Conservation Groups Sydney

October Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **October 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:\*\* TBC **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.

Australian Issues: Lauran Townsend and Vinay Kolhatkar

Dear members, We have had to switch dates for the meetup. And now we have an additional speaker, Councilor Lauren Townsend! Councillor Townsend was elected to Waverley Council in 2024. She entered politics after almost a decade of pro bono criminal defence work. Councillor Townsend has been a member of the Liberal Party for most of her life until recently. Like many, she realised that the Liberal Party has lost its identity and lost its way and has now joined One Nation. She will talk about why she switched political parties. Vinay Kolhatkar will be giving a short presentation on what it means to have Mono-, Uni-, or Multiculturalism, so we can all make up our own minds as to what’s best for us individually, and for Australia as a whole. There will be plenty of time for attendees to ask questions, make comments and interact. And please purchase a meal and/or drinks. After all this venue has been provided free by Shakespeare’s so that is the least we can do. Vinay is the author of the politically incorrect novels, *A Sharia London* and *The Frankenstein Candidate.* He is also a coauthor of Media Wars: The Battle to Shape Our Minds, and of *Modernizing Aristotle’s Ethics*, which was published by an academic press and sold to university libraries worldwide as a text for philosophy and psychology. His latest novel is Dreams of Orphans, which was released on 30th September. Until August 2026, he was the federal secretary and director of policy for the Libertarian Party and ran in two federal elections as their candidate. He is also an occasional columnist for *Spectator Australia*, where he likes to warn the western world of the incoming threat of neo-Marxism and their alliance with terrorist ideologies. See you then, Craig White

Fairfax Walk 🚶‍♀️ (North Head)- Human Hearted Sydney 🌻

**Event Summary:** Our monthly social event is going to be a walk around North head on the trail known as Fairfax walk. The plan is to gather there at 11:00 and then do the walk. Interested in meeting new people ? Or refreshing existing friendships with members of our human hearted Sydney community? Or curious about what it means to be [Human Hearted](https://areomagazine.com/2022/05/05/a-human-hearted-modernity/)? Then why not come along and join us. This month we're planning a gentle scenic walk around North Head following the Fairfax trail for our our social event. The total distance shouldn't be more than about three kilometres and we'll be going at a gentle pace. The walk will include some great harbour and ocean views. Our goal is to enjoy the walk and the view, and socialise as we walk. **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. For more information about human heartedness and its values please see our [website](https://humanhearted.org/) or [skool community](https://www.skool.com/human-hearted-world-6839/about) **Meeting Point:** We'll meet at 11am on Sunday 25th of October at bus stop 209583 ( stop name: Fairfax Walk, North Head Scenic Dr. ) on bus route 161. This bus route goes up to North Head and back from Manly Wharf. After the walk we'll head back into Many and look for a place for lunch. People are welcome to do the walk only, or also join us for lunch.

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/join](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.

