Charity Groups Sydney

Weekly Coffee Catch Up

**Everyone is welcome!** Whether you’re part of a local community group that’s struggling with admin friction or you’ve just started "vibe coding" and want to build something that actually matters, come grab a coffee. We are currently collating **Bluehex Blocks**—standalone tools that solve real problems today and will eventually dock into our single 1-stop solution for Australian non-profits, charities and communities. We’re all about open doors and high-energy builds—it’s simply a chance to lean in with your skills (or your community insights) and create real impact for the public good.

PMM - Cook4Dignity Charity Day

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)

SydDT #126: Global Accessibility Awareness Day

We’re stoked to be collaborating with [Remarkable Disability Tech Accelerator](https://www.remarkable.org/) and [Atlassian](https://www.atlassian.com/) to celebrate [Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)](https://accessibility.day/) this year. We're lucky to have an amazing lineup of speakers – and this is a great opportunity to meet and hear from people working directly on inclusive and accessible solutions. We’ll have short talks by [Kate Jenkins](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-jenkins/) & [Kath Hamilton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathhamilton/) from [Remarkable](https://www.remarkable.org/) and [Pawel Wodkowski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawelwodkowski/) from [Atlassian](https://www.atlassian.com/)‘s accessibility team… with some founders from the current [Remarkable Launcher](https://www.remarkable.org/launcher) cohort sharing their story/pitch. [Kath Hamilton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathhamilton/) will then host a fireside chat/panel with [Max Burt OAM](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxburt/) from [WheelEasy](https://wheeleasy.org/) and [Carolyn Mee](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mee-51408b2b/) from [Sound Scouts](https://www.soundscouts.com/)… all three are alumni of [Remarkable’s Accelerator](https://www.remarkable.org/accelerator) program. The purpose of GAAD is to “get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people with disabilities/impairments”. GAAD is on 21 May, so we’re celebrating a couple of days early… and for SydDT regulars, yes we’re doing this on a Tuesday! Remarkable’s mission is to “empower disability tech innovators by providing the training, capital, and networks they need to create a future that is accessible, equitable and inclusive for all”. Accessibility is also core to Atlassian’s mission – to unleash the potential of every team. Come join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design thinking community. New members are welcome! **SPEAKERS** **[Kate Jenkins](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-jenkins/)** **Head of Community & Partnerships, [Remarkable](https://www.remarkable.org/)** Awesome bio coming soon… **[Kath Hamilton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathhamilton/)** **Entrepreneur in Residence, [Remarkable](https://www.remarkable.org/)** Awesome bio coming soon… **[Pawel Wodkowski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawelwodkowski/)** **Lead Accessibility Designer, [Atlassian](https://www.atlassian.com/)** Pawel is an Accessibility Lead Designer at Atlassian with over 20 years of design experience, focusing on integrating accessible design practices across their global design teams. In his free time, he’s a Zumba instructor. **[Max Burt OAM](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxburt/)** **Founder & Trustee, [WheelEasy](https://wheeleasy.org/)** Awesome bio coming soon… **[Carolyn Mee](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mee-51408b2b/)** **Founder & CEO, [Sound Scouts](https://www.soundscouts.com/)** Awesome bio coming soon… **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by [Atlassian](https://www.atlassian.com)**,** [Remarkable](https://www.remarkable.org/), and [Dynamic4](https://dynamic4.com/). We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

Sunday Spiritualism Service - Mediumship Demonstration

We are pleased to welcome **Joyce Vaoga** to Chatswood Spiritualist Church. Joyce brings her own unique energy to platform, offering spiritual connection and intuitive depth. Join us as we round out a remarkable month of guest mediums with this special demonstration. **Connection with Spirit** At the heart of **Spiritualism** lies a living philosophy. One that helps us explore our divine nature, grow through experience, and walk hand in hand with Spirit. We honour the Seven Principles, gifted to us through the mediumship of Emma Hardinge Britten, not as rigid rules, but as spiritual truths to guide our daily lives. These principles invite us to live with purpose, compassion, and a deeper awareness of our eternal connection to the Spirit world. [Seven Principles](https://www.chatswoodspiritualistchurch.org.au/about) Join us for a Mediumship Demonstration, where the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds is revealed. Experience messages from the spirit realm as skilled practitioners facilitate communication with loved ones who have passed. This event offers insights, comfort, and closure, encouraging you to explore connections beyond this life. Open your heart and mind to the wonders of spirit. [Our Website](https://www.chatswoodspiritualistchurch.org.au/services)

