Canterbury City Community Centre

Canterbury City Community Centre 4Cs is a values-driven, not-for-profit with over 50 years of history, based in Lakemba.

We operate as a community hub offering activities, services, volunteering, learning opportunities & partnerships that support community connection & older people.

11/06/2026

🎓 Congratulations to all 26 students who graduated from our Certificate III in in Individual Support (Ageing) and Early Childhood Education and Care.

Over the past nine months, students have completed coursework, assessments and practical placements, developing the skills and confidence needed to begin rewarding careers in their chosen fields.

We were delighted to celebrate this achievement at last week’s graduation ceremony, alongside proud families, friends and supporters.

CEO Esta Paschalidis-Chilas said, “It was wonderful to see the joy and pride on the faces of our graduates and their families. These qualifications represent not only hard work and determination, but also new opportunities and brighter futures.”

A special congratulations to our own team members, Linda from our Support at Home team and Lorraine from our Garden Care team, who successfully completed their studies. We wish you both a long, fulfilling and successful future.

Thank you to our valued partners at Macquarie Community College for once again delivering these courses with us, and to the dedicated teachers, Ashleigh and Laila, for their support and guidance throughout the program.

Enrolments for our next intake commencing in Term 3 will be opening soon. Keep an eye on our socials or contact Romana at the Centre for more information.

Congratulations to Our CEO, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas OAM4Cs is proud to celebrate our CEO, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas who ha...
09/06/2026

Congratulations to Our CEO, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas OAM

4Cs is proud to celebrate our CEO, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for service to the multicultural community of New South Wales.

Announced by Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC, the King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and to the nation.

A founder, CEO, community leader, social worker and volunteer, Esta has dedicated more than three decades to supporting diverse communities across Australia. Through her leadership of 4Cs, she has helped build an organisation that provides social support, settlement services, women’s programs, seniors activities and community development initiatives that strengthen inclusion and belonging across Sydney’s south-west.

Beyond her role at 4Cs, Esta has made significant contributions through her volunteer work, championing her Pontian Hellenic heritage through leadership roles with Pontian organisations across Australia. Her service has also extended to local government, refugee advocacy, school communities and numerous community organisations.

Reflecting on the honour, Esta said:
"To say that I am deeply humbled and honoured is an understatement. While this is a recognition of all the years of my community work, it is a wonderful testament to the work we all do at 4Cs."

She added:
"My career allows me to connect with and support people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have been newcomers to Australia. Assisting people to settle well in Australia means a lot to me personally too, especially being a child of post-war migrants from Greece."

Esta also reflected on the importance of representation and community recognition:
"When a person like me is bestowed such an honour, I believe it helps us tell the whole story of modern Australia."

On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, members and the many communities we serve, 4Cs extends its heartfelt congratulations to Esta on this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership, vision and lifelong commitment to social justice, inclusion and community empowerment have made a lasting difference to countless lives.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement and the values of service, compassion and community that it represents.

Congratulations, Esta OAM. đź‘Źđź’™

On Monday 1 June, STARS farewelled our long-time Manual Handling Trainer, Sue Smith, at her final training session with ...
04/06/2026

On Monday 1 June, STARS farewelled our long-time Manual Handling Trainer, Sue Smith, at her final training session with local CHSP providers.

For many years, Sue has delivered high-quality, tailored training that has supported our CHSP workforce and volunteers to develop these essential skills. Her expertise, generosity, flexibility and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless people across the sector.

We are incredibly grateful for Sue's contribution over the years and for the knowledge and confidence she has shared with so many.

Sue, you will be greatly missed. We wish you a long, happy and well-deserved retirement. đź’›

National Reconciliation Week 2026 | 27 May - 3 JuneThis year’s theme, All In is a powerful reminder that reconciliation ...
27/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week 2026 | 27 May - 3 June

This year’s theme, All In is a powerful reminder that reconciliation requires all of us to take action, not just during National Reconciliation Week, but every day.

At 4Cs, we proudly stand alongside communities across Australia in recognising the importance of truth-telling, respect, inclusion, and meaningful change for First Nations peoples. Reconciliation is not something that happens from the sidelines. It takes commitment, learning, listening, and action from each of us to help build a more just and united future.

The artwork, created by renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey, beautifully reflects people from all walks of life coming together and being All In for reconciliation.

Together, let’s continue to learn about our shared histories, celebrate First Nations cultures and achievements and work towards a stronger future for all Australians.

🌙 Eid ul-Adha Mubarak from 4Cs 💛As families and communities come together to celebrate Eid ul-Adha, we extend our warmes...
26/05/2026

🌙 Eid ul-Adha Mubarak from 4Cs 💛

As families and communities come together to celebrate Eid ul-Adha, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone observing this special occasion.

