The Newcastle Area Boardgaming Society (NABS) is a community of hobbyists in Australia promoting and playing board games, card games and wargames in Newcastle, NSW and the surrounding area.
Southern Battle Gamers – Meet in Sylvania Heights, Sydney for tabletop wargaming including Fire & Fury, Command Decision, DBA, Disposable Heroes, HOTT, Warhammer & Warhammer 40K, Napoleonics, Blood Bowl, Battle Tech, Confrontation, and many more.
Sydney Backgammon – Has a list of backgammon clubs in Sydney and around Australia.
Australian Arabic Council – Is committed to human rights and community relations issues affecting the Arabic culture and profile.
Australian Jewish Historical Society – The AJHS publishes the Journal of the Australian Jewish Historical Society, and maintains libraries and archives in Sydney and Melbourne. This site documents the Jewish experience in Australia.
Australian Lebanese Historical Society – Aims to encourage scholarship in the history of Lebanese settlement in Australia by research, publications and regular events and meetings for members.
Australian Turkish Cultural Platform – Aim to promote and create a bridge between the Turkish and other communities within Australia. The group organise conferences, seminars, concerts, exhibitions, festivals as well as educational programs on Turkish culture.
Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW – A non-government peak body representing many organisations and people from multicultural communities in NSW.
ICE (Information Cultural Exchange) – ICE works on a wide range of innovative programs and projects that engage and support Greater Western Sydney’s diverse communities and artists to express, create and collaborate on a range of screen, music, radio, sound, online and new media projects.
Japan Foundation, Sydney for people with an interest in Japan, cultural exchange and language. The Japan Foundation Library, Sydney has a large collection of Japan related materials including books, periodicals and audio – visual items.
Korean Cultural Office aims to enlighten and entertain through quality contemporary and traditional cultural content, in order to strengthen the emotional bond between Australia and Korea. (KoreanCulturoo on the forum)
The Oxfam International Youth Parliament (Oxfam IYP) is a network of young leaders in 92 countries working for positive and lasting change in their communities.
Polish Historical Institute in Australia – Aims to collect, preserve and make available to the public archival materials pertaining to Polish immigration to Australia and the settlement of Poles in Australia since 1940.
SPARK – St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids provides refugee children and their families with community, educational and social support through primary schools. The Bright Sparks program is an after school homework and activities club for refugee children in Kindy to Year Six. It is run by teachers and local community volunteers.
The Sydney Balalaika Orchestra was founded more than 30 years ago and is dedicated to the folk music of Russia – played on authentic folk instruments. It has a large repertoire of light-classical and traditional folk music.
The United Indian Associations (UIA) Inc. was formed in early 1994. The main objective of this association is to bring the various Indian migrant community groups living in New South Wales, Australia under one umbrella body – UIA.
Ku-ring-gai Art Centre – Visual art, creative writing and guitar classes for adults, children and teens. They also run school vacation programs and weekend workshops.
Vibewire – A non-profit organisation that supports young people to effectively shape their world through media, arts and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Heathcote Soaring League Inc is the largest Radio Control Soaring Club in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Members’ primary interest is to fly radio controlled sailpanes, electric sailplanes or oldtimer models.
Heritage Express – Operated by the NSW Rail Transport Museum an independent, not for profit company, committed to collecting, preserving and presenting the railway heritage of NSW for the benefit of the community.
Illawarra Live Steamers operates a miniature (5″) railway across from Stuart Park at North Wollongong.
The Rebel Flying Club at Hexham, Newcastle is involved in all aspects of model aircraft flying.
Friends of STARTTS (FOS) – An Australian registered charity that supports the work of STARTTS (Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors).
Jessie Street National Women’s Library – A specialist library that collects, preserves, and promotes the awareness of the literary and cultural heritage of Australian women. The library is run by volunteers.
Make a Difference – A charity set up to provide support for children and their families who are experiencing severe poverty, or trauma or other difficulty in Sydney.
