Conservation Groups Sydney

September Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **September meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club**. This is a chance to connect, spend some time in nature and journal together. I will offer some guidance to start. After we can share journal pages and ideas. **What to bring:** Bring along sketchbooks/paper and your favourite drawing materials (pens, pencils, watercolour, acrylic, anything you have). I will have extra materials on the day if you want to explore other mediums. \*\*Where:\*\* Coal loader cafe **Cost:** Suggested donation is $10 annual fee, $5 casual fee. (This helps cover Meetup fees). DISCLAIMER.
Please note that Katy as volunteer organiser of activities for Sydney Nature Journal Club is NOT responsible for the health or safety of members (or their guests) and therefore will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries or losses that may occur during Meetup events at any location. By attending a Sydney Nature Journal Club event members acknowledge that you accept ALL of the above. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sydney Singles Relational Lab — Facilitated Connection Experience

# Tired of dating apps culture and surface-level? This is different. And people often leave surprised by how quickly strangers can feel human, warm, honest, and real again. Free to RSVP, 👉 $59 to confirm your spot [https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/stayconnected](https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join) Relational Labs is a guided connection experience for singles who want more honest, playful, emotionally intelligent interaction — without performance, pressure, or endless small talk. This is not speed dating. Not networking. Not “pitch yourself to strangers.” It’s a facilitated relational container rooted in psychology, emotional intelligence, attachment work, social dynamics, nervous system awareness, and real-world human connection — made practical enough that you can actually live it instead of reading another 50 books about it. ## What happens • A 2-hour guided online relational experience • Real-time connection exercises designed to create authentic interaction • A format that adapts in real time to whoever is present • Optional participant-led in-person continuation afterward • WhatsApp connection thread after the session ## This may be for you if: • You’re tired of shallow or repetitive social spaces • You want deeper connection without forced intimacy • You enjoy personal growth, psychology, communication, or relational work • You’re open to meeting people in a more intentional way ## Important This experience runs with whoever is present and takes its own shape each time. Sometimes expansive. Sometimes intimate. Both are the real thing.

On the Degradation of Art and the Public Conscience

**On the Degradation of Art and the Public Conscience** **A philosophical talk by YouTuber, artist and budding science fiction writer Nikola Pavkovic** **What does a civilisation reveal about itself through the art it creates?** Art is not merely decoration. It is an expression of values: of what we consider beautiful or ugly, heroic or contemptible, worthy of admiration or deserving of ridicule. Every culture produces art in its own image and, in doing so, reveals something about its conception of man. This talk will examine the proposition that the degradation of modern art is not an isolated aesthetic phenomenon but the reflection of a deeper degradation in the public conscience. What happens when beauty becomes embarrassing, greatness becomes suspect and sincerity gives way to irony? When the artist ceases to present a vision of what man might become and instead celebrates fragmentation, ugliness, nihilism or despair? We will explore the relationship between **philosophy, art, morality and politics**, tracing the historical forces that have transformed our artistic culture and asking whether the decline of artistic standards has accompanied a corresponding decline in our moral ones. We’ll consider the capture of artistry not merely within universities and cultural institutions but across the wider machinery through which art is produced, funded, judged and celebrated. Yet decline is never total. There are artists who refuse it. By examining these exceptions, we can ask what their survival tells us about the possibility of another artistic culture: one concerned again with beauty, achievement, seriousness and the elevation rather than diminution of the human spirit. Finally, we will confront the most important question: **If you reject the culture being offered to you, what are you prepared to create in its place?** Presentation followed by open discussion, disagreement and debate. **On the second Monday of the month, Philo Agora has a speaker on a philosophical topic and a Q&A and discussion after. On the fourth Monday we meet again for open philosophical discussion.** Philo Agora's format is a talk for 20 minutes starting at 7:15 for 7:30. The presenter then answers any questions of clarification from the floor. We then take a break of 5 minutes for more coffee and to mull over the talk and discuss it within small groups. The microphone is then passed around the audience for comment, opinion, and often counter argument to a maximum of 3 minutes. The presenter is then given a 5 minute right of reply. We usually finish up at 9pm. The cover charge is $5 for the talk. There are tea and coffee facilities available in-house. Sam Alexander - Convener (0457 749 310)

