Conservation Groups Sydney

Should Billionaires Exist? The Case Against Extreme Wealth

Is it possible to be too rich? We often celebrate the super-rich as great innovators and heroes of industry — but what if their very existence is making the world less fair and less free? This March, the Big Ideas Book Club takes on a deliberately provocative claim: that billionaires shouldn't exist. It's a radical idea, but one worth examining carefully. The book we'll be discussing argues that this claim isn't driven by envy, but by evidence that extreme wealth undermines democracy, accelerates climate breakdown, rests far more on luck than merit, and diverts resources desperately needed to meet urgent collective challenges. Even if you instinctively disagree, the case is serious, evidence-based, and challenges common assumptions. Join us for a thoughtful, open discussion about wealth, power, and where we might draw the line — and if any billionaires come along, please feel free to buy a round of drinks for the group! **Book: *Limitarianism – The Case Against Extreme Wealth* (2024) by Ingrid Robeyns** In this month's book, Ingrid Robeyns, a professor of political philosophy and ethics at Utrecht University, builds a case that's both philosophically rigorous and grounded in real-world evidence. She examines how massive fortunes are accumulated—often through inheritance, luck, and public infrastructure rather than individual merit alone—and traces the consequences of that concentration through democratic institutions, climate policy, and social cohesion. Robeyns doesn't just critique; she proposes concrete alternatives, including what a "riches line" (the upper limit on personal wealth) might look like and how such a system could work in practice. Whether you're curious about the ethics of billionaire philanthropy, sceptical about wealth taxes, or wondering how extreme inequality affects everyone (including the super-rich themselves), this book offers a framework for thinking through questions that usually go unexamined. It's written for general readers, not academics, making complex ideas accessible without dumbing them down. As always, we strongly encourage you to read the book before attending. Having read it will enrich both your experience and our collective discussion. We’ve also put links below to further resources on the topic. So join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 2nd March, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail. We look forward to seeing you there! P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to others, especially if there is a waitlist. P.P.S. Please adjust your email notification settings (particularly the 'Event updates from organizers' in the Big Ideas Book Club settings). This is useful for receiving any final details or late changes to the event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Audio-Visual** * Presentations and interviews with Robeyns: [A Short Webinar Presentation (first 20mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8vN-QREfxE) [Gresham College Presentation (1hr)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_3AiIvDw7A&t=592s) [USA Today Interview (15mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VJ86eI3SMQ) [Novara Media Interview (1hr)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JltQ7P85S1c&t=4s) * Other explainer videos on the problems on extreme wealth: [Robert Reich - Should We Abolish Billionaires?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNvSg7TJBbs) [A short explainer video of Limitarianism (2mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZd9yZPZ48) [Why billionaires should be ILLEGAL](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu1kYmRIJ4U&t=780s) **Written** * Summaries of the book: [SoBrief Summary](https://sobrief.com/books/limitarianism) [Article by Robeyns](https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/inequalities/2024/03/13/limitarianism-the-case-for-capping-personal-wealth/) * Book Reviews: [The Guardian ](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/21/how-much-personal-wealth-is-enough-ingrid-robeyns-limitarianism) [Stewart Lansley Book Review](https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsereviewofbooks/2024/02/08/book-review-limitarianism-the-case-against-extreme-wealth-ingrid-robeyns/) [Erasmus Journal Book Review](https://ejpe.org/journal/article/download/871/703/2360) * George Monbiot Guardian article: “At the root of all our problems stands one travesty: politicians’ surrender to the super-rich”: [George Monbiot on politicians’ surrender to super rich](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/16/super-rich-inequality-politicians-extreme-wealth)

Sydney Sitecore User Group (SUG) is back! Let's reconnect

It's been a while, Sydney Sitecore community. Too long, actually. So we're getting the band back together - and we want you there. **What's happening?** This isn't a formal meetup with slides and speakers. Consider it a reboot. We're meeting up at Fortress in Chippendale to reconnect, catch up, and talk about what you actually want from the Sydney SUG in 2026 and beyond. Bring your opinions. Bring your ideas. Bring your war stories. **We want to hear:** * What topics matter to you right now? * ·What format works - deep dives, demos, lightning talks, pure networking? * How can we make this community genuinely useful? **The details:** * Wednesday 4 March * 5:30pm onwards * [Fortress Sydney](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7KWWFBzqCeMTNjAQA), Central Park Mall, Level 2/28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia * Drinks and good conversation Whether you've been in the Sitecore world for years or you're newer to the ecosystem, come along. This one's about connection, not content. RSVP so we know numbers. See you there.

