Charity Groups Sydney

Give to Gain: Leadership, Impact & the Power of Contribution

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Western Sydney Tech Innovators and Parramatta Library warmly invite you to an evening of conversation, insight, and connection exploring this year’s theme: Give to Gain. *Give to Gain* asks us to reflect on how generosity — of time, leadership, capital, ideas, and care — can create meaningful impact not only for others, but for ourselves, our organisations, and our communities. This panel brings together women leaders from the innovation community, local government, not-for-profit sector and investment, each with a unique perspective on leadership, systems change, and building long-term value through contribution. #### Panel speakers: Shuoyan Zhu — Head of Partnerships, Western Sydney Tech Innovators & Western Sydney Startup Hub Manager (Moderator) Cr Hayley French — Councillor, City of Parramatta Jess Wilson — CEO, Good Things Australia Danielle Haj-Moussa — Investment Manager, Main Sequence Together, the panel will explore: * What giving looks like at different stages of leadership * How values-led decision-making shapes long-term impact * The trade-offs, risks, and returns of contribution * How women can lead with generosity without burnout * What we gain personally and collectively when we invest in others This event is designed to be thought-provoking, practical, and human, welcoming founders, professionals, students, community leaders, and anyone interested in leadership, impact, and inclusive futures.

Spiritual Journey Sharing & Exploring (Eckhart Tolle)

Why tread your spiritual journey alone? Come and let’s share the trip together. If your practice has been inspired by Eckhart Tolle's teachings, present moment living, making the shift from head to heart, feeling presence energy connecting you with Being ..., then you may feel at home at our communion. *** **Duration**: 10:30 to 1.00pm *** **Likely procedure**: 1 Sharing: How useful have ET’s teachings been on your spiritual journey? How so? 2 Meditation. 3 Reading from Eckhart’s works. After meeting: Please feel free to stay, chat to others and join us for cafe lunch. *** **MEDITATION exercises in the ‘Power of Now':** (Find page in table of contents at start) Connecting with the inner body (ch 6). Going deeply into the body (ch 7). Now let your spiritual practice be this: (ch 7. The Source of Chi. Third parag.) Other portals (ch 7). Strengthening the immune system (ch 6). *** Useful **YouTube links** to where Eckhart gives a clear demonstration of **how to be present** by shifting attention from the mind to the inner body: https://youtu.be/70L8Nqkbjdo (16 mins) https://youtu.be/foU1qgOdtwg (36 mins) *** **Parking**: From midday Saturdays & all day Sundays there’s free unlimited parking behind Leichhardt Town Hall on Marion St. There’s also free unlimited parking anytime of the week at and around Pioneers Memorial Park, just a bit down Norton St from Cafe Jolly. *** **RSVP status:** Please change your status to NOT GOING if you can no longer make it. Otherwise, you may be keeping out those who can. Looking forward to communing with you. *** **Contribution** to Meetup organiser subscription cost: $2 to $4

Stories that Stir®: Human Connection and Healing through Storytelling

Find Your Focus: 30-Minute Intro to Meditation & Mental Clarity

Do you feel like your mind has too many tabs open? If you’re looking for mental clarity but aren’t sure where to start, this session is designed for you. In this **free 30-minute introductory class**, we strip away the mystery of meditation and get down to the basics. You will learn: * **How your mind works:** Understand the mechanics behind your thoughts. * **The "Why":** Discover the root causes of your stress and anxiety. * **The "How":** Practical techniques to let go of mental clutter. When you address the core of your mind, the rest of your life begins to fall into place. No experience is needed—simply show up with an open mind! (If you prefer a different time, please book it from the link below) [https://www.meditationsyd.org/our-classes-at-sydney-meditation](https://www.meditationsyd.org/our-classes-at-sydney-meditation)

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)

