About us
Our mission is grounded in the science of well-being: genuine happiness and fulfillment are built through meaningful social connection and simple acts of kindness. Inspired by the research of Dr. Laurie Santos (host of The Happiness Lab and creator of Yale’s famous Science of Well-Being course), our group is a space where like-minded locals gather to put these proven principles into practice across the Illawarra.
Research has shown that the most effective ways to boost our mental health, lower stress, and build resilience is by helping others. When we give back with kindness we not only uplift our local community, but also nourish our own sense of purpose, gratitude, and belonging.
Some of the activities we’ll be putting on include:
- Local Kindness Projects: Crafting, upcycling, or preparing care items for local community causes.
- Community Support Days: Lending a helping hand at local neighborhood centers, street libraries, or community gardens.
- Social Give-Back Gatherings: Casual meetups to brainstorm, share ideas, and plan our next outreach efforts over a tea or coffee.
Whether we are supporting established local initiatives or organising small acts of everyday kindness, every event is a chance to connect with great people while doing good. If you're interested in the science behind these habits, you can explore Dr. Laurie Santos' free course here: The Science of Well-Being on Coursera.
Have an idea or a cause close to your heart?
This is a collaborative group, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to send me a private message with any local initiatives, volunteer ideas, or small acts of kindness you’d like us to support together.
Upcoming events
5
![Motorcycle safety workshop [External] Survive the Ride](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/6/1/highres_535856161.jpeg)
Motorcycle safety workshop [External] Survive the Ride
Wollongong Library, Burelli St, Wollongong, AUJoin this free workshop and become a safer motorcycle rider on the road.
Motorcycle rider fatalities account for 8.15% of all fatal crashes in Wollongong, which is about 2% higher than the NSW average.Wollongong City Council is supporting the rollout of the South Coast Survive the Ride Motorcycle Safety Workshops to promote consistent road safety messaging across the motorcycle community from Helensburgh to the Bega Valley and extending the NSW-Victorian border.
This workshop will be delivered by experienced motorcyclists for motorcyclists and will focus on:
- Key decision-making strategies for managing common riding challenges, including cornering, group riding, navigating traffic, and maintaining alertness.
- Correct riding posture and techniques tailored to different motorcycle types, including cruisers, sports bikes, scooters, and touring motorcycles.
- Identifying and reducing personal risk factors by recognising common riding mistakes and developing practical strategies to prevent them in the future.
https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/library-events/for-adults/survive-the-ride-workshop-2026
1 attendee![Lake Illawarra Clean Up at Primbee [External] Rise & Shine](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/9/6/4/highres_535855652.jpeg)
Lake Illawarra Clean Up at Primbee [External] Rise & Shine
Purry Burry Point Park, Primbee, AUJoin us to clean up small plastics and rubbish from the shoreline of Lake Illawarra at Primbee. Please wear enclosed shoes, and gloves if you have them. We'll provide gloves for anyone who doesn't have their own. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
Bags will be supplied.
The clean up meeting point will be near Purry Burry Jetty.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/clean-up-lake-illawarra-primbee-tickets-19815549863062 attendeesClean-up Hooka Creek, Berkeley [External] Rise & Shine
Hooka Creek Road, Hooka Creek Rd, Berkeley, NS, AUJoin us to clean up Hooka Creek.
Small plastics and rubbish build up along our coastal systems and creeks.
Wollongong City Council invites you to be part of the solution and together, we will target these plastics and make a real difference.
Bags will be supplied, and gloves will be available to borrow on the day, but please bring your own gloves if possible.
Please wear enclosed shoes (feel free to bring gum boots if you're super keen).Parking is available at the carpark corner of Sussex st and Holborn st.
The clean up meeting point will be on the grass near the shelter shed.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/clean-up-hooka-creek-berkeley-tickets-19815551768762 attendeesClean-Up Lake Illawarra, Kanahooka [External] Rise & Shine
Purrah Bay Reserve, Purrah Bay, Kanahooka, AUJoin us to Clean-up Lake Illawarra at Purrah Bay
Let's join forces to clean up Lake Illawarra at Purrah Bay
Come along for a fun morning cleaning up Lake Illawarra! This event will focus on the shoreline at Purrah Bay.
Meeting at Purrah Bay Playground.
Play your part in keeping our lake beautiful by picking up microplastics and other harmful rubbish. Come on your own or bring your friends and family.Please note:
- Wear enclosed footwear, bring a hat and sunscreen (gumboots if you have them)
- Children must be supervised by a responsible adult
- Meet near the playground
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/clean-up-hooka-creek-berkeley-tickets-1981555176876
1 attendee
Past events
732
![Garden Discovery Buggy Tour [External event] Botanic Gardens](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/9/2/b/highres_535855595.jpeg)
![Old Corrimal Colliery Walkshop [Landcare Illawarra] external event](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/b/6/highres_535855222.jpeg)