Tempe to Iron Cove Bridge via the GreenWay

Navigating Difficult Conversations - A Repeatable Framework (Online)

**Navigating Difficult Conversations - A Repeatable Framework** This professional development workshop supports HR professionals, People & Culture teams, business owners, managers and people leaders to strengthen how they approach difficult workplace conversations using a clear, repeatable framework. The workshop introduces a structured method for preparing, conducting and reflecting on difficult conversations at work. The framework can be applied across a wide range of workplace situations and refined over time as participants build experience and confidence. Rather than relying on instinct, personality or a single communication technique, the framework provides a consistent foundation that can be adapted to different people, roles and contexts. This reduces inconsistency and uncertainty while supporting effective communication and psychosocial safety in the workplace. Participants explore why similar workplace issues can result in very different outcomes depending on how conversations are approached. Through facilitated discussion and real-world examples, the workshop examines what has been shown to work in practice and where conversations can unintentionally escalate. During the workshop, participants apply the framework to a real difficult conversation they are preparing for, or reflect on a conversation that has already occurred. While the focus is on workplace situations, the framework is transferable and may also be applied to other high-stakes conversations where clarity, respect and accountability matter. The emphasis throughout is on building practical communication capability, equipping participants with an approach they can adapt to their own style and draw on when managing people or supporting others through challenging conversations. This approach is particularly valuable for HR resources and in workplaces without a dedicated HR function, where managers and business owners are often required to navigate difficult conversations alongside other responsibilities. **About the presenter:** This workshop is presented by Phyllis Peterson, a lawyer and accredited workplace mediator with over 25 years experience supporting people and organisations across Australia through difficult conversations, conflict escalation and psychosocial risk matters in diverse workplace settings. The session includes live Q&A. **Learning outcomes:** \- Understand the relationship between difficult conversations and change\, including how conversations form part of broader workplace change processes\. \- Identify when a conversation is a difficult conversation\, including recognising common challenges that arise in people management discussions\. \- Understand why preparation and strategy matter when approaching difficult workplace conversations\. \- Apply a repeatable\, step\-by\-step framework to prepare for difficult conversations in a structured and consistent way\. \- Approach difficult conversations with greater confidence and clarity\, supporting fairness\, consistency and appropriate documentation discipline\. \- Identify considerations relating to the pros and cons of having a difficult conversation\, including whether and when a conversation should occur\. \- Identify factors that can influence how a difficult conversation unfolds\, including context\, timing and roles\. \- Understand how triggers and escalation risks can affect workplace conversations\. \- Apply the repeatable framework to prepare for a real difficult workplace conversation\." **What you will take away:** \- A practical\, repeatable framework for difficult workplace conversations \- Greater awareness of triggers and escalation risks \- Clear guidance on how to prepare for difficult conversations \- Increased confidence when addressing sensitive issues \- Greater clarity about whether and when to have a difficult conversation **Who Should Attend:** This workshop is suitable for people who regularly need to navigate difficult workplace conversations, including: \- HR Managers and Senior HR Advisors \- People & Culture Leaders and HR Business Partners \- Business owners and SME leaders \- Managers and supervisors with people responsibility \- Team leaders and emerging leaders \- Workplace relations and employee relations practitioners \- WHS and psychosocial risk stakeholders In addition to HR, the workshop is designed for people who manage workplace issues as part of their role, including business owners and managers who are balancing HR responsibilities alongside their core work. No formal HR background is required. **CPD Information:** \- 2\.0 structured learning hours Suggested competency areas this workshop supports: \- Effective workplace communication and feedback \- Managing difficult conversations and conflict \- Coaching and supporting managers and people leaders \- Psychosocial safety awareness and risk reduction \- Structured approaches to people management conversations **Certificate:** Participants receive a Certificate of Completion upon attending the full workshop. The content is designed to support continuing professional development for HR and People & Culture practitioners, and may be used to record CPD hours with relevant professional associations, subject to individual requirements. Participants are responsible for confirming applicability to their own CPD obligations" **Earlybird price $180 plus GST (PROMO Code: MEETUP50 - $50 off) until 18 Feb 2026.** **To purchase your ticket navigate to:** [Your Mediation Workshops](https://yourmediation.com.au/workshops-ndc-everyone-215380-829801) **Visit us at: [www.yourmediation.com.au](https://yourmediation.com.au)** Got questions? Contact us at info@yourmediation.com.au or book a 15 minute Q&A **[here.](https://yourmediation.com.au/contact)** **What Happens After I purchase my ticket:** Once you register, we’ll get in touch to provide details for your online session.