The Pyjama Foundation to empower children in foster care and spread a love of literacy and numeracy free of charge. Volunteers known as Pyjama Angels spend an hour a week matched with a child in care reading books aloud and playing educational games. The Pyjama Foundation also has a resource library in every region we operate where volunteers can borrow books, games and resources to take to the children each week. The program currently operates throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
The Centre for Volunteering– Aims to connect people and organisations through referral, training, resource development, information and education services.
SPARK (St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids) – provides curriculum, social and cultural support to newly arrived refugee children and their families through selected primary schools in Regents Park, Auburn, Wentworthville, Parramatta, Pendle Hill, Granville and Girraween.
Startts – NSW service for the treatment and rehabilitation of torture and trauma survivors. Volunteer and help refugee and asylum seekers build new lives in Australia.
Variety NSW – The Children’s Charity depends on the generosity and goodwill of people who devote their time and energies to helping children in the Australian Community. There are many ways you can help, see the website for more.
Sydney & NSW Women’s Groups
Business & Professional Women’s Club – Provides opportunities for business and professional women to network, access mentors, develop skill sets and participate in forums to discuss issues of concern with likeminded and diverse women.
Country Women’s Association of New South Wales was formed in 1922. Members work for the welfare of all women and their families through representation to all levels of government, fundraising events and the teaching of life skills.
University of Sydney Women’s Group – a group of women representing the wider University community. Attend excursions to galleries, museums and libraries.
Women In Film And Television NSW is committed to improving the status of women, both on and off the screen, by supporting and advancing women working in the film, television and related screen industries.
About Women’s History useful resource of women’s biographies, articles and much more.
When did women get the right to vote? When did women get the right to stand for parliament? You’ll find answer to these questions and more in Electoral Milestones for women from the AEC
Amyloidosis Support Groups – US-based. The site publicises all Australian Support meetings. Face to face support groups, resources, phone and guidance. They also have an email support group.
Australian Rural Education Centre – AREC’s philosophy is to provide a forum, infrastructure and technical support for education and the exchange of ideas relevant to the development of Australia’s rural and associated industries.
Bears of Hope – Support and guidance for parents who have lost their baby during pregnancy, birth or infancy.
Cancer Carers Support – Grief Support, Public Speaking Service, Inspirational Books and Poetry, Pain Management Advice and Asbestos Disease Information and Support.
Georges River Life Care has a range of support groups including a depression support group, grandparents support group (for grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren), and an autism support group.
The Crows Nest Centre is a community centre providing services and activities for people living in the North Sydney area. Our primary focus is on seniors, people with disabilities, carers and new migrants
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT exists to enhance the quality of life of people who are blind or vision impaired, by assisting in their achievement of independence through access and mobility.
The Lupus Association is a not-for-profit group which strives to improve diagnosis and treatment of lupus and related connective tissue diseases, support affected individuals, families and friends, and increase awareness among health professionals and the public.
Northcott operates throughout NSW and is considered a leader in the support and service provision for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Northcott works to maximise the potential of the individual with disabilities.
Older Women’s Network NSW is a self-help organisation committed to promoting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) “Do you eat when you are not hungry? Is your food intake and/or weight affecting the way you live your life? Give yourself a chance to recover.”
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) Deafness and blindness are serious disabilities. RIDBC assists more than 600 children, and their families, each year and relies heavily on community support to be able to continue to make a difference in children’s lives.
Startts – NSW service for the treatment and rehabilitation of torture and trauma survivors.
Sydney Sings Social Inclusion Choir: Join With One Voice, a ground-breaking activity that uses singing as a tool to break down barriers and improve health. Whether you are a CEO, a community worker, a single parent, an international student or someone who needs a hand up – With One Voice is a safe and inspiring way to transform your life. No matter what age you are or what language you speak, come along and sing then network over supper. Learn English, make friends, enhance your skills and find work. Participation is by tax-deductible donations (Healthcare/disability Card Holders come for free!). No experience necessary – no auditions – all welcome! For more information simply come along. Details on the website, most choirs are in Melbourne, look for Sydney.
