Australian CS Newsletter October 2009
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Australian CouchSurfing Newsletter - October 2009
The Aussie Newsletter Production Mob - a team of dedicated CS volunteers from around Australia - is pleased to present the October 2009 edition of the CS Australia Newsletter.
The team has gathered news and photos from around the Australian states and territories and compiled it for your reading enjoyment. There's also safety advice, a "tip of the month" and some info on what's happening with CS around the globe.
Do you have some news for the CS Australia community? If you want to contribute regularly, you can join the Aussie Newsletter Production Mob. If you have just a single news item (preferably with photos), please email the "Feedback" address at the end of the Newsletter.
Around The States & Territories
Each month, we ask for contributions from local CouchSurfers in each State and Territory, relating to CS events that have happened during the month, and are upcoming for the following month. Here's what we got & dug up this month ...
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra last month
- The fortnightly Uni Pub meeting was held twice in August - check out the Canberra Group if you're going to be in town on a Tuesday night.
Coming up this month
- The Canberra CS crew are planning to create a "scavenger hunt" to educate visitors about some of the "hidden gems" around their city. Follow the group discussion, and why not plan your own scavenger hunt in your part of Australia?
New South Wales
Sydney last month
4WD adventures in Stockton Dunes
Stockton Dunes are getting even more popular in recents weeks, it seems almost every weekend there is a group of CS people of Sydney, Newcastle and sourrounding areas going. The latest 4WD trip proved to be of the bigger sort with 5 cars (thanks to the drivers and organisers!) and plenty of fun!
Meet the Sydney CS community at Clarendon Hotel
Once again our new venue proved to be worthy to host our big monthly Sydney CS meeting. With increased staff numbers service was quicker even though we must had almost 100 people there... The mix of regulars, new faces and travelers gets quite chatty until closing time. Meet familiar and new faces - a great way to connect with the local CS community, stop by next Friday, 2nd October from 7 PM to start off your long weekend!
CS Weekly Social in Manly
A growing group of Couchsurfers have been meeting regularly every Thursday from 7pm in Manly for tasty beers and good conversation. The tradition continues. If you want to meet some new people or just fancy a beer - why not drop in and say hello? Everyone is welcome! The usual place is the 4 Pines, which is a micro-brewery, where the beer is all made on-site and is frosty and tasty! [Join the meeting here] and look for the little red couch on the table!
Port Stephens retreats
Bryon once again rented the retro beachhouse for a weekend retreat for 9 CS people in Port Stephens. This must have been trip number 723 or so, but it just keeps getting better! Sanboarding in the ever so popular Stockton dunes, great views after climbing the lookout and funky house parties, games, chilling and yummy BBQ - so if you missed it so far, join the next one! (contact Bryon)
Newtown pub crawl II
As we did not quite manage to cover all pubs in the last round, James put on another pub crawl in Newtown. And it turned out to be HUGE, with Michael hijacking it for his birthday drinks and Ed for his 2nd farewell. Can't say anymore about it - having trouble remembering... but thankfully realised I am not the only one! :-)
Game on
Even with summer weather for the last couple of weekends, the fortnightly board game meeting at Petersham RSL is still drawing a crowd. And with air-conditioned seating and ice-cold beer it actually proves to cool you down nicely - until your (former) Risk ally breaks your peace accord that is... :-) Why don't you join next time? (Sunday, 11th October, 3 PM)
Costume party trend
Why does dressing up makes any party even more fun? Not sure about that one, but it is true as Serena's birthday costume party (thankfully hosted by Theide & friends in Maroubra) was a BLAST! Let me just say: Dancing on the ceiling, guessing on who is mysterious Afroman, taming the tiger...
Coming up this month
- For all the details on what's happening keep an eye on the Sydney Group and bookmark the Sydney events calendar.
There is something for everybody (salsa dancing, city/bush walking, festivals, weekend excursions, ...)!
- If you want to help organise these events or create new ones, please join the Sydney CS Group.
Regional NSW
- We're looking forward to finding out what's happening with CS in regional New South Wales. Please join the Aussie Newsletter Production Mob if you are interested in helping out.
Northern Territory
Darwin last month
- Darwin hosted a couple of new, regular meetings at the Si Club in August. See the details below if you're heading up that way and want to join in.