FACE-TO-FACE@HUMANIST HOUSE:

FACE-TO-FACE@HUMANIST HOUSE events allow for people interested in learning and discussing humanism to meet in a dedicated space, in an atmosphere that allows time and space for good conversation on interesting topics. Topics discussed from a humanist perspective include philosophy and ethics, science and scepticism, contemporary social issues, civilisational and cosmic trajectories, and a range of other insights and issues. Topics are announced at least a week before the event. Participants will get the most of the events if they can come and share on a regular basis and not just picking favourite topics. ABOUT HUMANISM Humanism is a flexible, open-minded life philosophy where we explore our common humanity in an awesome world without theism (religion) and other supernatural beliefs. There is no dogma but a shared reality and an appreciation of basic human values like compassion, reason, and fairness. Humanism can be seen in the best aspects of the modern Enlightenment - secularism, science, social democracy, human rights, and human flourishing. We have a concern for the biosphere, and a delight in the world as it is - and as it could be. Our discussions respect reason, respect one another, and reject all dogmatic thinking. NSW Humanist Meetup is sponsored by the Humanist Society of NSW. The HSNSW encourages honest, open conversations held in a respectful manner.

Unhurried Conversations at the Pub

In an unhurried conversation, there is time to think differently and connect with people in a refreshing way. Unhurried isn't always slow. It offers a pace where people find it easy to join in and not feel crowded out. And listening can be as satisfying as talking. We use a simple meeting format to make this happen. https://www.unhurried.org/ This newly created event is at a new venue, the Keg & Bew Hotel at Surry Hills. We meet on the 2nd floor around 6:15pm. Food and drinks are available, before and after, on the ground floor and roof top.

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

Heal Your Life with Pranic Healing

Stay healthy, be happy and find peace using the science and art of Pranic Healing. Join us for a transformative session designed to introduce you to the powerful science of Pranic Healing, an internationally practiced, no-touch energy healing. In this interactive experience, you'll learn the basics of energy healing and how prana (life force) affects your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The session includes a one-on-one Pranic Healing with aura scanning before and after the session, allowing you to see and feel the changes in your energy field firsthand. Whether you're new to energy healing or seeking deeper clarity and vitality, this session offers a practical and inspiring way to begin your journey toward inner balance and self-healing. Agenda: 💫10:30-12:00 Individual Aura Scanning and Pranic Healing Session 💫12-12:30 am: Talk on Pranic Healing & Meditation on Twin Hearts 💫12:30-1:00 Meditation & Closing Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 Time: 10:30am-1pm Venue: Pranic Healing NSW, 86A Pacific Highway, Roseville, NSW 2069 Free Admission, RSVP at 0415777820 Limited seats available. Please confirm your attendance. [https://pranaworld.au/](https://pranaworld.au/)

May social - knowledge or critical thinking?

This evening will be our May social. Come along for food, drink and a chat with friends and like minds. The ice-breaker for discussion will be - Is knowledge or critical thinking more important in education?

The Trolley Problem: Would you kill the fat man?