Working with Systemic Coaching & Constellation - an experiential workshop

**Calling Sydney coaches, supervisors, OD people and anyone who gets slightly excited when somebody says, “Maybe there’s more going on here than meets the eye…”** The Association for Coaching has a terrific **in-person experiential workshop** coming up on **24 September** exploring **Systemic Coaching and Constellations**. Ingrid van der Aa and Amy Miszalski will take us beyond talking *about* systemic coaching and give participants an opportunity to actually experience some of the stance and practice behind it. And this, for me, is where systemic work gets interesting. A client may arrive talking about confidence, conflict, career choices or leadership — but sitting behind that presenting issue can be a whole network of relationships, expectations, loyalties and organisational dynamics. Sometimes we need to widen the lens. This workshop will introduce that broader perspective and give participants one or two practical ways to start bringing systemic thinking into everyday coaching conversations. **Thursday 24 September** 5\.30pm arrival \| 6\.00–7\.30pm Randstad, Level 9, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney Open to AC members and non-members, with CPD certification for attendance. Come along — and feel free to tag a coach or colleague who might enjoy exploring this space with us. [https://www.associationforcoaching.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2075117&group=](https://www.associationforcoaching.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2075117&group=) #AssociationForCoaching #ACAPAC #SydneyCoaches #SystemicCoaching #CoachingCommunity #ExecutiveCoaching #SystemsThinking #CoachDevelopment

🌸🌸CQ🌸WATSONS BAY🌸HARBOUR FORESHORE🌸PADDINGTON RESERVOIR 🌸

MEETING: Circular Quay Wharf 2 🌸✈️🌸 TIME: 10:05, for the 10:15 ferry 🌸⏰🌸 DETAILS: We take the ferry from CQ across Sydney Harbour to Watsons Bay. The walk hugs the Harbour foreshore via Vaucluse, The Hermitage track, Rose Bay, Double Bay, Darling Point, Rushcutters Bay then through historic Paddington to The Reservoir 🌸⛱🌸 LUNCH: Rose Bay, Lyne Park 🌸🍽🌸 COST:💲5️⃣ cash gratuity or (donation)for this walk.💵 🌸💲🌸 DISTANCE: 1️⃣4️⃣kms 🌸🦋🌸 THIS WALK IS GRADED AS: Absolutely stunning! A few ups and downs 🌸☀️🌸 * GET OUT POINTS: the entire way 🌸🚦🌸 TRANSPORT: Ferry to Watsons Bay, bus return to the city from Paddington 🌸✈️🌸 GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING: 🌸💃🌸 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING A FRIEND PLEASE MESSAGE ME, unfortunately only the 2 legged kind, and not the 4 legged kind are included. 🌸🥰🌸 I am always open to suggestions if there is a destination/hike/walk you’d like to do…just message me 🌸 👣🌸 A heads up for newcomers and first timers. Our walking group is a fabulous Melting Pot of cultures, backgrounds, professions and life experiences. We love our Walks. We are INCLUSIVE OF EVERYONE………if you’re: kind, nice, fun, polite and respectful. 🌸😘🌸 On that note…. In recent times my walks are at capacity, which I’m capping at 40. Regulars, regardless of numbers are always welcome….just PM me if you’re on a waitlist. 🌸♥️🌸 We walk at a medium pace of 4kms per hour, stopping for breaks and to take in the views. It is a reasonable expectation that the group stays together. It is your responsibility to stay in line of sight. If you cannot walk at this pace, I will let you know of the next get out point. This is not negotiable. 🌸🐌🌸 As this is a walking group, bikes, ebikes, scooters, escooters, and pogo sticks are not compatible or welcome. 🌸👣🌸 Grading for my walks:
Easy: Mainly flat, suburban, loads of get out points, up to 14kms.
Easy-Medium: some stairs, a few uneven surfaces, up to 15kms.
Medium: Stairs, rocks, coastal beaches/sand, ups, downs, get out points limited, up to 17kms
Medium-Hard: uneven surfaces, need to take extreme care and be hike fit. Few get out points. Tracks, uneven surfaces, steep inclinations and limited resources. 🌸👯‍♀️🌸 WALKING GUIDELINES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 🌸✍️🌸 Carry sufficient food and water (2 litres) for the expected conditions of the walk. Pls don’t separate from the group, unless you let someone know, preferably me. The waitlist is completely discretionary….reliable regulars will ALWAYS be included. 🆗……….If you are a no show, you will not be welcome to join a future walk with me. (It’s a courtesy kind of thing). If people are on the waitlist, it is also very inconsiderate. Marking yourself as “Not Going” within 2 hours of departure does not allow reasonable time to notify anyone on the waitlist. 🌸🙅‍♀️🌸 On the odd occasion, the walk may change from the schedule, due to weather, unforeseen track obstacles OR emergency situations. 🌸🤞🌸 Please make sure your conversation is always courteous to other group members. 🌸😍🌸 PS…. IF YOUR ID PIC IS OF A COFFEE CUP, YOUR DOG OR CAT, A VIEW, and not a picture of you…You’ll stay waitlisted. 🌸❌🌸 SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Stay within sight of the group at all times. 🌸🔴🟢⚫️🟠🔵🟡🟣🟤🌸 DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority, we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings. By RSVP to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below: https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers 🌸☀️🌸 HAPPY WALKING 🍃🌸🌿🌸🌿🌸🍃 xxLisa