Coming up this month
- CS Darwin has started weekly meetings - 3pm Sundays at the Ski Club. Check out the group discussion for details.
Regional NT
- A CSer in Alice Springs will be hosting a "Global Awareness Quiz & Slideshow" on September 11th. The details are here in the Alice Springs CS group. The presenter, d'Arcy Lunn, is cycling around Australia (having completed NZ) raising awareness for global poverty issues.
Queensland
Brisbane last month
- Skytini Sunset Sunday was held on the 30th
- Some Brisbane CSers got together to kick a footy around the park
- The regular Brisbane CS Zone was held twice in August - it's on every second Thursday, so it's on again September 3rd
Coming up this month
- A camping trip is coming up soon.
- CS Brisbane Calendar
- If you don't see enough events here - organise your own!
Regional Qld
- The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is coming up on September 18 - 20th! Check out the informative post in the Brisbane CS group and come along to enjoy some country hospitality and enjoy the show!
South Australia
Adelaide last month
Surfers in Adelaide had the chance to go to the Adelaide Royal Show which was on from the 4th to the 12th of September.
- Friendly potlucks are always happening! Thank you Philipp for organising this, and congrats for your 25th anniversary!
- The Adelaide CS Zone monthly Meetup was held on September 11th for the first time at Cafe Amore which was quite a nice turnout! For photos from our meetups, check out our Facebook page.
- World traveller performance poet from Melbourne Randall came to Adelaide to attend "Poets and Dramas", A FREE Cross-Arts Extravaganza for National Poetry Week which was held on the 2nd of September.
Coming up this month
- Permanently active Peter is inviting all CS in Adelaide to join him to the Glendi Greek Festival great atmosphere, great music and best of all great food - 3rd and 4th of October-.
Regional SA
- Zlatka and Franziska had the great idea to share costs to go down South and visit beautiful Victor Harbour on the first weekend of September.
If you are also looking for co-travellers to go to Alice Springs, Perth, the Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, the Great Ocean Road... Just post something on the Adelaide group. Enjoy!!!
Tasmania
Hobart last month
- Sadly the Hobart community farewells two wonderful and active members, Stephanie and Rex http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/stephsaraj/. They are moving to the coastal town of Hawks Nest, NSW, to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy work-free days. Our loss is Hawks Nest's gain as they have been such kind and thoughtful surfers. Rex and Steph have always taken part in the local events and also hosted a C.S. weekend down the at their shack on the Tasman Peninsula last summer. It was an amazing experience for us all, with surfers both camping out by the water in front of their shack or inside their cosy abode. The surfers were welcomed with a huge feast cooked on the bbq and the food kept on coming the whole weekend. It was a weekend of firsts as surfers were able to go out on Rex's jukung (Balinese fishing boat) and catch some flat head. Steph and Rex also let surfers use their sea kayaks to go and investigate the Saltwater River shoreline.
Farewell and good luck!
Coming up this month
- If you know of any events coming up in Hobart during November, please let us know!
Regional Tassie
| Tip Of The Month |
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All you need to do is edit the status of your couch! The "CouchSurf with ..." button will only be displayed when your couch is set to "Definitely" "Yes" or "Maybe". Keep your Couch Status current so people who are looking for a couch don't send you a request - it helps both people! |
- The East coast of Tasmania has been quiet throughout August. Janet has been spending time sending out many welcome notes to new members and would encourage others to consider joining the New Member Welcome Group, which is always seeking more volunteers to enthusiastically greet the many new CouchSurfers who sign up each day.
- There are a number of active Tasmanian CS groups which are a great resource for finding out what is happening in the State.
- There is a CouchSurfing hike being planned for the Overland Track for Saturday 26th of September through to Friday the 2nd of October .... so far there are around half a dozen participants and others are welcome to join the party. More information is available from Louise Andre who has been the primary organiser. There is also a group discussion about the hike in the Tasmanian Socials CS group.
Victoria
Melbourne last month
CS Nomadic Ambassador Buddhistguy continued to organise the ever popular series of Free Couchsurfing Cinema Nights. This month's free screening was the new Australian movie "Blessed", with more then thirty couchsurfers coming along to the screening, and heading off afterwards for an enjoyable night of drinks on Chapel Street. Buddhistguy also hosted a successful pizza and drinks night for new members of the Melbourne Couchsurfing Community, with more then forty old and new Couchsurfers converging on Brunswick Street to enjoy $4 pizzas while getting to know one another. With the Melbourne Fringe Festival in season, Buddhistguy also arranged for the Melbourne Couchsurfing Community to enjoy free tickets to three different shows taking place during the month long festival.