🚗 WEEKEND GETAWAY - VALLEY OF THE DINOSAURS & LITHGOW ⛰️🦕🦖🏕️🏨 🧗‍♂️🎃👻

📍 LOCATION: 🏕 Lake Wallace Camping Area 🏕️ Barton Ave, Wallerawang NSW 2845 🚗 Wallerawang village centre is less than five minutes drive to/from the campground for shops, cafes, pubs, petrol station etc. https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/lake-wallace 🚻 FACILITIES: ⛺️ Camp beside your vehicle, picnic area, tap water, toilet block with flushing toilets and hot showers within walking distance to/from the campsite, garbage bins, BYO water sports and fishing equipments, walking and bike trails. ❎ NO open fires are permitted at Lake Wallace. Refer photo no. 3 and the website. 🛜 Phone reception generally okay but can be a bit patchy at few areas at the campground area. 🚙 The campground is accessible by regular 2WD and campervan. ******************************************** 🎒WHAT TO BRING 🎒 ⛺️ Campers - tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/air mattress, food, snacks, drinking and washing water, portable stove, butane gas, utensils, plates, mugs, pots and pans, fold-up table, chairs, gazebo or a tarp for shelter/cooking station, washing liquid, wash basin, towel, personal shower items, basic First Aid kit, torch or headlight (preferred), tent light, camp light, charger/power bank, jacket and warm clothes, beanie, thermals, blanket etc (cooler temperature at night), all creature comfort that can fit in your car and kitchen sink! 🚙 🚗 🛒 💵 GRATUITY/CONTRIBUTION: $10 per person PRE-PAID (organiser fee only for campers/non campers) for research and preparation for this exciting event. Non refundable if you cancel or No Show. 📲 Pre-paid to my PayID: 0405038557 by cob Friday, 23rd October. Ref: (your Meetup name) & Lake Wallace camping. 💬 Once payment received, I’ll add you to group WhatsApp for further details - exact campsite location, optional day walks, Halloween night etc. ❗️NOTE - day trip on Saturday to Valley of The Dinosaurs is not included (to be paid separately PRE-PAID) if you like to come along. ******************************************** 🏕️ This camping event is suitable for newbies or beginners and walkers alike at any level with no experience required. ✅ If you have not been camping before, this is a good place to try it out with flushing toilets and hot shower within walking distance from the camping area. 🏨 Non campers may also join us for this event. You need to check online for accommodation at nearby towns of Wallerawang, Lisdale, Rydal or Katoomba, Blackheath, or Lithgow etc. Accommodation near Lake Wallace: 🏨 Black Gold Country Cabins. Main Street, Wallerawang. Contact Rob Cluff – PH: 02 6355 7305, Mobile: 015 237 803 Self contained rooms, 12 double bunks, 2 single beds. Gas Heating. BYO food, linen or sleeping bags. 🏨 Commercial Hotel. Main St., Wallerawang. PH: 02 6355 1089 🏨 Royal Hotel. Main St., Wallerawang. PH: 02 6355 7023 📝 NOTE - you may come and leave at anytime. You may also do as much or as little by relaxing on the lake if you wish. ⛺️ FYI - I’m planning to arrive at the campground on Friday afternoon, 30th October to get the campsite for the group. 📸 Things to do in Wallerawang & Lithgow: https://lithgow-tourism.com/wang.htm https://southerncrossmotelgroup.com.au/news/lithgow/ ⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ⚠️ 📝 TERMS & DISCLAIMER: ℹ️ 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. ℹ️ For full disclosure on Public Waiver, please refer to Meetup Terms and Conditions and the front page of this group on ‘About Us’. ✅ You are responsible for looking after your own health, safety and belongings. ✅ You must take personal accountability for your own choices, actions and/or misadventure. ✅ You must also take care not to put other people at risk. ✅ If you do not wish to be photographed (randomly or group photos), please DO NOT join this event! ✅ Please be mindful and respectful to members & guest/s from diverse background. This is not a dating event. ******************************************** 💬 I will setup WhatsApp group chat for this event for further information on Saturday afternoon, 24th October - exact campsite location (unnumbered on first come first served), optional day walks, sunset walk, Halloween night in Lithgow etc. ℹ️ OPTIONAL: 🎃 The Iconic Lithgow Halloween Celebration Returns In 2026. https://www.lithgowhalloween.com/ 📲 In the meantime, if you have any questions, please send me a TEXT message instead to avoid any confusion. 🌿 Let’s explore and enjoy the great outdoors! 🎃 Norra 😎 📱0405038557 (TEXT & PayID only)

Sydney OpenSearch User Group Meetup #2

We're back for Meetup #2! Thanks to everyone who came along to our first Sydney OpenSearch User Group meetup in July. This time we've got talks from OpenChoreo, Atlassian and AWS, plus networking, pizza, and another tech quiz with swag to give away. Whether you're running OpenSearch in production or just curious, come along and meet the community. Agenda and talk summaries below. **Agenda** Wednesday\, 28 October 2026 \| 5:00 PM \- 7:00 PM 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Arrivals, Networking, Pizza & Drinks 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Talk 1 - Binura Gunasekara, OpenChoreo 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Talk 2 - Daniel Ting, Atlassian 6:30 PM - 6:50 PM: Talk 3 - AWS 6:50 PM - 7:00 PM: Tech Quiz - put your brain to the test to win swag **Talk 1:** Building Observability into the Golden Path with OpenChoreo and OpenSearch **Speaker:** Binura Gunasekara, OpenChoreo Join one of OpenChoreo's core maintainers for a practical look at how OpenSearch can be deeply integrated into the developer and agent experiences of an Internal Developer Platform (IDP), using OpenChoreo (a CNCF Sandbox project) as a working example. This session will explore how observability data in OpenSearch can be mapped to the application model developers already work with, giving both developers and AI agents application-aware access to runtime telemetry without exposing them directly to complex infrastructure. Through a working demo, we'll see how OpenChoreo uses OpenSearch for logging and OpenTelemetry-based tracing, and how coding agents (like Claude/Codex) and a built-in platform SRE agent use this application-aware telemetry to investigate and troubleshoot workloads on Kubernetes. **Talk 2:** Zero Downtime Migrations **Speaker:** Daniel Ting, Senior Software Engineer, Atlassian **Talk 3:** Details coming soon **Speaker:** AWS

