing date.

Position Commencement – as soon as possible; or to be negotiated.

A position description is attached.