Coming up this month
- Check the Melbourne CS Google Calendar to see what's on.
- The Melbourne CS Zone happens every second Tuesday from 5:30pm. One or more of Melbourne's City or Nomadic Ambassadors will be on location at our new winter venue - Sister Bella (Sniders Lane, Melbourne) to welcome new & old travellers and help out where possible. This is getting to be a bigger and bigger event each fortnight! For more info read this and check the Melbourne CS Google Calendar to see when it's on.
Regional Vic
- We're looking forward to finding out what's happening with CS in regional Victoria. Please join the Aussie Newsletter Production Mobif you are interested in helping out.
Western Australia
Perth last month
Congratulations to Sharon on becoming Perth's newest addition to the ambassador team.
Spring arrived in Perth inviting people to explore the many colours of the Kings Park wildflower festival. We also got out and about enjoying the sights and sounds of the City, including karaoke and several international film festivals. We consumed lots of coffee, tea and hot chocolate while meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. Bring on October!
- Coffee Club goodness travelled around the suburbs firstly at Milkd in North Perth on Wed 9th, continuing afterwards with yet more conversation and beverages down the road at the Rosemount Hotel and also on Wed 23rd at Imp in Victoria Park.
- Nicolaas, Nisha & Noam had a potluck dinner at their place in Kensington on the 12th.
- The long weekend finished off the month with a hive of activity - couchsurfers enjoying vibes at Earthdance, Wave Rock Weekender, Parklife and also camping down south.
The Perth CS Zone meetup is on the move after being held at the Brass Monkey in Northbridge since January 2008. In search of a change the meetup moved to the Rosemount Hotel on Wed 16th and is being held at the Moon and Sixpence on Wed 30th. A poll has been posted in the Perth group asking the CS community to vote for a new meetup venue with results due at the end of September.
Coming up this month
October is already starting to fill in and we are busy planning Where on Earth is Perth 09. Its going to be an amazing 10 days of events and without giving too much away at this stage be prepared for Wine Tours, Halloween Farm Parties, the CS Perth Ashes series and much much more to come.
If you are thinking of coming to Perth, book now for the 24th October to the 1st November. If you weren't thinking of coming to Perth, book now for the 24th October to the 1st November !!
Regular events - Please check the boards for updates
- The Salsa gang have been meeting regularly on Tuesdays at Mustang bar, and Thursdays at the Deen for a dance.
- The Perth Spanish Speakers meet-up approximately 3 times per month, check out the group for details.
- The Funk Club - Every Friday at the Leederville Hotel has $5 entry upstairs at the Leederville hotel before 9.30 if you mention CS.
- Coffee club - also dubbed midweek club, continues on different nights, normally on the alternative week from the Perth CS Zone meet up.
Fremantle last month
- The Fremantle meetup was held at Clancy’s on September 24th, keep an eye on the Freo Crew group for upcoming details for next month’s meet up and other events.
Regional WA
- We're looking forward to finding out what's happening with CS in regional Western Australia. Please join the Aussie Newsletter Production Mob if you are interested in helping out.
General CS News
| Your Safety |
Your Safety is important! Here's a quick summary of the safety tools that CS provides to help you stay safe when surfing and hosting.
Surfing Safety
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Ultimately, you - the CouchSurfer - are responsible for your safety on the road and while hosting. Use the tools, use common sense, and stay safe! |
The Boxing Kangaroo Awards
Each month, we like to bring attention to the efforts of CS members who have made a decent contribution to the CS community in their area. It's our way of saying thanks and of bringing attention to some of the great work being done around the country.
To nominate someone, just join the Aussie Newsletter Production Mob and submit your nomination, or email the "Feedback" link at the end of the page.
Your Aussie CS Ambassadors
You may have noticed some changes happening within CS and the Ambassadors (Ambs) are no exception – there has been a review process to revaluate those who were interested in becoming an Amb, and those who no longer wanted to be Ambs. A new wave of trained and mentored Ambassadors have been introduced over the last couple of weeks, and more are set to appear!
