The Collaroy Centre offers fun experiences while helping those in need
A few minutes drive from Collaroy Beach, The Collaroy Centre has built experiences for over 38 years.
The story of the centre began over 100 years ago ‘with a simple act of kindness,’ centre manager Carlos Lopes tells PL.
Carlos says that a Salvation Army soldier cared for elderly woman Elizabeth Jenkins, which led to land being gifted to The Salvation Army after her death. This was the start of an ongoing relationship between The Salvation Army and the Jenkins family.
The area had been used as a campsite since 1906. The current campus was completed in 1988 and opened by the late Salvation Army Officer Eva Burrows.
Still owned by The Salvation Army, The Collaroy Centre hosts experiences including camps, conferences, retreats and birthday parties. The centre has a broader goal on top of providing enjoyable experiences to guests. Revenue made from the bookings is put back into the centre to ensure ongoing maintenance and improvement, while also going towards The Salvation Army’s missional programs.
For instance, a key initiative is Social Meals, which Carlos says provides ‘more than 5,000 meals a year for vulnerable people.’ “It’s not about the money, this initiative. It’s about connecting and helping people.”
The camps include accommodation and catering, plus activities such as archery, laser tag, high ropes and tailored programs upon request.
Most of the groups that stay at the centre are school camps. Church, community and corporate groups are also common, with function spaces for use alongside camp facilities.
“We have a lot of groups coming back…so we are always trying to provide something a little bit different every year,” Carlos says.
But for the team at The Collaroy Centre, their work means much more than offering diverse experiences.
“It’s not simply providing hospitality services; it goes way beyond that. We’re helping people, we are transforming lives,” Carlos emphasises.
He considers one of The Collaroy Centre’s greatest achievements to be striking a balance in keeping the centre afloat while simultaneously supporting good causes.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is demonstrating that a conference centre can be both financially sustainable and deeply mission-focused,” he says.
“Every booking helps us maintain and improve the centre while creating opportunities to support The Salvation Army’s mission.”
Welcoming approximately 36,000 guests annually, the impact on the community has been significant.
“So many people have a personal connection with The Collaroy Centre… and it’s a privilege to be part of preserving that legacy,” Carlos says.
As for what’s in store for The Collaroy Centre in future, Carlos hopes to expand impact and create further opportunities for participation. The centre is also aiming to ‘be more inclusive,’ working with occupational therapy providers to explore opportunities for more children with additional needs to participate in centre programs.
“Looking ahead, our focus is on continually improving the guest experience, investing in our facilities, embracing more sustainable practices and ensuring the centre remains financially strong so it can continue supporting The Salvation Army’s mission for many years to come,” he says.