SUPER TUESDAY BIKE COUNT

**BE QUICK** **Grab your spot for Super Tuesday 2026 commuter counts** Hundreds of volunteers will hit intersections during the morning rush to gather important data on active commuting during Bicycle Network’s Super Tuesday 2026 bike counts on **3rd March 7 - 9 am** across the country. Sign up to join the count and nab a spot near your work, home or favourite place to ride. Counting takes place from 7am to 9am. All Super Tuesday volunteer counters will receive a $70 donation to a club or charity of their choice, or a six-month Bicycle Network membership. The data gathered from Super Tuesday counts gives local councils valuable insights into active transport, providing detailed, long-term information on directional flow, gender, volume, and user type (walker, runner, cyclist, scooter rider, or other). If you choose Bike Leichhardt as the recipient please email the Treasurer with your site details treasurer@bikeleichhardt.org Further info and to register with Bicycle Network : https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-services/transport-surveys-and-data/Super%20counts/ SCROLL DOWN to Super Tuesday South Click on REGISTER NOW

Human hearted community of practice (COP)

**Event summary:** The monthly human hearted community of practice (COP) is both a support group, and a mutual encouragement group, for people who want to explore living a more human hearted life. The COP is part of Human Hearted Sydney's goal of building community. Please feel free to join us for a session if you're interested. **Who is the COP for ?** The COP is for people who dislike the alienation and emptiness of our modern finance driven society, and are looking for a new form of community - one based on the reality of our human social capacities such as sympathy and friendship, rather than based on returning to religion and other traditional practices. If you would like to be part of building a supportive community for living out socially positive values in today’s world we encourage you to come along and check it out. **Some background: The meaning problem modern society faces -** The development of modern society has seen the destruction of earlier systems of meaning, like religion and tradition. They have not been replaced by a new set of ethics or community, but by market values and hyper individualism. This has created a world of material wealth in which far too many people feel insecure, alone, and unlikely to succeed. We now live in an atomised society in which each person suffers alone and there is no form of community, or meaning other than material wealth, to sustain them. This has led to substantial increases in loneliness and mental health issues like anxiety in modern society. Now there is even a category called ‘[deaths of despair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease_of_despair#:~:text=The%20three%20disease%20types%20are,%2C%20West%20Virginia%2C%20and%20Delaware.)’ that refers to people whose reliance on drugs, alcohol etc. to numb their isolation from society leads to their early death. **More background: The solution we will look at -** The obvious solution to the collapse of values in modern society is to build alternative forms of community. Many groups try to achieve this by calling for a return to religious values, or building new religions. As humanists we do not turn to religion but the best of the human potential to provide a foundation for community groups. [Human heartedness](https://web.archive.org/web/20240109160949/https://areomagazine.com/2022/05/05/a-human-hearted-modernity/) is an approach to life which sees humans as inherently social beings. It is backed both by many famous thinkers of the past, and by the findings of recent neuroscience and evolutionary studies which show the path to human happiness and fulfillment is more dependent on building good relationships and positive social connection than on competition and being purely ‘rational’. So one part of the solution to the existential emptiness of modernity is for people to build small communities; groups of like minded people who want to live in a more human hearted way, and support each other to live better in the face of modernity’s onslaught. There are other parts of the solution of course. However in relation to this event our focus is on setting up a COP to support each other to practice living in a more human hearted way, and to provide communal support generally in today’s disenchanted world. **Basic structure of this meeting:** The meeting will be facilitated by a member of the Sydney humanist community and will involve a brief talk explaining human heartedness and the problems of modernity. Then we will proceed to conduct our regular COP meeting. The meeting will finish with a Q/A and discussion period, followed by a lunch and more informal discussion. **Donations:** While this event is free, we would be grateful if you chose to make a [donation](https://www.humanistsaustralia.org/donate) to sustain Humanists Australia which would help it to continue delivering events that serve the community in Sydney. **Please note Date Time and Venue:** In March 2026 the meeting will be held on the second Sunday of the month (March 8th) at 11:00AM. The venue is level one of Darling Square Library. The room we'll be in is called Idea Space 2 **Directions:** The venue is a ten minute walk from both Town Hall and Central station. The Darling Square Library is part of a hive-shaped building called The Exchange. The Idea Spaces are on level one of The Darling Square Library which is accessible via elevators facing towards Darling Square and stairs which are on the other side of the building. Please ask the library staff if you need assistance finding where we are in the library.