New for Australia are: The full list can be found [here.]
- [Joanna] from Hobart, Australia - City Ambassador
- [Sharon] from Perth, Australia - City Ambassador
- [Amy] from Sydney, Australia - City Ambassador
- [Blair] from New Farm, Australia - City Ambassador
Mock--Turtle gives us insight into why she became an Ambassador:
My two years as a CS ambassador [by Mock-Turtle]
I've had a good couple of years as a CS Amb, and it's now time for me to hand in my flag. As I leave, I thought I'd share with you all some of the good times.
My main roles as an Amb have not been the usual Amb roles. Instead of organising meetings and moderating groups, I've been involved in two global projects: CS Zones and the Member Disputes & Safety Team. My involvement with both, started towards the beginning of my time as an Amb and, as a result, have taken up most of the time I've been able to devote to CS. Those projects have also been a big part of why my experience as an Amb has been so positive (and in fact, I'll be remaining as a member of the MDST).
I became an Amb because a few people suggested it was a good way to get more involved with CS, and that's certainly been true. My first introduction to Ambassadorship could not have been more positive. I was placed in a virtual holding pen with a bunch of other about-to-be Ambs - a waiting group, in which we could chat and revel, while we waited for our flags and a move to the main Amb groups.
Without exception, everyone who wrote in that group was enthusiastic about what we could do for CS. That atmosphere may or may not have contributed to my having the CS Zones idea in the first place, but it definitely contributed to my recognising that it was (1) a good idea that (2) deserved a wider audience.
To explain: a CS Zone is (or will be) a dedicated physical location for CS, a place for CSers to meet other CSers. It might be a cafe where regular meet-ups take place or it may simply be a place where you can drop in and be reasonably likely to find another CSer; there may be discounts for CS members or there may just be information for CSers and about CS. CS Zones will have profiles and once the project gets going, the idea is that you'll be able to surf CS Zones in a similar way to how you surf with CS generally (although the CS Zone probably won't provide accommodation).
The good reception the idea received from my fellow almost-Ambs encouraged me to write a proposal and send it to the Leadership Team.
Turns out they liked it.
I agreed to stay involved with the project while it became a reality. In the course of that development, I've met some wonderful people, shared some great work, and although the CS Zones project is not yet off the ground, I'm convinced that it will be (eventually!). I'm no longer necessary for the project's survival, and I feel quite content to leave it to someone else.
Soon after the CS Zones proposal was accepted, I was asked to join the Member Disputes & Safety Team. I felt then, and still feel now, that this is an enormous honour and privilege. Being a member of the MDST has given me a much greater insight into the inner workings of CS, and the times that I've been able to share that have been the times when I've felt most like I've had something to contribute as an Amb. The MDST is also a relatively small (although growing) global group, and I've developed some deep friendships as a result.
In a way, the CS Zones project and the MDST have embodied two of the things that I love so much about CS: that sense of global connection; the feeling that the world can be changed. Of course, both projects have also had their frustrations at times, but I do strongly believe that, on the whole, it's the positive aspects that will have the longest-running effects, both in general, and for me personally.
I'm resigning as an Amb now because I don't have the time to devote to doing the job properly. I'm staying involved in MDST because that's a way in which I can still help out. If I have more time in the future, maybe I'll apply to take up my flag again. But until then: maybe I'll see you at some event in some city sometime.
Australian Statistics
If you are interested in how many surfers there are now in Australia and where they all are and what they are all doing go and have a look at the statistics pages - it is all quite fascinating and you get to check out the rest of the world at the same time ..... ever wondered how many Couches there are in Abu Dhabi??
Website Technical Developments
If you are interested in following the Tech developments you might find what you are looking for here.
Tips and hints for better CouchSurfing
For more tips and hints to improve your profile or your experience of Couchsurfing go to: Australian Tips Hints and links to better CouchSurfing
Other Helpful Links at a Glance
Archive
To review past issues of the CS Australia newsletter, check out the Archive.
Feedback
To provide Feedback or a news story for this newsletter, please email the team.
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| The Australian CS Newsletter is produced monthly by the Aussie Newsletter Production Mob. The statements and opinions presented in this newsletter are those of the Contributors and Editor, and do not reflect the official position of CouchSurfing International. |