DARWIN DAY TALK: THE CHEMICAL ORIGINS OF LIFE

NSW HUMANISTS MEETUP's speaker event on Sunday 22 February 2026 at Humanist House in Chippendale 3-5PM will be the Humanist Society's annual Darwin Day celebration, at which the focus is biology, evolution, natural sciences, history of science and similar topics. **2026 Darwin Day Talk - the Chemical Origins of Life** For this year's talk, Vice President John August takes a look at how life might have developed from chemical reactions in the distant past. Drawing from the book "The Vital Question" by Professor Nick Lane and adding some perspectives of his own, John outlines the hurdles such reactions must overcome - including the synthesis of proteins, something that takes both energy and a particular chemical environment. John also draws from Stephen Jay Gould's notion of "adaptation" and an information theory perspective - how is it that we might store information in chemicals, and how might they themselves direct other chemical reactions? These are important steps towards sustainable primitive lifeforms from which other forms might evolve. Darwin Day celebrates Charles Darwin's birthday each year. Charles was born 12 February 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. Darwin's discoveries transformed our understanding of humankind's place in the natural world, kickstarted the search for the origin of our own species, and inspired our discoveries of the origins of human capabilities and behaviours. NSW Humanist Meetup is sponsored by the Humanist Society of NSW. The HSNSW encourages honest, open conversations held in a respectful manner.

Unhurried Conversations - Saturday

Bring yourself along, we explain how it works.

GOLDEN OIL PROJECT CONCERT

Melanoma in Australia is the highest in the world due to the high UV light radiation, making it the third most common cancer overall and the most common for young adults (20-39 years). It has been noted that sunscreens have toxic chemicals added, so the need for a non-toxic sunscreen is very important in our climate. Harvesting olives which must tolerate our harsh conditions means olive trees produce polyphenols to protect the fruit, especially in the early stages, hence the benefits of extra virgin olive oil produced from olives in the early stages of fruiting. What is of great interest is the concentration of Hydroxytyrosol (HT), which has demonstrated significant potential in preventing and treating skin cancers, particularly melanoma. A lecture by Christo Miliotis, Lead Researcher and Project Coordinator, followed by musical performances: Mountains: Peter Sculthorpe accompanied by pianist Christian Lillipcrap Summer Garden: Frederick Delius When Raindrops Sing: Sarah accompanied by pianist Christian Lillicrap Butterfly Metamorphosis: Sung by Christo, with flute by Stephanie Piano Accordion played by multi-award winning Ross Maio: a selection of musical pieces, together with a singalong Refreshments and Finger Foods Served after the performances Please book tickets through: https://events.humanitix.com/golden-oil-project-benefit-concert/tickets

