Conservation Groups Sydney

May Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **May 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:\*\*Centennial Park, Fernley Grounds near the Greenhouse 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.

What makes a nation? Bernhard Yack on Nationalism

What makes up a nation? This is the hottest topic in the West right now and will be for the forseeable future. Is it just a set of shared institutions governing a territory or an economic zone that we rationally choose to be a part of? Or even a set of otherwise random people with shared values? Philosopher Bernhard Yack argues in *Nationalism and the Moral Psychology of Community* that these ideas of the civic nation are a myth because they deny the very premise on which the nation and national feeling rests: there must be something that is inherited. He writes: "in order to characterize national belonging as a form of rational attachment, one must ignore the contingent inheritance of distinctive experiences and cultural memories that is an inseparable part of every national political identity. And one must pretend that it makes sense to characterize nations such as France, Canada, and the United States as voluntary associations for the expression of shared political principles. Such is the myth of the civic nation." Yack says that the power of national feeling in an age of individualism and popular sovereignty seems surprising but shouldn't be. It is one of the most powerful forms of enduring community even, or especially, between equals with a democratic voice. I will explore and critique Yack's arguments and invite discussion. Is Yack right? Does he go far enough? You may find the full book [here](https://www.amazon.com.au/Nationalism-Moral-Psychology-Community-Bernard/dp/0226944670). The book is an academic work though clearly written. I encourage you to at least read Chapter 1 *The Myth of the Civic Nation* which you can find free [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Oqj8Fnd2pZlWMGL4aL5Zr9z6ztaekaC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106371295342082293801&rtpof=true&sd=true). You can also find an online debate about Yack's book [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiSrmboE07Q). As usual a number of us will get there from 6:30 and have some food beforehand. And of course hang around afterwards for a drink. See you there!

🍄🌲 Wild Mushroom Hunting @ Penrose & Belanglo State Forests🌲🍄‍🟫🌲🍄🌲🍄

🌲 🍄 🍄‍🟫 Let’s go mushroom foraging at enchanting forests. 🌲🍄🌲🍄 🍄‍🟫 🍄

📝 FOR YOUR SAFETY & ENJOYMENT, PLEASE READ BELOW DESCRIPTION FULLY BEFORE YOU CLICK ‘Attend’!
******************************************** 🗓 DATE: Saturday, 16 May 2026.
⏰ MEETING TIME: 9.45am.
🚗 MEETING POINT: 🌲 Kingsbury VC Rest Area, Penrose State Forest NSW 2579 - at the parking area in front of the toilet block. Refer photo no. 2. 🅿️ Carpark located opposite public toilet block.
🚗 END POINT: 🌲 Daly’s Clearing Camping Area, Belanglo State Forest. Refer photo no. 7. 🚙 It’s about 15 minutes drive from Penrose State Forest.
********************************************
🎒 WHAT TO BRING: 🎒
🥾 Sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, drinking water, snacks, pocket knife, plastic container or paper bag, paper plates, warm jacket and rain jacket just in case of wet weather. 🚶‍♂️ WALKING DISTANCE: 🍄 Short distance from the carpark on a relaxing easy peasy walk in the forest hunting for mushrooms.

🌲 Penrose State Forest Info:
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests/penrose

🌲 Belanglo State Forest Info:



[https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests/belanglo](https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests/belanglo)







🌲 Penrose and Belanglo State Forests are one of the most well-known forests in NSW, given its location on either side of the Hume Highway just over an hour from Sydney. A pine forest, Penrose and Belanglo also features a flora reserve.
🌲 Forests in this area are a mixture of pine plantations and native forests. The first radiata pines were planted in this area in Belanglo State Forest in 1919. Today, there are around 3,500 hectares of commercial pine plantations in the southern highlands with timber being processed at a local mill.

🍄‍🟫 A Guide on mushrooming in NSW State Forest:
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/activities/mushrooming

🍄 ‼️ IMPORTANT NOTES ‼️🍄
✅ Participating in this event are strictly at your own risk!
✅ You are responsible for looking after your own health and safety. You must also take care not to put other people at risk.
❗️Please be aware that some mushrooms are poisonous. The simple rule to observe when picking mushrooms is: If in doubt, throw it out!
❗️NSW Health do not recommend picking and eating any wild mushrooms as some species can cause poisoning including liver and/or kidney failure. Effects may be delayed and deaths have occurred. ☠️
📞 If you become unwell after eating wild mushrooms, call the Poisons Centre on 13 11 26.
📝 It should also be noted that there is no guarantee that there will be many wild mushrooms on the day. However, it is enchanting and breathtaking walking in the pine forest. 🌲🌲