The Ted Noffs Foundation has been a leader in the provision of services for young people since 1971. Carrying on the work of Ted Noffs and the Wayside Chapel.
Youth Off The Streets supports chronically homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around. Based on the philosophy that every young person has greatness within, these programs are non-denominational and non-discriminatory.
Women In Film And Television NSW is committed to improving the status of women, both on and off the screen, by supporting and advancing women working in the film, television and related screen industries.
NAFA – Networking Action for Filmmakers & Actors From its origins as a proactive actors group (then Networking Action For Actors), NAFA evolved to include like-minded screenwriters and filmmakers. As a growing resource with a huge potential, many professionals and independents have sought help from NAFA when seeking cast and crew.
Vibewire – A non-profit organisation that supports young people to effectively shape their world through media, arts and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Royal Society of New South Wales – Was established as the Philosophical Society of Australasia in 1821. The society promotes science by awarding outstanding achievements, maintaining the society library, hosting meetings and publishing results of scientific investigations.
Royal Zoological Society of NSW – Promoting and advancing the science of Zoology, and protecting, preserving and conserving the indigenous animals of Australia and their associated habitats.
Science in the City – An annual exhibition for students at the Australian Museum.
Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group – The club meets monthly at the University of Western Sydney, Nepean Centre and hosts observation nights at the Linden Observatory in the Blue Mountains.
Science Centres and Observatories in Sydney and New South Wales
Bush Traditions – Aims to promote the playing and enjoyment of Australia’s cultural heritage in word, bush songs, tunes and dances.
Harbour City Bears is an inclusive not-for-profit community group for hairy gay men, their admirers and friends.
Parents Without Partners – Support and social outlets for adults and children who are experiencing the changes associated with becoming part of a single parent family. This is the Australian site – you’ll find links to individual states in the menu
Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts is a not-for-profit, vibrant community of people making a vital contribution to the social, artistic & cultural life of Sydney since 1833. We have a members’ Library, hold regular members’ activities (tours, book groups, recreational groups) and free public events. Drop in today!
Aurora Australis – Hunters Hill. “The chorus sings a cappella, predominantly barbershop arrangements, but we are interested in all kinds of music. Our repertoire contains songs from many eras – pop songs, ballads, barbershop, jazz, Christmas carols, Aussie songs and gospel.”
Currency House is a non-profit association dedicated to stimulating, enriching, and advancing the quality and enjoyment of the Australian performing arts.
Headliners Chorus – Women’s a cappella singing in modern barbershop style. Based in Ballina in north-east NSW – but members also come from Lennox Head, Lismore, Byron Bay, Evans Head, Alstonville and Broadwater.
The Leichhardt Espresso Chorus is a vibrant, enthusiastic group of community members who love to sing and make music, based in the inner-western suburbs of Sydney, NSW.
Loosely Woven, an ad hoc group of musicians based in Sydney’s Northern Beaches who organise and perform several acoustic concerts each year – just for the fun of it!
Pinchgut Opera Chamber opera offering an intimacy and immediacy not found in the more elaborate productions of grand opera.
Savoy Arts has been producing shows since 1985, specialising in the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan
Scared Scriptless is Australia’s longest running improvised show. Every week teams of improvisers battle it out to win the love and laughs of a jovial audience in a plush, smoke-free venue!
Shire Music Theatre (formerly The Sutherland Shire Light Opera Company) – Over 30 years in community theatre. Each year we produce between 3 to 4 musical productions.
Sutherland Shire Brass a non-profit, community brass band dedicated to providing opportunities for musicians to perform for the entertainment of others.
The Sydney Balalaika Orchestra was founded more than 30 years ago and is dedicated to the folk music of Russia – played on authentic folk instruments. It has a large repertoire of light-classical and traditional folk music.