To our wonderful community and your loved ones, may Eid ul-Adha 2026 be filled with love, happiness, warmth, prosperity and joy. May the spirit of this special occasion bring peace, kindness and connection into your lives and homes.

From all of us at 4Cs, we wish you a beautiful celebration surrounded by family, friends and community. Eid Mubarak ✨

Need Free Legal Advice? In partnership with Marrickville Legal Centre, 4Cs is offering free legal advice right here in L...
26/05/2026

Need Free Legal Advice?
In partnership with Marrickville Legal Centre, 4Cs is offering free legal advice right here in Lakemba.

🗓️ This Wednesday 27 May 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
đź“Ť Location: 130 Railway Parade, Lakemba

Come and chat with a friendly and experienced lawyer from MLC. No appointment needed - just drop in!

This monthly legal advice clinic is open to everyone and held on the last Wednesday of each month.

đź“ž For more info, call us on (02) 9750 9344

Today, on National Sorry Day, 4Cs acknowledges the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their famili...
26/05/2026

Today, on National Sorry Day, 4Cs acknowledges the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

This year marks 29 years since Bringing Them Home, and we stand with survivors and their families in calling for swift, meaningful change. Many survivors are now in their 70s, 80s and 90s, and time is running out to ensure justice and healing.

This year’s theme, From Sorry to Action, reminds us that acknowledging past harm is only the beginning. Real healing comes through action, justice and ongoing commitment.

Learn more: https://healingfoundation.org.au/stolen-generations/national-sorry-day/

On 6 May, we sadly farewelled Jill Lipman, as she retired after almost 20 years of delivering Safe Food Handling trainin...
26/05/2026

On 6 May, we sadly farewelled Jill Lipman, as she retired after almost 20 years of delivering Safe Food Handling training sessions for STARS.

Jill finished her time with us by facilitating an outstanding session for migrant and refugee women in the Community Builders program. The women either run or hope to start, small catering enterprises within their communities. The training also provided valuable knowledge and practical skills for safe food preparation in the home.

Over the years, Jill’s sessions have always been informative, engaging and tailored to the needs of participants. So many community aged care staff and volunteers have benefited from her expertise, gaining skills and knowledge that continue to have a lasting positive impact.

Thank you, Jill, for your many years of dedicated service, generosity and passion. We wish you a happy and well-deserved retirement with our heartfelt gratitude. đź’›

Meet Ruth, one of our incredible 4Cs Garden Care Volunteers🌟When Ruth retired at 61, she knew she wanted to stay active ...
21/05/2026

Meet Ruth, one of our incredible 4Cs Garden Care Volunteers🌟

When Ruth retired at 61, she knew she wanted to stay active and connected to her community. After COVID delayed her plans, she joined our Garden Care volunteer team and six years later, she’s still making a difference every week.

Twice a week, Ruth helps older people maintain safe, beautiful gardens they can continue to enjoy and take pride in.

“The before and after is amazing,” Ruth says. “You can see how much it means to people when they come outside and see their garden looking cared for again.”

For Ruth, volunteering is about much more than gardening.

“It’s a real two-way street, you help others, but you get so much back too.”

This National Volunteer Week, Ruth’s story is a reminder that volunteering creates connection, purpose and community not only for the people receiving support, but for volunteers too.

Thank you to Ruth and all our incredible volunteers for the care, kindness and joy you bring to our community every day. Maybe this is your year to volunteer. đź’š

Meet Rabbir, one of our wonderful 4Cs Social Inclusion Volunteer🌟Rabbir began volunteering with our Social Inclusion pro...
20/05/2026

Meet Rabbir, one of our wonderful 4Cs Social Inclusion Volunteer🌟

Rabbir began volunteering with our Social Inclusion program while studying Community Services at TAFE in December 2025. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi and English, he’s quickly become a favourite among clients, staff and fellow volunteers thanks to his warm and gentle nature.

A self-described “people person,” Rabbir wanted to connect with others, gain experience, and give back to the community.

Rabbir now supports older clients experiencing loneliness and isolation helping them feel welcomed, comfortable and connected through meaningful conversations.

From assisting clients onto the bus to listening to their stories, Rabbir’s positivity makes a real difference.

For Rabbir, volunteering has been just as rewarding as it has been meaningful.
“Just give it a try. It’s so rewarding. You meet amazing people, hear their stories, and help them feel less alone.”

As part of this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” we’re celebrating volunteers like Rabbir and the incredible impact they make in our community. 💛

Address

130 Railway Parade
Lakemba, NSW
2195

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

0297509344

Website

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