🥪 LUNCH:
🌭 Sausage sizzles lunch (chicken, beef and vegetarian) and store bought mushrooms from Coles will be served from 12noon-12.30pm at: 🌲 Daly's Clearing Camping Area Belanglo State Forest. Refer photo no. 7.
🥘 You may also bring your own packed lunch or snacks if you prefer. 🚗 After lunch, you may visit few wineries nearby or visit few towns on the way home. 🍷 You may require to book online for wine tasting. https://www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au/trip-ideas/wine-trail/ 💵 GRATUITY 💵
$15 per person (PRE-PAID non refundable if you cancel or no show) for research, planning and preparation for this event by Tuesday, 12 May for catering purposes. 🥪 Light lunch included as per above. 📲 In order to confirm your spot, you MUST send me a TEXT massage on 0405038557 for payment details. 📱Or payment via PayID to my mobile. Ref: (your Meetup name) mushroom hunting. ✅ Please TEXT me receipt of payment. Once payment received, I will TEXT you further information.

🚗 Note that there’s no public transport to/from the meeting place. If you require a lift or able to offer a lift with share petrol, please update on comments section.

ℹ️ Any questions, please send me a TEXT message to avoid any confusion. 📲 Yes, TEXT only! ❗️Note that I do not answer calls from unknown phone numbers and after meeting time. 🌲🍄 🍄‍🟫 Let’s explore and enjoy the great outdoors! 🌲 🍄 🍄‍🟫

Norra 😎
📱0405038557 (TEXT & PayID only)