Unhurried Conversations - Sunday

Bring yourself, we will go over how Unhurried Conversations works.

Cowra cherry blossom and Canola Fields weekend escape

Amazing opportunity to experience BOTH the yellow Canola fields out in Country NSW along with cherry blossom at the Cowra Japanese Garden! Learn about the Japanese internment at Cowra and the famous breakout... Plus Ben Hall bushranger (Highwayman), Aboriginal Murals under the Cowra Bridge, Cowra lookout, Canonwindra plus much more. A Saturday afternoon cruise through outback NSW exploring the back roads from Woodstock to Cowra with plenty of stops along the way for photographic opportunities of the fields of gorgeous yellow flowers from the Canola plant amazing and you should see at least once in your lifetime. Maybe we also will see the purple flowers of Pattisons Curse beautiful purple wildflowers named, as cattle cannot eat it. Accommodation is at Cowra Motor Inn twin share rooms with private bathroom, same sex and very comfortable and clean, includes continental breakfast! Transport is by 25 seat minibus limited to a maximum of 21 travellers. Pickup will be Central Station at the kiss n ride Railway Colonnade Dr, Haymarket NSW 2000 Please pack light, 1 small carry on sized bag plus a day pack. Cowra Japanese Garden: [https://www.cowragarden.com.au/](https://www.cowragarden.com.au/) Inclusions: Transport throughout the trip from Sydney by 22 seat minibus, 2 nights at Cowra Motor Inn motel or similar in twin share same-sex rooms with ensuite (no bunks etc) entrance to Cowra Japanese Garden Please advise your name and mobile number along with dietary requirements at the time of RSVP to [david@discoverytravel.com.au](mailto:david@discoverytravel.com.au) Price for the weekend is $550 per person plus fuel is by kitty to reduce cost $20 collected on day 2 as required after but should be enough depending on events in Iran. Single supplement rooms are limited and first in first served. $180 for single room. Payment made to: David Matthews bsp 923100 account 66684937 reference your meetup name also send me full name as ID & mobile number. No refunds will be offered unless the trip is cancelled by Aussie Explorers however if a waitlist is in place you may find a replacement from the waitlist. Will require 8 attendees to run the trip... SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Please stay within sight of the group at all times and do not walk in front of the leader. If you get lost you are on your own and must find your own way out. DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings. By RSVPing to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below: [[https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers)]([https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers))