20km Taronga Zoo to Manly Be active, healthy & happy!😎

**Taronga Zoo to Manly - 20km** I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Gadigal and Gayemagal people and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. ⛵**8:50 am Meeting Place & Transport:** **[Wharf 4 Circular Quay](https://tinyurl.com/5c5awdac)** Check your public transport options to get to the event [here](https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip). Public transport back from Manly is by ferry to Circular Quay or bus from near the wharf, if you live on the north side. **⛵About:** This is a beautiful walk with stunning views of one of the most scenic harbours, beaches and cityscapes in the world. There's ferry rides at the start and finish too. Plenty of exit points but hoping you can go the whole way.😀 ⛵**Route:** 8.52am we catch the ferry from Circular Quay to [Taronga Zoo Wharf](https://tinyurl.com/4smuwbn4) which arrives at 9.04am. To start we walk around Bradley Head then onto [Balmoral Beach](https://tinyurl.com/2s3dm3mu) (5km completed). Then we hike to [Spit Bridge](https://tinyurl.com/76mxfchp) (10km completed) and onto the Manly Scenic Walk, stopping a couple of kms after the bridge at Clontarf for a lunch break. We then finish at [Manly Wharf](https://tinyurl.com/bdzmk8xa) (20km completed) around 2.30pm. You can stay and have a proper lunch &/or drinks or just catch the ferry back to Circular Quay. Bus home if you live on the northside. ⛵**Distance:** 20km ⛵**Type of walk:** Bush and urban. Well worn tracks and footpath. Steps and hills. ⛵**Difficulty:** Moderate, because of the distance. If you are unsure about the distance but would like to test yourself, this is a walk for you: there are plenty of get-out points. ⛵**Walking Pace:** We will maintain a steady pace all day and average 4-4.5 km per hour. ⛵**What to bring:** * Trailwalker shoes with good grip * 1 litre of water, refills along the route, optional hydralytes * Carbohydrate (starchy) snacks and lunch (or buy lunch at Manly) * Light rain jacket depending on conditions * Sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim * Eagerness to explore ⛵**Gratuity:** There will be a $10 cash gratuity for this walk. Pay ID alternatively. **By RSVPing** this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found [here](https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/). If you have any questions, please message me. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day. **Mark F** 😎

⛰️ Valley of The Dinosaurs - Genowlan Summit, The Grotto & Slot Canyon 🦕🦖 🧗🏻

⚠️ FOR YOUR SAFETY & ENJOYMENT, PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION BELOW FULLY BEFORE YOU CLICK ‘Attend’! ******************************************** 🗓 DATE: Saturday, 31 October 2026. ⏰ MEETING TIME: 9.50am. 🕰️ DEPARTURE TIME: 10am sharp! 🅿️ MEETING POINT: (start & finish) - exact meeting point and GPS co-ordinates📍will be texted to you upon confirmation. Please read further…! ******************************************** 🥾 DISTANCE: 13km return loop. 🥾 GRADE: mostly Moderate/HARD on a steady pace, not snail pace! 💪🏽 Reasonable fitness recommended due to uneven rocky surfaces, steep ups and downs hills, stair climbs, creek crossings, rocks scrambling, climbing over fallen trees, indistinct paths and bush bashing at few overgrown sections. 💪🏽 Tracks expected to be wet, muddy and slippery in parts. ‼️ NOTE: this walk is quite challenging - NOT for beginners, whingers, faint hearted with intense fear of heights or those without proper hiking gears❗️ ******************************************** 📸 WHAT TO EXPECT: ℹ️ Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area, dominated by the two pagoda-encrusted mesas of Mount Airly and Genowlan Mountain, is the epitome of Nature's grand design. It contains intricate rock formations, stupendous views, mind-bending intimate spaces, soaring cliffs, rare or endangered plants and animals, and historic Wiradjuri and European archaeological sites. ℹ️ Please READ these articles for further information: 📝 https://share.google/NaDZ1J2P9yHnLaix3 📝 https://lifeonebigadventure.com/2024/08/14/heading-up-up-up-into-the-great-unknown-a-hidden-walk-in-the-mugii-murum-ban-state-conservation-area-central-west-nsw/ ⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ⚠️ 📝 TERMS & DISCLAIMER: ℹ️ 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. ℹ️ For full disclosure on Public Waiver, please refer to Meetup Terms and Conditions and the front page of this group on ‘About Us’. ✅ Your hosts/organisers are not a professional walkers or guides. ✅ 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 hosts/organisers 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. ❎ NO facilities or cafes on the trails, so please come well prepared. ❎ 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 backgrounds. This is not a dating event. ******************************************** 🎒WHAT TO BRING: 👕 Comfortable outfit for the weather - hiking gear preferably quick dry/moisture wicking long pants and long shirt due to bush bashing at few overgrown sections. 🚫 NO jeans or cotton t-shirt! 🥾 Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy good grip walking shoes/trail runners 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 and hand sanitiser. ⛑ Basic First Aid Kit - BandAids, bandages, antibacterial wipes etc. 🧥 Light raincoat or a poncho just in case of wet weather. 🤩 Great sense of fun and adventure! ℹ️ This is a great article for tips on preparation for Day Walk Skill & Gear. Bushwalk Skills 101: https://www.bushwalk.com/article/8398 💵 GRATUITY/CONTRIBUTION: 💰$10 PRE-PAID per person for this event by cob 29 October. 📲 Please TEXT on 0405038557 before making a payment! ✅ Once payment made, I will TEXT you with other information - exact meeting point etc. ********************************************** 🚗 Drivers and passengers - please offer and organise a carpool with share petrol. NO public transport to/from meeting point. ✍️ Please update on comments section for carpool. ⛺️ FYI - few of us are camping at Lake Wallace Camping & Recreation Area over the weekend. 🏨 You may stay up in the Blue Mountains for the weekend at Katoomba, Leura, Medlow Bath, Mt Victoria, Wentworth Falls, Blackheath etc. 🏨 Or in Lithgow or Lake Wallace (Wallerawang) for Lithgow Halloween Festival that night, Saturday 31 October. 🎃 https://share.google/eb8EWJwgoNxnRLREZ 🚙 The trailhead is about 1.5 hours drive from Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath, 45 minutes from Lithgow and 35 minutes from Lake Wallace (Wallerawang). Accommodation near Lake Wallace (Wallerawang): 🏨 Black Gold Motel 🏨 The Commercial Hotel Wallerawang 🏨 THI Cabins of Wang Know as (wang park) Central west accommodation pty Ltd 📲 Any questions, please send me a TEXT message before 29 October to avoid any confusion with unnecessary updates on comments section. 🛜 I will have limited phone reception once I arrive at Lake Wallace Campground on Friday, 30 October. 🌲 Let’s explore and enjoy the great outdoors! 🌿 Norra 😎 📱0405038557 (TEXT & PayID only)