🌿 Slow Dating A Unique Dating Event for Conscious Singles with Maz & Kam

🌿 **Slow Dating A Unique Dating Event for Conscious Singles with Maz & Kam** ***\*\*TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO EVENT ON EVENTBRITE\*\**** This is done to ensure gender balance, and you will likely be turned away if you show up to the event without a ticket. ✨ *Move Beyond Small Talk. Connect Authentically. Playfully. Meaningfully.* Break free from the swipe-and-scroll dating scene and step into a space where genuine connection takes centre stage. Authentic Connections: Slow Dating offers a 4-hour evening of intentional, playful interactions designed to help you meet like-minded singles while exploring the art of conscious connection. Through guided activities that balance fun and depth, you'll discover what it feels like to show up fully in your interactions and experience the magic of truly being seen and understood. 🤝 ***A Special Collaboration*** For the first time, I'm joining forces with Kam, a practitioner in tantric practices, somatic work and nervous system regulation, to create something neither of us could build alone. Where I bring connection through conversation, vulnerability and authentic relating, Kam brings the body. Together we're creating a space where you don't just talk your way into connection, you feel your way there too. This is conscious dating the way it was always meant to be: present, embodied and real. If you've been to one of my Authentic Connections dating event before, this one will feel noticeably different. Past events focused on connection through conversation. This edition goes further, weaving in somatic and body-based practices, nervous system regulation and mindful touch. Same warmth, same depth, but now with a whole new layer. 🌊 ***Intention and Flow*** While you might meet someone special at the event, we encourage you to embrace the evening with openness and curiosity, focusing less on outcomes and more on the journey. Start by setting your intention, whether it's to meet someone aligned with your values, practice authentic connection, or simply enjoy a meaningful evening. Then let go of expectations and allow the evening to unfold naturally. ✨ So, come laugh, connect, and discover where the evening leads! 💫 ***Why Attend?*** • Go Beyond Small Talk: Engage in activities designed to foster depth, vulnerability, and meaningful connection. • Meet Like-Minded Singles: Interact with people who share your commitment to personal growth and authentic relationships. • Enjoy a Lighthearted Evening: Experience the perfect balance of fun and depth. • Feel Inspired and Empowered: Leave feeling more confident, connected, and energised, regardless of romantic outcomes. 🔮 ***What to Expect*** This isn't a typical speed-dating event. It's a 4-hour journey of guided experiences crafted to help you connect with depth, presence and intention. Here's what's planned: 🤝 Playful Icebreakers: Start the evening with light-hearted activities to ease in and create a welcoming atmosphere. 🎲 Engaging Connection Exercises: Thoughtfully designed games that invite curiosity, build trust, and create moments of genuine connection. 🌿 Somatic and Nervous System Practices: Guided by Kam, gentle body-based practices to help you drop out of your head and into the present moment, so connection can actually land. 🤲 Light Tantric Practices: Short guided exercises that explore presence and attunement. These may include things like synchronised breathing, soft eye contact, and brief hand-to-hand connection. All practices are fully clothed, optional, and clearly guided. You are always in control. 🧘 Mindfulness and Regulation: Tools to settle your nervous system, ease social anxiety, and help you show up as your most grounded self. 💞 Romantic Connections Through Authenticity: Explore the magic of truly seeing and being seen by others. 🍓 Delicious Treats: Light refreshments to keep the energy flowing. 💌 ***Who Should Attend?*** This event is for heterosexual singles interested in conscious, meaningful relationships, looking to meet like-minded individuals in a supportive environment, and open to exploring new ways of connecting through curiosity, authenticity and presence. Whether you've attended similar events before or are completely new to this approach, you'll feel comfortable and welcomed. *(This event is best suited for those roughly between the ages of 30 and 45.)* **📍 *Event Details*** 🗓️ Date: 09/05/2026 🕒 Time: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Location: FlourMill Space, Unit 106, 3 Gladstone Street, Newtown 🎟️ Early Bird: $70 until end of April, then $90 general admission. Early bird spots are limited so book before they're gone. Link for tickets: [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1984518236467?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1984518236467?aff=oddtdtcreator) **⚖️ *Refund Policy*** Tickets are non-refundable. When you book, we ask for your full commitment to attending, as balanced numbers are crucial to the success of this event. If you can't make it, please let us know as soon as possible. Tickets are non-transferable. That said, I deeply believe in the value of this experience. If you attend and don't find it worthwhile, I will give you a full refund. Your connection and growth are my top priority. 👥 **Meet Your Facilitators** **Maz** Hey, I'm Maz. I came to Australia at 16 with no English and felt deeply out of place for a long time. By 18, life felt heavy enough that I didn't want to be here anymore. After that, I learned how to numb. Games, substances, distractions. I was alive, but not really living. Something eventually shook me awake. I realised how precious life is and that I didn't want to waste it. The path out wasn't clean or easy, but over time I let go of the habits that were keeping me disconnected and rebuilt a real relationship with myself and with life. I studied psychology for over five years and was halfway through my Master's, working as a provisional psychologist, when I chose to step away. I respect that world deeply. I also realised that what helped me most, and what many people need, are lived, relational spaces where honesty and presence are practised, not just talked about. These workshops are my way of creating those spaces. From numbness to aliveness. From disconnection to real contact. If this speaks to you, I'd be glad to hold the space with you. **Kam** Hey, I’m Kam. For a long time, I lived a lot in my head — analysing, overthinking, trying to get things “right”, especially when it came to relationships. I often felt disconnected from myself and unsure of how to fully express what I actually felt or needed. My work originally started in coaching and facilitation, helping people find their voice and navigate work and relationships with more clarity and confidence. But over time I realised that real connection doesn’t come from thinking more — it comes from feeling safe in your body, being present, and letting yourself be seen as you are. That led me into somatic work, nervous system regulation and tantric-inspired practices, as well as training in massage and embodied work. It’s been a big part of my own journey — learning to soften, to trust myself, and to experience connection in a way that feels real rather than performative. Dating, especially in today’s swipe culture, can feel disconnected, surface-level, and sometimes exhausting. I’m passionate about creating spaces where we can slow down, drop the masks a little, and meet each other more honestly — without pressure, without pretending. This space is an invitation to do that, together. **💬 *What Past Participants Are Saying*** "I've done speed dating before and left feeling exhausted and a bit hollow. This was the complete opposite. Something about the pace and the way it was structured made everything feel real." "I walked in nervous, genuinely considering leaving. Within the first twenty minutes that completely melted away. I don't know how he does it but the room just opens up." "I've never had conversations like that with strangers, let alone on a dating night. We were actually talking about things that mattered. It felt nothing like dating and everything like connection." "Every interaction felt fresh. There was always something new to explore with each person, which never happens at regular speed dating. You actually leave knowing people, not just names." 📩 *Have Questions?* 📧 Email: [Masoud.katiraei1@gmail.com](mailto:Masoud.katiraei1@gmail.com) 📞 Phone: 0451 917 187 📱 Instagram: @Mazkatira 📘 Facebook: @masoud katiraei