Stories that Stir®: Ideas Shape The World, But Stories Make Them Real.

Big ideas don’t live only in books—they come alive when we wrestle with them together. They spark something when they’re questioned, shared, and grounded in real human experience. Storytelling is where ideas leave the page and enter lived reality, turning concepts into insight and insight into meaningful change. When a story is told with honesty and depth, it invites us not just to think differently, but to see differently. Storytelling turns concepts into insight, inviting reflection, connection, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Listen closely, and ideas don’t just inform—they resonate, awaken, and stick. **Stories that Stir®** events are designed to break down barriers, stir conversation, and inspire positive change. At each event, six people share a raw and personal story linked to a theme. Themes are juicy, emotive topics such as FREEDOM, TRUTH, EXPECTATIONS, CONNECTION etc. Audience members rave about how good it feels to spend a lovely evening, listening to other people’s funny, moving, and inspiring stories and how connected to humanity the event makes them feel. Come and listen to six storytellers, who will each share their 10-minute raw and personal story on the theme BEGINNINGS in all its shapes and forms. You’ll meet incredible people, maintain and increase your networks, and become known as someone who is doing something outstanding for your community and humanity. Tickets include a delicious grazing table to enjoy before the storytelling begins. Food allergies are catered to. **Meet your Storytellers:** **Twist of Fate – Rowena Robinson** Rowena had a tough start to life growing up in Housing Projects and later moving to the ghetto streets of South Central LA. She was determined to get out of there as she was certain she’d die if she didn’t, but had no idea how she would accomplish this. Sport and gymnastics in particular gave her a chance at a new beginning, not without a huge dose of tenacity and a few miracles thrown in for good measure. **For my Daughters – Victor Simone** Thursday ended perfectly for Victor and his family. Friday started like any other, with Victor heading to work, his wife Liz taking the girls to school, and meeting friends for coffee. A quick morning call with Liz; and a few hours later, Victor received a call from a friend that changed everything … that day was the beginning of his life as a single parent, shifting priorities and the reinvention of myself. **Mum of 14 – Toby Leider** At age 20, Toby met her husband, who qualified her five dealbreakers, which included a very large family. Her dream was shattered when she was told by the doctor that due to medical complications she couldn't have more than two children. Her Rabbi blessed and prayed for them and encouraged her to have natural birth after three cesareans. Not giving up her dream, through tears and hope, miraculously child [#3](https://www.storiesthatstir.com/search/posts?query=%23#3) was born with the Rabbis blessings, and 11 more after! **Blind Faith – Bashir** Born legally blind, Bashir discovered that true vision comes from within. It began with the courage to be curious enough to explore what he could achieve despite his limitations. This was the beginning of his portal to purpose, guiding him to awaken the transformative power of inner vision. **Invincible - Caroline Hey** As the saying goes, “Life happens when you have other plans.” After building a life that Caroline thought was creative, and nothing at all that her family expected of her, she still had the feeling that she wasn't on her destined path. That message became unmistakeably clear when she turned thirty. New beginnings were something she was accustomed to, in fact she chased them. Yet, this one was something different. Becoming invincible and being taught a superpower no one in the Western world talked about, was what life had planned for. But being invincible comes with its challenges. **Finding Belonging - Saurabh Kaura** Saurabh moved to Sydney in 2019 feeling excited, anonymous, and quietly overwhelmed. He spent years in sales roles, having conversations all day, yet often feeling disconnected once work ended. He was deeply introverted and struggled to feel like he belonged in his new country. Small steps with starting a podcast, a rapidly growing walking group and coffee meetings with a wide range of people became his way of finding confidence, connection, and community before he even realised what he was building. **\* Trigger warning:** Story content may include sensitive topics such as trauma, suicide, death etc. Earlybird ticket sales end on Sunday 8 Feb 2026: [https://www.storiesthatstir.com/event-details-registration/stories-that-stir-r-beginnings](https://www.storiesthatstir.com/event-details-registration/stories-that-stir-r-beginnings)

