By Christina Caddy-Gold, Executive Manager, The Burger Centre
Burger Centre at 34: A Celebration of Community, Connection, and Care
For more than three decades, the Burger Centre has quietly but powerfully shaped the lives of older members of Sydney’s Jewish and wider communities. More than a wellbeing day centre, it has become a cultural hub — a place where connection, care, and dignity take centre stage.
Based in purpose-built facilities in Randwick and Hunters Hill, the Burger Centre offers far more than just daily programs. With everything from aquacise classes and respite care to Russian-language events, overnight trips, and evening socials, the centre is redefining what ageing with dignity looks like — especially for those who might otherwise be isolated.
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
At the heart of the Burger Centre’s success is Christina Caddy-Gold, its dedicated Executive Manager. With over 30 years’ experience serving the Jewish community in areas ranging from homelessness and domestic violence to aged care, Christina brings passion and purpose to her leadership.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to serve the senior members of our community,” she says. “So many of them have lived through unimaginable hardships — migration, war, displacement. We have Holocaust survivors among us whose strength and stories humble and inspire us every day.”
Under Christina’s leadership, the Centre has championed a holistic, culturally sensitive model of care that does more than meet physical needs. It feeds the soul — sometimes literally.
“We offer a five-star service — including a hot three-course meal each day. For many, it’s the highlight of their week,” she adds with a smile.
Christina, who holds a degree in social work and a master’s in design, is also a graduate of the Launchpad Leadership Program, and is currently completing the Frank Wolf Executive Leadership Program. She continues to volunteer with organisations such as Jewish House.
34 Years Strong — A Birthday to Remember
Last week, the Burger Centre celebrated its 34th anniversary with a two-day celebration that embodied everything the centre stands for: joy, music, connection, and community.
The main dining room was transformed with vibrant blue and orange balloons, blue-ribbon runners, and colourful fruit displays. Around 100 clients were greeted with the scent of freshly baked cinnamon buns — setting the tone for a day filled with warmth and flavour.
A gourmet lunch followed, catered by the Montefiore team: Niçoise salad with poached salmon, roast vegetables, and of course, birthday cake.
Messages from the Heart
Robert Orie, CEO of Montefiore, addressed the gathering with warmth, reflecting on the Centre’s journey and reaffirming Montefiore’s commitment to innovation and partnership. This birthday marked a milestone — the beginning of a new chapter as the Burger Centre comes fully under Montefiore’s management.
“It was more than just a handover,” one attendee remarked. “It felt like a renewal — like something strong becoming even stronger.”
Music Without Borders
The celebration hit full stride with performances by Ilan Kidron and Eddie Bronson, whose mix of guitar, saxophone, and accordion had guests clapping, dancing, and singing along.
Later, Sam and Oscar from the Conservatorium of Music delivered a gentle jazz set praised for its sophistication and soul.
Client Toni G summed it up best: “Fantastic, beautiful music, dancing, and fun — as usual for the Burger Centre.” Volunteer Hayley added:
“Music has no age barrier. It brings people together — and you could feel that here.”
A Party in Every Language
On Wednesday, the Centre hosted a second celebration — this time for the Russian-speaking community. With traditional food, dancing, and stories shared in native tongues, the atmosphere was intimate, vibrant, and inclusive.
One Russian-speaking client captured the spirit of the day:
“The most important thing is inclusiveness — today, I really felt part of it all.”
More Than a Party — A Movement
The 34th birthday celebrations were more than just an anniversary — they were a reaffirmation of what the Burger Centre stands for: joy, resilience, and the transformative power of community.
It’s a place where stories matter, where the past is honoured, and where older people are seen not as a burden, but as a treasured resource — full of wisdom, history, and heart.
A heartfelt thanks goes to the Burger Centre staff and volunteers who bring this vision to life every day.
Here’s to 34 years of service — and to many more.