Chances are you've heard some version of this before, but it's worth revisiting. A runaway trolley is hurtling down the tracks toward five unsuspecting workers. You're standing on a footbridge above, and beside you is a large man. If you push him onto the tracks, his body will stop the trolley. He will die—but the five will live. Would you do it? What if pushing him saved a hundred people? This is no idle riddle. Our responses to this famous thought experiment (and many variants of it) reveal how we weigh consequences, rights, and intentions, and how our moral intuitions can clash with our moral reasoning. Moreover, these choices matter in the real world. From foreseeable risks to civilian lives in military action, to public‑health decisions about allocating scarce vaccines, to autonomous vehicles deciding who to save in a crash, trolley problems offer an accessible way to confront the hard edges of moral decision‑making in the modern age. Let's dive in. ***Primary Reading: [An Introduction to the Trolley Problem](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQCJWblmfROdQ57-BP0B6yCtAarIwZk1SPyFG157nZiDWN0?e=hjP4jO)*** (document prepared for this discussion) ***(Optional) Book: Would You Kill the Fat Man? The Trolley Problem and What Your Answer Tells Us About Right and Wrong (2014) by David Edmonds*** For this meetup, we’ve prepared a 40-page guide that introduces the Trolley Problem, its philosophical significance, and what neuroscience has learned from using it to study moral decision-making. The guide includes sixteen scenarios, each probing different aspects of moral thinking: How do we weigh consequences against rights? Does intention matter more than outcomes? Do personal relationships override impartial calculation? When is it acceptable to use one person to save many? These scenarios reveal the complexity of our moral intuitions and will form the heart of our discussion. Hopefully the prepared guide will leave you wanting more. If so, David Edmonds' *Would You Kill the Fat Man?* is a wonderful next step. Edmonds traces the fascinating history of the Trolley Problem, interviews philosophers who've wrestled with it, and explains the competing moral frameworks with clarity and wit. It's highly readable and brings real depth to these abstract dilemmas—but it's entirely optional. The guide has everything you need for our discussion. As always, we strongly encourage you to do the reading before attending. This will enrich both your experience and our collective discussion. We’ve also put links below on further resources on the topic. So join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 1st June, 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 other people if there is a waitlist. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Videos** * A TED-Ed explainer on basic trolley problems: [Would you sacrifice one person to save five? (5 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg16u_bzjPE&t=1s) * Michael Sandel starts his famous Harvard justice lecture course with some trolley problems: [ Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBdfcR-8hEY) * Podcast with David Edmonds, author of our book, on trolley problems: [Philosophy Bytes - Trolley Problems](https://philosophybites.com/podcast/david-edmonds-on-trolley-problems/) * Podcast with Prof Joshua Greene, a pioneer on applying neuroscience to the trolley problem: [Trolleyology with Dr Joshua Greene (1.22 hr)](https://www.alieward.com/ologies/trolleyology) * TED-Ed on self-driving car scenarios [The ethical dilemma of self-driving cars (4 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixIoDYVfKA0) * A real-life version of the trolley problem staged with unsuspecting participants!: [The trolley problem in real life (35 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sl5KJ69qiA&t=158s) * For fans of *The Good Place*, you’ll remember the ever-indecisive philosophy professor Chidi facing a real life trolley problem: [The Good Place – The Trolley Problem (3 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtRhrfhP5b4) * If you want to brush up on your utilitarianism and Kant’s categorical imperative, see these two Crash Course Philosophy videos: [Utilitarianism: Crash Course Philosophy (10 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a739VjqdSI) [Kant & Categorical Imperatives: Crash Course Philosophy (10 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bIys6JoEDw) **Written** * A nice easter egg for anyone who has read down the page this far (from the Utilitarianism.com website): [Would You Kill the Fat Man?](https://www.utilitarianism.com/trolley-problem.pdf) * Encyclopedia Entries: [Wikipedia - The Trolley Problem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_problem) [Wikipedia - Dual Process Theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_process_theory) [Britannica - The Trolley Problem](https://www.britannica.com/topic/trolley-problem) * A Conversation piece on AI systems and trolley problems [The self‑driving trolley problem](https://theconversation.com/the-self-driving-trolley-problem-how-will-future-ai-systems-make-the-most-ethical-choices-for-all-of-us-170961) * If you want to play with some moral dilemmas in autonomous vehicle crash scenarios and see how your choices compare globally: [Moral Machine - Moral Decisions and Machine Intelligence](https://www.moralmachine.net/)