Open Mic Night @ Soultrap Surry Hills

✨ Open Mic Night @ Soul Trap – Surry Hills ✨ We’ve locked in a venue — and it’s a good one. Join us at Soul Trap, Surry Hills, a small, classy, intimate spot that’s perfect for a relaxed nighttime open mic and social hang. 🎤 Want to get on the mic? Share music, poetry, acting, or anything you feel like trying out. 🍷 Mostly want to hang out and meet people? Absolutely welcome. Come watch, chat, connect, and enjoy the vibe — you don’t need to perform to be part of the night. 🎟 Free entry 🤝 Friendly, social atmosphere ✨ Come solo or bring a friend This is about community as much as creativity. Low pressure, supportive energy, good conversations, and a room full of interesting people. Hosted by Jack Davis local artist.

Walk ’n’ Talk

***Walk ’n’ Talk*** is the practice of mindful walking with peers – so this is not about silent reflection, but rather about taking a walk and clearing the chatter in our heads! Joyful walking has many benefits. Not only are there physical benefits of walking in itself but the mindful discussion which has been known to help reduce blood pressure, lower heart rate, create feelings of well-being, improve your mood, and help to manage stress… All of this will provide you with better sleep, which in turn gives you all the benefits of good sleep such as immune strength, weight management benefits, improved moods, and increased productivity science tells us so much more! Walk ‘n’ Talk meets at the square on the corner of Yurong and Stanley Street Darlinghurst at 7:15 pm and starts to walk to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair no later than 7:30 pm. We complete a full circle as such and the investment of time averages around 45 minutes. Please wear comfortable clothes, and running shoes and stretch before you arrive at the start point. **IMPORTANT NOTICE ON WELLBEING:** * All participants are reminded that they are participating under no duress, hence the hosts will action an all care no responsibility approach. * If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you do not attend. * You are the manager of your body and the extent to which you push yourself, although this is a gentle exercise approach only extend yourself as far as you feel comfortable doing so. * Although this group is moderated it is not counselled. * Please do not use this forum to seek clinical support, but rather as a safe space for peer support. **IMPORTANT NOTICE ON WEATHER:** In times of bad weather such as heavy rain, dangerous winds, or rolling storms – the group will not walk for safety reasons.

meditationHQ FREE Meditations - 14 locations (NSW and WA)

Welcome to MeditationHQ We welcome you to join us for a FREE group meditation session in nature every Saturday for sunrise at 6.30am. With 14 locations across NSW and WA, there are lots of choices, and we operate rain, hail or shine :) The sessions are for everyone! including families and kids... You are invited to do your own meditation practice with us if you already have one, or you can just follow the super easy accessible breath-style meditation that we provide instruction on. You don't even have to meditate if you don't want to :) ... you can just appreciate the opportunity to be silent and witness nature doing its thing. All our sessions are facilitated by passionate volunteer leaders who are incredibly friendly and welcoming. It's perfect for first-timers as well as experienced meditators. MeditationHQ is a registered charity that proudly supports LIFELINE. Click here for more details on how to attend a session : [https://meditationhq.com.au/](https://meditationhq.com.au/) If you would like to establish a meditationHQ community near you, please contact me direct : [jason@meditationhq.com.au](mailto:jason@meditationhq.com.au) Jason and the MHQ team

Start with Why ~ Coffee catchup where every sip sparks a new perspective.

Discover your ‘why’, build with intention, and connect with like-minded people who are ready to create, grow, and 10X their lives. A friendly meetup with like-minded people that love learning and growing🙌Let’s grab a cuppa coffee or matcha and connect over what fuels our growth. Whether you're into books that challenge your mindset, habits that build a better you, or future goals that you are excited about, lets enjoy talking about how we evolve—this is a friendly space to share ideas, swap inspiration, and cheer each other on!🤗