'Freshwater' or 'Harbord', a Surfing History and Heritage Walk

Ride to Reopen Glebe Island Bridge

There are many great reasons to ride, including reducing your carbon footprint! 🌞 Climate-Change-Balmain-Rozelle have been pushing for this as part of their vision for an active transport corridor connecting future high density areas at Bays West to the city. Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty, is hosting a free BBQ and a group ride to help demonstrate the strong public support to reopen the Glebe Island Bridge for walking and cycling 🚲 We'll help you get there! 📍Meet us at McNeilly Park in Marrickville 🕘 9am for a 9:30am start. **NOTE: this is a ONE WAY ride!** We'll pause at Hearthe, opposite Stanmore Station for a coffee and a baked treat, before continuing at 10am, to arrive at the Rozelle Parklands in time for the 10:30am OFFICIAL bike bus to the BBQ at Waterfront Park, Pyrmont. *Everyone is responsible for getting themselves home from Pyrmont.* 📢 Register for the free BBQ here: https://www.kobishetty.org.au/reopen_glebe_island_bridge_bbq 📱 Bring a phone to make a submission on the Building our Community consultation while we wait: https://bikemarrickville.short.gy/build ✅ Sign the petition to reopen the bridge to walking and cycling: https://www.kobishetty.org.au/restore-glebe-island-bridge 🌉 See the full vision here: https://www.climatechangebr.org/campaigns/sustainable-transport/active-transport/bays-west-harbour-pathway 🚲 Another great write up by Bicycle NSW on the advocacy efforts: https://bicyclensw.org.au/a-new-future-for-glebe-island-bridge/

Wylie's Baths at Coogee. Marine Life Talk and Snorkel.

Hey Snorkelers. This event came across my desk and I thought it may be of interest to the group. Here is the link with all the information. [https://www.instagram.com/p/DUCpYG7kqVJ/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUCpYG7kqVJ/) Go ahead and book in with them if you are keen to attend. This is not a Sydney Snorkeling Meetup event. I just thought it may be of interest to our members. The information on their Instagram Page says.... "Save the date - Sat 21st Feb 3-4.30pm to join [@alex.schnell](https://www.instagram.com/alex.schnell/) National Geographic Explorer and [@Randwickmarinelife](https://www.instagram.com/Randwickmarinelife/) [@wyliesbaths](https://www.instagram.com/wyliesbaths/) Join this free community event to learn about the amazing marine life at Wylie's Baths/Coogee and Randwick's coastline. Dr Alex Schnell, National Geographic explorer, comparative animal psychologist plus lead storyteller/producer of "Secrets of the Octopus" will talk about underwater intelligence - octopuses, cuttlefish and other marine life. There will be time after her talk to share your marine life stories and ask questions. Jen Mather, a local swimmer/ocean lover will share her Wylie's observations and information about citizen science - it's fun and anyone can be a citizen scientist, plus helps real science! Together we can help protect what we love! Pending weather conditions, we will invite attendees to swim/snorkel after the talks. We hope you're free to make this community event, raising awareness about the amazing biodiversity in our blue backyard. Free registration, link in bio!" [https://www.instagram.com/p/DUCpYG7kqVJ/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUCpYG7kqVJ/)

The Choice : Art Exhibition

A Personal Exploration of the Act that Changed Everything. Through the Light of Rudolf Steiner’s Insights’ By Allison Pitt

Stoics in the park: Centennial Park Sydney

Unlike other philosophies, Stoicism was named after a place not a person, making it accessible to ALL people. In ancient greco-roman times people would meet at the Stoa, where they would discuss Stoic Philosophy. We can meet in the park just as the stoic sages 1000s of years ago. Join us to read through and discuss Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Google books has a FREE PDF you can download. No need to do any homework, we will read together and discuss. Am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Event fee (optional) is $2, this goes to admin costs of running the group, please consider I am from Wollongong and wanted to keep this group when original organiser stepped down. I have significant travel expenses and am generally organising creative events that take resources. A gratuity would be a wonderful way to make me feel appreciated. Pay on the day, payID 0416147804, PayPal: paypal.me/jonnikaren or private message for direct deposit details. In lieu of event fee, you can buy me a coffee :)