Sydney Chamber Choir Formed in 1975, Sydney Chamber Choir is among Australia’s finest performers of Renaissance and Baroque music. From the crystalline purity of 16th century polyphony to the exuberant energy of new Australian works, Sydney Chamber Choir sings the very best of choral music in all its freshness and beauty.
Sydney Eisteddfod presents an annual performing arts challenge known as the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod along with the help of arts and education professionals. First held in 1933 the Challenge now attracts over 30,000 participants per year with an estimated 150,000 watching the performances. The company’s mission is to promote the pursuit of excellence in performing arts, particularly amongst young people, through public competitions and concerts. The challenge itself presents opportunities for developing artists to publicly perform at recitals, concerts and performances that are judged by highly accredited and well known adjudicators, nurturing interest in the performing and creative arts and cultivating future audiences. Sydney Eisteddfod also promotes awareness of artistic talents and encourages cultural activities by running music workshops and dance summer schools.
Sydney Sings Social Inclusion Choir: Join With One Voice, a ground-breaking activity that uses singing as a tool to break down barriers and improve health. Whether you are a CEO, a community worker, a single parent, an international student or someone who needs a hand up – With One Voice is a safe and inspiring way to transform your life. No matter what age you are or what language you speak, come along and sing then network over supper. Learn English, make friends, enhance your skills and find work. Participation is by tax-deductible donations (Healthcare/disability Card Holders come for free!). No experience necessary – no auditions – all welcome! For more information simply come along. Details on the website, most choirs are in Melbourne, look for Sydney.
The Sydney Street Choir – aims “to connect with, inspire and empower those who are living or working in homeless or disadvantaged communities through creating music, performance and passionate expression that truly opens people’s hearts.”
Australian Magazines – Australia’s most comprehensive provider of magazine subscriptions online with over 550 titles
Public Speaking
Australian Speak Easy – A national organisation that provides support for people who stutter. Group meetings are held in most states. Visit the website for a list of group venues.
Abermain Heritage Preservation Society – Preserves, prints, records, and teaches the history of the Abermain region, which is located on the South Maitland Coalfield in the Lower Hunter Valley.
Concord Heritage Society – Established in 1994 and incorporates the Concord Historical Society, which was originally formed in 1969, and the Friends of Yaralla Group.
Convict Trail – A history of the convicts who worked on the Great North Road 1826-1836. The trail can be explored via self-guided driving, cycling, or walking tours. Membership to the Convict Trail Project is available.
Friends of Rookwood – A community based organisation which aims to promote the awareness of the social, cultural and historical aspects of Rookwood Cemetery.
Hay Historical Society – Researches and preserves the local and family history of the district, including Hay, Booligal, Booroorban, Carrathool, Gunbar, Maude, Mossgiel, and Oxley.
Headstone Photo Collection – Includes photographs from cemeteries, lone graves, churches, and war memorials in the South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales regions.
The Military History Society of NSW is for those interested in military history from ancient and modern times from NSW, Australia and the globe. The society was formed in 1968 with the aim of encouraging the compilation and presentation of the Military History of NSW and Australia.
Royal United Services Institute NSW Military History and Defence Affairs. The RUSI of NSW holds Luncheon/Lecture meetings monthly at the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, three doors down from Defence Plaza. Membership of the RUSI has several other benefits including an excellent quarterly defence journal and access to our library, one of the very best of its type in Australia.
The Sydney Dead Persons Society – Assists amateur family historians with how to effectively use computers and the Internet to find genealogical information.
Tweed River Historical Societies – Includes Murwillumbah Historical Society Inc, Tweed Heads Historical Society Inc, and Uki and South Arm Historical Society Inc.
Walter Burley Griffin Society commemorates the lives and works of Walter Burley Griffin (1876-1937) and Marion Mahony Griffin (1871–1961) and promotes the environmental ideals and community life they fostered in Australia.
Once seen as the sport of old people, lawn bowls is increasingly popular with younger players in Australia. Many clubs run barefoot bowls sessions for informal players.
