When people think of The Collaroy Centre, they often picture the sweeping views, the high-energy activities, or the peaceful moments in the bush chapel. But there’s one thing that truly makes this place special, and it’s not the ropes course, the food, or even the view of the beach.
It’s our people.
Behind every school camp, leadership retreat, family getaway or team conference, there’s a dedicated, passionate group of staff who make it all possible. And at The Collaroy Centre, we don’t just see them as employees, they are the heartbeat of everything we do.
This year, we’ve invested deeply in our people, their growth, their wellbeing, and their experience because we know that when our team thrives, every guest experience becomes that much more memorable.
The perfect place to grow – together
Working at The Collaroy Centre means being part of something bigger. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a community. We show up for each other, learn from each other, and grow together.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve created more opportunities for leadership and personal development than ever before. We ran in-depth leadership workshops, helping team members develop confidence, communication, and clarity in their roles. From our instructors and maintenance crew to our hospitality and housekeeping teams, every department was invited to grow and lead with purpose.
Why? Because leadership isn’t a title, it’s a mindset. Whether it’s running a morning devotion, mentoring new staff, or taking initiative in day-to-day tasks, we’ve seen incredible leadership flourish across the Centre this year.
Making it easier to do great work
We believe that great work starts with the right tools and support. That’s why this year we’ve invested in key upgrades to help our teams work smarter and more comfortably:
- Three new buggies were added to our fleet to help staff get around the property quickly and safely. Whether it’s delivering supplies or setting up an activity, every minute saved is more time focused on our guests.
- Better tools and equipment were supplied to our maintenance and housekeeping teams, because keeping our large property running smoothly is no small feat. These behind-the-scenes heroes make sure every room is clean, every door works, and every space is ready for use.
- Office upgrades were rolled out to make daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable. From improved workspaces to new floors, better storage and access to information, we’ve streamlined the little things so our team can focus on the big picture.
- We also expanded our maintenance shed and added additional storage, giving our operations team the room they need to work safely, store materials, and stay organised.
Investing in training and safety
Training isn’t a box we tick, it’s a culture we foster. Whether it’s first aid, customer service, equipment use, or activity facilitation, ongoing training is a key part of our team rhythm.
We’ve delivered consistent upskilling across teams to ensure everyone feels confident in their role. From kitchen safety and cleaning procedures to child protection and inclusive practices, we take our responsibility seriously.
Because when our staff feel equipped, supported, and trusted, our guests feel it too.
The perfect place to feel seen, valued, and celebrated
Culture matters. That’s why we’ve made intentional efforts to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.
Thanks to our Wellbeing Committee, we’ve had a calendar full of moments that bring us together:
- Milestone celebrations, anniversaries, and birthdays
- Are You OK? Day, bringing important mental health conversations into the open
- A legendary Christmas party that capped off the year with gratitude and joy
- And regular recognition and reward initiatives that remind our team how much they matter
These aren’t just token gestures. They’re an important part of our rhythm, a chance to pause and celebrate the people who show up, give their all, and make this place what it is.
We also understand that people bring their whole selves to work. Life happens. And we’re proud of the culture of care that our staff extend to one another, lifting each other up, sharing the load, and offering a laugh or a listening ear when it’s needed most.
A team effort with purpose
What makes our team so remarkable isn’t just what they do, it’s why they do it.
Whether they’re prepping lunch for 300 kids, facilitating the giant swing, setting up a conference room, or welcoming a family to their weekend accommodation, our staff know their work makes a difference. That difference might look like:
- A young person finding confidence they didn’t know they had
- A teacher feeling supported to lead
- A parent catching their breath while their child laughs with friends
- A guest group finding purpose, peace, or direction
We don’t take those moments for granted.
At The Collaroy Centre, we know that our facilities may draw people in, but it’s our people who bring them back. The care, the service, the encouragement, that’s what makes the experience unforgettable.
Looking ahead: the heartbeat continues
As we celebrate another impactful year, we do so with deep gratitude for the people behind the scenes.
This place — The Perfect Place to Connect, Contribute, Camp, and Collaborate — wouldn’t exist without them. They are the quiet organisers, the motivators, the early-risers, and the last-to-leave. They are the friendly faces and the steady hands that ensure every detail, every meal, every check-in, and every activity is as good as it can be.
And as we look ahead, our commitment remains: to keep investing in our people, because they are, and always will be, the heartbeat of The Collaroy Centre.
Want to join a team that makes a real impact?
If you’re passionate about hospitality, outdoor education, operations or community support and you want to be part of a workplace that values your growth and purpose, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