Ownership vs. Freedom

Hi Philosophers, Our next **Whisky & Wisdom** topic explores the relationship between ownership and borders. This is a clash between two intuitions most people already hold: \* People have the right to seek better lives \* People (and countries) have the right to control what's theirs In this session we’ll explore questions about property rights and political borders. I hope you can join us! ## **Ownership vs. Freedom** "Though the Earth…be common to all Men, yet every Man has a Property in his own Person. This no Body has any Right to but himself. The Labour of his Body, and the Work of his Hands, we may say, are properly his. Whatsoever then he removes out of the State that Nature hath provided, and left it in, he hath mixed his Labour with, and joyned to it something that is his own, and thereby makes it his Property. It being by him removed from the common state Nature placed it in, it hath by this labour something annexed to it, that excludes the common right of other Men." - John Locke "When everyone has a distinct interest, men will not complain of one another, and they will make more progress, because every one will be attending to his own business." - Aristotle "Our property is nothing but those goods, whose constant possession is establish’d by the laws of society; that is, by the laws of justice...A man’s property is some object related to him. This relation is not natural, but moral, and founded on justice." - David Hume Perhaps no political boundary is more familiar or more morally puzzling than borders. Where you are born can shape your entire life: your safety, your wealth, your opportunities. And yet, most of us accept that governments can decide who enters, and in some cases, who can leave. At the same time, we think ownership matters. If something is "ours" we have a right to control it. In this session we’ll explore questions about ownership, property rights and the nature of the state. ## **Some questions to ponder** * What makes ownership ligitimate? Is it right to own things while others have nothing? * Is "finders keepers" fair? How do we decide who should get things? * Could an unjust system of ownership and property be fair if it promotes stability and rewards effort? * If property norms emerged through power and habit, should we respect them? * If different groups claim ownership over the same land, how do we resolve that conflict? * If individuals can own things, can groups "own" a country? * How do you conceptualise the nation state? (is it a physical place, a club or something else?) * What happens to culture if there are open borders? * Do those living in struggling communities have a responsibility to stay and help fix them - or is leaving always justified? * Should luck determine your outcomes? * Does preserving culture matter more than reducing suffering? * If borders disappeared tomorrow, what do you think would actually happen? ## **Thought Experiments** Imagine a starving person outside your house. You have more than enough food. Are you allowed to lock the door? Your are about to be born, but you don't know where. Do you choose a world with open borders or closed ones? ##

Sydney Relational Lab — Meet Singles & Experience Real Connection

Tired of dating apps or surface-level events? This is different. This is a **2-hour guided relational experience** designed to help you connect with other singles in your city — without small talk, pressure, or performance. **What happens:** • You join a 2-hour guided online session • You meet a small group of singles from your city • You’re led through structured connection exercises • Within 48 hours, you meet the same group in person • You stay connected afterward via WhatsApp **This is for you if:** • You’re done with shallow or random social spaces • You want deeper, more intentional connection • You’re open to a structured experience If you’re just browsing or looking for something casual, this likely won’t be a fit. **Important:** Spots are limited and booking happens through our website. 👉 Reserve your spot & stay in the loop with new events every month: [[https://consciousconnections.com/join](https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join)] **When:** Online session: [7 - 9pm] In-person meetup: within 48 hours (details shared after booking) Most people come alone. Most leave having met people they genuinely want to see again.

H is for Himalaya-India/Pakistani cuisine

Outdoor Lovers Escape

Escapes for nature conection and meet new people that enjoy the life outside. Walk/Hiking/Kayak/Snorkel/Yoga/Beachvolley/Bike/Swim/Sauna/Chill and + All levels are welcome! NSW : Manly to Bondi NorthernBeaches Blue Mountains Lack Maquary Jervis Bay Hunter Valley Central Coast Australia : Byron Bay Tazmania Asia : Bali Filipines Indonesia Japon Etc...

Cockatoo Island Walk.

