Welcome to Canterbury Community Centre

Congratulations to Our CEO, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas OAM 👏💙

4Cs is proud to celebrate our CEO, @estapaschilas, 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 NSW.

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

A founder, CEO, community leader and social worker, Esta has dedicated more than 30 years 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 4Cs, Esta has contributed extensively through volunteer leadership, championing her Pontian Hellenic heritage and supporting refugee, local government and school communities.

Reflecting on the honour, Esta said:

"To say 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 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 communities we serve, 4Cs extends its heartfelt congratulations to Esta on this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership, vision and 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. 💙

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 #NRW2026 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.

#NRW2026 #AllIn #ReconciliationWeek #NationalReconciliationWeek #FirstNations #StrongerTogether

🌙 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 ✨

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 @healingourway

#NationalSorryDay #FromSorryToAction #BringingThemHome #StolenGenerations

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. 💚

#NVW2026 #YourYearToVolunteer #VolunteerImpact #GivingBack #CommunityConnection

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

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. 💛

#NVW2026 #YourYearToVolunteer #SocialInclusion #GivingBack #VolunteerImpact