L for Lithuania

Community of Practice 🗣️ - Human Hearted Sydney 🌻

Join our monthly Community of Practice (COP) where we discuss the ideas of Human Heartedness: a secular approach to life that promotes empathy and social connection based on cultivating our human social potential. Each meeting we discuss these concepts and how they can help us in practical ways to live better, happier, and more fulfilling lives. The meeting is followed by an optional lunch together nearby. This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and find your local community! ⏰ **When:** Sunday September 13th at 11:00am 📍 **Where:** Darling Square Library, Level 1 - Ideas Space 2 (see directions) 🎟️ **Cost:** Free 🧑‍🦱 **Who should come:** anyone looking to meet new people and build connections with like-minded Sydneysiders. We’re queer-friendly and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds :) **About Human Heartedness:** The modern world’s focus on competition and materialism makes it easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. The collapse of traditional sources of meaning like religion and local community intensify this so that we’re often left with a lack of meaning and purpose. We can try to fill the void with money and success—or to numb it with drugs and technology— but nothing seems to work. Human heartedness reminds us that the path to living well doesn’t come from money and power, but from building on the best in our own human hearts. Our human social potential. It points to a better way: to build in-person communities that build on our innate social potential and inherent value as humans. By building good relationships and social connections, we can live a more fruitful and fulfilling life (and help others to do the same). We can move from struggling alone to flourishing together. Following the human hearted way offers a secular, inclusive, forward looking solution to the meaning crisis of our times. **About the Community of Practice (COP):** Our human hearted community of practice (COP) offers a friendly welcoming environment in which we support and encourage each other to live more human hearted lives. Our goal is to build a community that supports us all to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. We welcome you to join us in exploring together how to live better lives. [Learn more about Human Heartedness and our other events here!](https://linktr.ee/humanheartedsydney) *Human Hearted Sydney is sponsored by Humanists Australia which kindly funds our activities and keeps events like this free. Consider donating to Humanists Australia to show your support for community-building in Sydney and beyond. All our events are governed by [Humanist Australia's Code of Conduct](https://bit.ly/ha-conduct-pdf).*

Coffee at Art Gallery of NSW

**Event Summary:** We're holding our monthly social event at the NSW Art Gallery. Interested to meet new people ? Or refresh existing friendships with members of our human hearted community ? Or just curious about what it means to be [Human Hearted?](https://linktr.ee/humanheartedsydney) Or perhaps you just want a cup of coffee with new people in a relaxing atmosphere. Then come along to meet us at the NSW Art Gallery. We'll meet at the steps out front (of the original gallery) at 10:30 am. (Unless its raining in which case we'll move up a bit to get some shelter). Then we'll head down to the cafe for coffee and conversation. After that some of us will stroll the gallery. You're welcome to join us or take your own path through the gallery. **Venue:** The venue is The Art Gallery of NSW in Art gallery road, The Domain. We'll be meeting at the Naala Nura Building (the older building) with the columns and steps at the main entrance. We'll meet at the steps. **Connecting to our values:** This event is part of living out Human Hearted Sydney's values of positive social connection and building community in Sydney. So lets meet and connect with those we already know, and those we haven't met before. All are welcome to socialise, meet new people, and build friendships.

Whale Watching Southern Migration

Social - Does cultural diversity benefit a society?

This evening we will have a social get-together, including a topic for discussion: "Does cultural diversity benefit a society?" Come as early as 5.30 for a meal and drinks before the discussion. There is no entry fee for this event. It will be on the second floor of the Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street Surry Hills. Please enquire at the upstairs bar if you can't find us.