🏖️ 🍂 FABULOUS SYDNEY HARBOUR WALK - SPIT BRIDGE TO MANLY 🏖️ 🌿 🦜🐬 🍂

⚠️ FOR YOUR SAFETY, PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION BELOW FULLY BEFORE YOU CLICK ‘Attend’! 🗓 DATE: Saturday, 9 May 2026. ⏰ MEETING TIME: 9.45am. 📍 MEETING POINT: at Public toilet block - Spit West Reserve, Spit Road, Mosman (just before the bridge). 🚻 Meet the group at the toilet block, just two minutes walk from the bus stop. Refer photo/map number 2. ⛴️ END POINT: Manly Wharf. 🥾 DISTANCE: 12km - point to point. 🥾 GRADE: Easy/mostly Moderate on a relaxing pace, not snail pace! 💪🏽 Reasonable fitness recommended due to uneven rocky surfaces, gentle ups and downs hills, stair climbs, short creek crossings and walking on sandy beaches. 💪🏽 Tracks expected to be wet, muddy and slippery at few sections. 🏃‍♂️ NOTE: few get-out points along the way. 📸 WHAT TO EXPECT: 🚶🏼‍♀️Explore one of Sydney Harbour’s most beautiful walking tracks - The Spit Bridge to Manly Coastal Walk, otherwise known as the Manly Scenic Walkway. 🚶The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk is a beautiful 12 km coastal walk, boasting quiet inner harbour beaches, native bushland, rock engravings, picturesque bays and panoramic ocean views. 🥾 This walk is suitable for all ages and fitness level starting from Spit Bridge along Clontarf Reserve, Castle Rock Beach, Grotto Point Lighthouse and Dobroyd Head with loads of photo sessions and selfies. 🤳 🥪 We’ll have BYO lunch at Reef Beach with awesome views of the coast. 🚶After lunch, we’ll continue our adventure to Manly Wharf passing through Reef Bay, Forty Baskets Beach along North Harbour Reserve, Fairlight Beach and Delwood Beach. ⛴️ Lots of options for shops, drinks or bite to eat or gelato at Manly Wharf before leaving home by bus or ferry. ⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ⚠️ 📝 DISCLAIMER: Attending this event is voluntarily at your own risk. Organiser/s accepts no liability of any kind including injuries, accidents, misadventure etc during and after this event. For full disclosure on Public Waiver, please refer to Meetup Terms and Conditions and the front page of this group on ‘About Us’. ✅ You must assess your own fitness and ability before participating in this event. ✅ You are responsible for looking after your own health, safety and belongings. ✅ You must adhere and follow the instructions from your organiser/s at all times during this event. ✅ You must take personal accountability for your own choices, actions and/or misadventure. If you’re not sticking with the group or getting lost during the walk, you’re responsible for finding your own way out. The group DO NOT wait for you! ✅ You must also take care not to put other people at risk. ✅ Keep well back from cliff edges at all times, especially when taking photos. ✅ If you do not wish to be photographed (randomly or group photos), please DO NOT join this event. Easy! ✅ Few facilities and cafes on the trails. Although it’s best byo drinks and food. ❎ NO smoking of any kind on the walk including during photo stops and lunch break. ✅ Please be mindful and respectful to members and guest/s from diverse background. This is not a dating group. ❎ NO pets including service dogs are permitted on my events. You may join pet friendly walking group instead. ✅ If something’s come up, please Edit your RSVP to ‘Not Going’ asap at least by 7pm the day before. It’s only take a second!
❎ Late cancellation or No Show would not be tolerated. You will forfeit the opportunity to join my future events! 🎒WHAT TO BRING: 👕 Comfortable outfit for the weather preferably hiking gear. Jeans or cotton t-shirt may not be suitable for this walk. 🥾 Waterproof hiking boots or good grip walking shoes highly recommended. 💦 At least 1.8L of WATER, Hydralyte or sports energy drinks. 🥪 Snacks and PACKED LUNCH. 🧢 Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent ie: Bushman or Aerogard. ⛑ Basic First Aid kit Ie. BandAid, bandages, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser. 🧥 Light raincoat or poncho just in case of wet weather. 🏊‍♂️ Cozzies and towel if you wish to swim. 📝 This is a great article for tips on preparation for Day Walk Skill & Gear. Bushwalk Skills 101: https://www.bushwalk.com/article/8398 💵 GRATUITY: $5 CASH per person for this event to be collected at the start of the walk. ✅ Please bring correct change on the day to speed up the meet and greet. 📲 Or PayID to my mobile: 0405038557. Ref: (your Meetup name) Spit Bridge. ✅ Please get it done asap upon arrival and TEXT me receipt of payment. 🚆 Check Opal Trip Planner for public transport services, weekend trackwork etc. https://transportnsw.info/ 🚌 Bus 173X departs from Wynyard Station, Carrington St (Stand A) at 9.20am. 🚌 Arriving at Spit West Reserve bus stop at 9.38am. 🏃‍♂️ Please leave home with plenty of travel time and arrive promptly. It’s RUDE and disrespectful for turning up late! 🙄 ✍️ I will update further information during mid week on weather forecast etc. 📲 Any questions, please send me a TEXT message instead. ❗️Note: I DO NOT answer calls, text messages or updates on comments section on the day after meeting time! 🏖️ Let’s explore and enjoy the great outdoors! 🌿 Norra 😎 📱0405038557 (TEXT & PayID only)

Spit Bridge to Manly

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 :)