Neutral Bay Bowling Club: The Neutral Bay Club takes tennis, bowls and socialising seriously, boasting floodlit synthetic grass tennis courts and bowling green, a sports bar supporting three wide-screen TVs showing Fox Sports, a corporate function and social events centre, and a heated outdoor deck. It runs a fully licensed bar and bistro offering morning coffee and cakes, traditional pub food, pizzas, and barbecues.
Seaforth Bowling Club Just 1 block off the Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest and Seaforth, in beautiful bushland surroundings. Mixed bowls is now available on all bowling days and visitors are always very welcome. Barefoot bowling events.
Cake Decorators Guild of New South Wales – Meet once a month for demonstrations or workshops on sugarcraft, the art of cake decoration. There are guild branches in Wagga Wagga, Illawarra, Central Coast, Cooma, Southern Highlands and Bathurst.
IBU: Illawarra Brewers Union – A group in Illawarra, NSW that describes itself as an informal homebrew club with no one really in charge or control, just a bunch of dedicated brewers making great beer.
Orange Beefsteak and Burgundy Club – Monthly men’s food and wine club in Orange, NSW. A branch of the the Beefsteak and Burgundy Club Inc.
Slow Food Sydney is a convivum of Slow Food, an international non-profit organization which counteracts fast food and the disappearance of local food traditions.
Community Greening – Part of the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust. This organisation aims to to develop community gardens in public housing estates and on unused public land.
The Environmental Defender’s Office – Ltd (NSW) is a non-profit community legal centre specialising in public interest environmental law. We help the individuals and community groups who are working to protect the natural and built environment. The EDO is part of a national network of EDOs who help to protect the environment through law in their States.
Lock The Gate Alliance – national alliance of groups fighting against the coal seam gas (fracking) industry.
The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living is a non profit, community driven organisation, that exists to inspire, initiate and support sustainability, conservation and environmental education. The Centre has been developed to demonstrate innovative sustainable practice and provide an ongoing meeting place and centre for learning for all members of the Macarthur community and beyond.
National Parks Association of NSW – Established in 1957 by a group of environmentally concerned people, National Parks Association of NSW is a non-government conservation group working together to protect the natural areas of NSW.
Recycling Near You – a Planet Ark initiative. On this site you can search for information about the recycling and waste services offered by your council. You can also find specific local recycling options for a wide range of products. You can also find reports, guides, links and other recycling information at recyclingnearyou.com.au/education/
Slow Food Sydney is a convivum of Slow Food, an international non-profit organization which counteracts fast food and the disappearance of local food traditions.
Transition Sydney is a group of Sydney people whose concern about the impact that climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and collapsing global trade and financial systems will have on our way of life calls us to do something practical about it.
Wildcare: Wildlife rehabilitation provider Description: We work to rehabilitate native wildlife within the Queanbeyan, NSW region.
Wollombi Valley Against Gas Extraction (WAGE) is not aligned with any political party and is vehemently opposed to the extraction of coal seam methane gas.
NSW Costume & Re-enactment Groups
The Black Ravens are a steel weapons medieval reenactment group. We have a nominal 14th century European focus, and have members with interests ranging from the dark ages to the 17th century.
Danelaw Medieval Fighting Society Inc one of Australia’s longest running independent Re-enactment groups, claiming a long and glorious history of battlefield domination due to superior tactics, high training standards and the best equipment.
The New England Medieval Arts Society inc. (NEMAS) is a historical re-enactment group, who brings to a larger community an understanding of European culture through living history shows.
Centrehouse – A not-for-profit Community Arts & Leisure Centre providing Adults and Kids classes including printmaking, pottery, painting & drawing, languages, yoga, pilates and bellydancing.
Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre runs the Kirribilli General Market and the Art and Design and Fashion Market, along with many other services, events and activities. The Centre is committed to assisting the wellbeing of the community through programs that relieve suffering and promote health and wellbeing.