Dive Against Debris x DCM

Kelp Collective is rocking up as a group to Dive Centre Manly's **Dive Against Debris** underwater and beach clean-up. Everything we pull out gets logged as real data for PADI AWARE, which feeds into policy change. Good for the ocean, good vibes, good people 🐙 📍 **Manly Cove or Shelly Beach** — site confirmed closer to the date based on conditions. Both are DCM's adopted dive sites. I'll post the final call and meeting point here, so keep notifications on 🔔 ⏳ Around 4 hours all up, with roughly 45–90 min in the water 🍜 Post-dive feed nearby after for anyone keen. LGBTQ+ divers, allies and first-timers all welcome 🏳️‍🌈 **Ways to join in** * 🤿 Scuba (Open Water cert required) * 🏊 Snorkel or freedive (no experience needed) * 🏖️ Beach clean-up or sorting and recording data on land **Cost** **Free** to sign up. Gear hire is half price on the day, paid directly to DCM: * Own gear or land crew: **FREE** * Snorkeller, full gear: **$25** * Diver, full gear: **$60** **How to join** 1. RSVP here — that's it. I'll pass our numbers to Dive Centre Manly as a group 2. If you want gear hire, drop a comment or message me with your sizes and what you need, and I'll pass it along 3. Happy to book yourself in directly with DCM instead if you'd prefer: [https://divesydney.com.au/dive-against-debris/](https://divesydney.com.au/dive-against-debris/)

4 DAY BIRD Photography Retreat- Booking with Link Below

**Join us for a 4 day and 3 night birding workshop while exploring some of the south coast's most beautiful locations.** We will cover locations and bird species in both coastal, mountainous and wetland areas where we have the potential to see and photograph over 200 species of birdlife in natural habitat. Bird Photography poses different approaches depending on bird species and the seasons and every time you venture out, weather and nature will influence each experience.This ensures Bird Photography is always a unique opportunity to observe wildlife at its best, make connections with nature and capture some amazing imagery. **BOOK** $660 deposit [https://theapertureclub.com.au/bird-photography-4-day-workshop-berry/](https://theapertureclub.com.au/bird-photography-4-day-workshop-berry/) **YOU WILL LEARN** * Planning for the shoot * using your equipment * camera settings * lighting and composition * how and where to focus * top tips when in the field * the best approach to edit * thinking ethically * Fast shutter speeds **DAILY PROGRAM:** Opportunity to shoot 2 late afternoons and 2 early morning locations. We will also be shooting later in the days at a mountain refuge with a guided tour from one of our Birding Australia experts on their private property. This is incorporated with some lectures and review work as well. There is some time to explore the Berry township but consider an extra night if you need a chill out moment. Note schedule can be altered depending on everyone’s needs etc. and is suitable for all levels of photographic skills. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels in photography but essential to understand your camera controls. This workshop is not suitable for absolute beginners.

Africultures Festival

GREAT AUSSIE BIRD COUNT MANLY