About us
Welcome to the Backyard Telescope Makers Collective. This group is for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what it would take to build their own instrument to see it more clearly. Whether you are curious about grinding your first mirror, building a sturdy Dobsonian base, or just want to understand the optics behind a good view, this is a space to share progress, ask questions, and learn from one another.
We are a low-pressure community of amateur astronomers and makers who believe that half the fun of stargazing is the engineering that gets you there. We meet periodically to talk through project hurdles, source materials, and troubleshoot builds. If you are just starting out with a stack of glass and a dream, or if you have a finished scope you want to show off, we would love to have you join us for our next gathering.
Upcoming events
4
Sydney Speed Dating on Zoom, Join from Home
Waverley Cliff Walk - Dover Heights, Sydney, AU✨ Sydney Speed Dating – Personality Matched & Hosted on Zoom
Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. Join from home, get paired with Sydney singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy.
Pick your age group and sign up:
- Ages 18-32 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 30-46 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 40-58 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 55+ → REGISTER HERE
⚠️ Heads up — RSVPing here isn't enough. Register through your age group link below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited.
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🎯 Perfect for:
- First-timers new to speed dating
- Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting
- People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation
How It Works
- Register – Select your age group above and sign up.
- Take the personality quiz – We use it to pair you with compatible Sydney singles.
- Hop on Zoom – Join the call and your host will walk you through it.
- Speed date – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Sydney locals.
- Get matches – Mutual matches shared after the event.
Event Details
- Format: Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured
- Location: Online from home – no need to go anywhere
- Host: Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed
- Vibe: Friendly and relaxed – genuine chats with Sydney locals
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✨ One Zoom call, genuine conversations, real matches. See you there. 💓 ✨19 attendees
Newcastle Cozy Speed Dating via Zoom at Home
3VP9+9M Fullerton Cove NSW, Newcastle, AU🫶 Speed Dating on Zoom – Personality Matched for Newcastle Locals
Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. You'll cycle through short one-on-one video chats with Newcastle locals matched to you by age and personality. A host keeps the evening flowing smoothly.
Find your age group below:
- Ages 18-32 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 30-46 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 40-58 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 55+ → REGISTER HERE
⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place. Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places.
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🎯 Perfect for:
- Newcastle locals after personality-matched dates
- Singles in Newcastle who want to meet people from home
- Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting
- People re-entering the dating scene after a break
- First-timers new to speed dating
How It Works
- Register – Select your age group above and sign up.
- Complete the quiz – Short personality quiz so we can match you well.
- Join on Zoom – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest.
- Chat – Quick timed rounds with Newcastle singles paired to you.
- Results – We'll send your mutual matches afterwards.
Event Details
- Format: Zoom video session – short timed rounds
- Location: Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you
- Host: Live host handling rounds and introductions
- Vibe: Casual, easy-going conversations with Newcastle singles
⭐ "So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people." – Newcastle attendee
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✨ One Zoom call, genuine conversations, real matches. See you there. 🥰 ✨17 attendees
Central Coast Speed Dating Online for Real Connections
HGG5+MH Bateau Bay NSW, Central Coast, AU🫶 Central Coast Virtual Speed Dating – Hosted, Curated & on Zoom
Ditch the apps. Meet Central Coast singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Join from home, get paired with Central Coast singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy.
Pick your age group and sign up:
- Ages 18-32 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 30-46 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 40-58 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 55+ → REGISTER HERE
⚠️ Heads up — RSVPing here isn't enough. Register through your age group link below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited.
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🎯 Perfect for:
- Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings
- Central Coast locals after personality-matched dates
- Singles in Central Coast who want to meet people from home
- Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience
- Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations
⭐ "So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people." – Central Coast attendee
Event Details
- Format: Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home
- Location: Online from home – no need to go anywhere
- Host: Friendly host guiding every round
- Vibe: Friendly and relaxed – genuine chats with Central Coast locals
How It Works
- Register – Select your age group above and sign up.
- Take the personality quiz – We use it to pair you with compatible Central Coast singles.
- Join on Zoom – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest.
- Chat – Quick timed rounds with Central Coast singles paired to you.
- Results – We'll send your mutual matches afterwards.
💡 Tip: Good lighting and a clean background make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need anything besides Zoom?
Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it.Is my info private?
Absolutely. Contact details are only exchanged on mutual match.What if I'm shy?
The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone.What happens after?
Mutual matches are sent out after the event.---
✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. 💕 ✨19 attendees
Wollongong Online Speed Dating for Serious Singles
20 Carbeen Cres, Wollongong, AU� Meet Wollongong Singles Tonight – Hosted Speed Dating on Zoom
Ditch the apps. Meet Wollongong singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Join from home, get paired with Wollongong singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy.
Pick your age group and sign up:
- Ages 18-32 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 30-46 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 40-58 → REGISTER HERE
- Ages 55+ → REGISTER HERE
⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration. To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited.
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🎯 Perfect for:
- Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience
- People re-entering the dating scene after a break
- Wollongong locals after personality-matched dates
- Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations
- People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation
Event Details
- Format: Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home
- Location: Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you
- Host: Experienced host steering the session
- Vibe: Laid-back one-on-one chats with Wollongong locals
- Tech: Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection
- Duration: Roughly 90 minutes
- Matching: Driven by personality quiz results
How It Works
- Sign up – Tap the link for your age range above.
- Take the personality quiz – We use it to pair you with compatible Wollongong singles.
- Log in – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show.
- Meet your matches – Cycle through short chats with compatible Wollongong singles.
- Results – We'll send your mutual matches afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after?
Mutual matches are sent out after the event.Do I need experience?
Not at all. The host walks you through everything.---
✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away. 🥰 ✨15 attendees