Lions Clubs District 201N5 Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs of Sydney and Norfolk Island. Includes a directory of local Lions clubs.
Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts is a not-for-profit, vibrant community of people making a vital contribution to the social, artistic & cultural life of Sydney since 1833. We have a members’ Library, hold regular members’ activities (tours, book groups, recreational groups) and free public events. Drop in today!
More links to local Scouting group web sites can be found on the Scouts NSW web site.
SPARK – St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids. Curriculum, social, and cultural support to newly arrived-refugee children and their families through selected primary schools in Central Western Sydney.
Siblings Australia is a national organisation committed to improving the support available for siblings of children and adults with chronic conditions including disability, chronic illness and mental health issues.
Club VeeDub Sydney founded in 1985 exclusively for the drivers and owners of all Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. We are Australia’s largest VW/Audi club with a nation-wide membership, but most activities still centre on Sydney.
Early Ford V8 Club of NSW The Early Ford V8 Club of N.S.W. is a non-profit organisation devoted to serve as a medium for the exchange of ideas, information, and parts for admirers and owners of early Ford V8’s. Also to aid in the restoration and preservation of these automobiles in their original likeness.
Mahsiddha Kadampa Buddhist Centre is located in Bondi Junction. The centre provides a facility where people can learn about meditation and the Buddhist way of life. They hold meditation drop in classes in 21 locations around Sydney as well as introductory classes, in-depth study programs, weekend courses and kids classes.
Tibetan Buddhist Society continues the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in the West. With centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, the Society holds a variety of classes including instruction on how to meditate, Buddhist philosophy and advanced Vajrayana practices.
Animals and Animal Welfare in Sydney and New South Wales
Alaskan Malamute Rehoming Aid Aust is a small group of volunteers based in NSW, Victoria and SA with a love and understanding of alaskan malamutes. We assist with the rehoming of Alaskan Malamutes in need all over Australia
Avicultural Society of NSW Establish your own aviary, breed your own birds, meet and socialise with other breeders. Learn more about birds, different species, different habitats, diets and breeding.
Critter Rescue Hunter Valley pet rescue volunteers. We are a voluntary group who rescues and rehomes hurt, injured, abandoned and neglected animals. We have been rescuing animals for over 25 years and in that time have rehomed all types of animals such as donkeys, calves, pigs, dogs, cats, goats, lambs, horses, alpacas and birds of all kinds. We work closely with other animal organisations, pet rescue, wildlife rescue & Vets to provide the best outcome for every animal. We have a No-kill policy Everyone deserves a loving home. We welcome new volunteers
NSW Cat Fanciers Association one of the largest and most active Feline Registering Bodies in the Southern Hemisphere with a professional administration office processing thousands of registrations each year. Affiliated Clubs ensure dozens of Championship Shows for members to showcase their breed.
Art and Craft Groups in Sydney and New South Wales
Accessible Arts Peak arts and disability organisation for New South Wales, Accessible Arts promotes and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in arts and cultural activities either as audience members; through attending galleries, theatres, museums and festivals; or as participants in art, drama, music, dance and multimedia activities; and by developing as professional artists.
Blackheath Art Society – a dynamic group of Blue Mountains artists operating out of a unique architect-designed purpose-built Studio.
The Cake Decorators’ Guild of NSW There are guild branches in Wagga Wagga, Illawarra, Central Coast, Cooma, Southern Highlands and Bathurst.
Centrehouse is a not-for-profit Community Arts & Leisure Centre providing Adults and Kids classes including printmaking, pottery, painting & drawing, languages, yoga, pilates and bellydancing.
Northern Districts Lapidary Club provides workshop facilities for members, conducts teaching courses, organise field trips and also social functions to promote fellowship and mutual aid amongst members.
The Quilters’ Guild of NSW is a Sydney based organisation which aims to promote the art and craft of patchwork and quilting. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the craft, from the beginner to the professional.
