Australian CS Newsletter September 2009
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Australian CouchSurfing Newsletter - September 2009
The Aussie Newsletter Production Mob - a team of dedicated CS volunteers from around Australia - is pleased to present the September 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
BBQ on Bondi Beach
Many Europeans would not believe that you can enjoy a warm and sunny afternoon on the beach in the middle of winter! Well, we did - at the BBQs at the north end of Bondi Beach. Not once but twice during August! It even turned into a Brazilian drumming and dancing thing as the night fell. And with spring weather coming up, it won't be the last time, stay tuned...
Port Stephens weekend
Expertly organized by Bryon once again was a weekend retreat for 9 CS people at a rented house in Port Stephens, less than 3 hours north of Sydney. Great beach walks, dolphin watching and good times are guaranteed - so if you missed it so far, join the next one! (18th - 20th September), contact Bryon or Freddy and sign up here
Time to say goodbye
Time flies, doesn't it? In the last month or so, a number of CS members - we call them friends here - have moved on from Sydney (including Sarah, Luc, Chris, Ed, Jeff, Cesare, Franziska...). The good bit about it: plenty of farewell festivities... - some even had several :-) Happy travels guys - hope to see you again soon! And of course welcome to all the new faces around town - take part in the many activities! (Check out the Sydney group forum and the calender)
The H(e)art is now at Clarendon Hotel!
Thanks to countless hours of research & debate and Mark's organizing talent, we have had a good start in our new venue for our monthly Sydney CS pub night. (click for details) The H(e)art is now at Clarendon Hotel, which offers a reserved area with plenty of room and comfy couches, cheap drinks and food - and supposedly a faster service now that they know that we come in thirsty... :-) Meet familiar and new faces - a great way to connect with the local CS community, stop by next Friday, 4th September from 7 PM.
The battle wages on
The fortnightly board game meeting at Petersham RSL is now a regular institution after two more funny afternoons! The new Risk still tops the list of favorites, but with the growing numbers of people we generally have at least one other game going as well. People come from as far away as Richmond and Manly for this - so why don't you join next time? (Sunday, 13th September, 3 PM)
Salsa dancing every Thursday
Salsa dancers from CS Sydney meet every Thursday night at La Cita, at King Street Wharf. Two dance floors and a live salsa band get you in the mood for dancing. Alternatively we also checked out Cruise Bar at Circular Quay, which offers a refreshing outdoor area with great views of the Opera house. If you want to join, check with Freddy where we are headed next time!
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.
- 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
- Farewell drinks are always happening!
- The Adelaide CS Zone was held on August 7th
Coming up this month
- The Adelaide CS group welcomes new events, suggestions & ideas. Head on over to have your say, for photos from our meetups check out our Facebook page
Event Link Adelaide CS is looking at establishing a regular CS meeting in the CBD on a basis yet to be determined (Possibly weekly, fortnightly or monthly) and wants your input. If you are visiting Adelaide or are a member of the group and haven't put in your opinion now is the time!
Regional SA
- We're looking forward to finding out what's happening with CS in regional South Australia. Please join the Aussie Newsletter Production Mobif you are interested in helping out.
Tasmania
Hobart last month
- There was a lovely turn out for the Curry Potluck one Sunday last month at Jo's. People put in a fabulous effort with their curries - vegetaraian, fish and even a wallaby Rojan Josh made an appearance prepared by Clare Brooker and Kim Maish. Bex Dunn rocked up on her motorbike balancing not one but two delicious dishes. Tommo arrived with a home made cheesecake and his baby Dachshund, Noodle. Both were very much admired. It was a good opportunity for old surfers to catch up as well as getting to meet the new surfers on the scene.
Coming up this month
- If you know of any events coming up in Hobart during October, please let us know!
Regional Tassie
| Tip Of The Month |
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- 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. After July's free screening of "Disgrace" which was prefaced by a raucous Indian dinner and attended by seventeen couchsurfers, last month saw Buddhistguy organise free screenings of "Adam" and "Public Enemies", as well as a pre-movie dinner, which saw more then twenty old and new couchsurfers come along.
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
Many hardy souls have been braving the Perth winter weather getting out and about enjoying the sights and sounds of the City. We’ve farewelled both long term travellers and locals, enjoyed grooves at the Jazz Club and various other gigs around Perth and Freo, gasped at the brave and foolhardy in the Avon Descent, absorbed photography exhibitions, drooled over ridiculously cheap airfares, exchanged views about our favourite tunes and books and consumed lots of coffee, drinks and food while meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. Bring on September!
- We started the month by saying farewell to Alex on 1st August with a few drinks at the Lucky Shag.
- Scott hosted Camera-Talk Day #1.5 during the afternoon of 11th August in Freo, which turned into Coffee Club at X-Wray in the evening, followed by nachos and tacos at Zapatas and yet more coffee at Gino’s afterwards!
- Simone farewelled Perth on 13th August with drinks at Little Creatures in Freo and embarked on her worldly adventures. We look forward to many updates along the way and many adventure stories when she returns next year.
- On 15th August, Amy took some surfers on a road trip to Wave Rock and check out the wildflowers in the area.
- Sean organised kayaking on the river near Fremantle on 16th August.
- We frolicked in the land of $10 carafes at Zapatas in Fremantle on 24th August, a different way to enjoy ourselves - eating dishes other than usual nachos and tacos!
- Finishing off the month we grooved and hustled our way 70's style through the night on August 29th at Shaz's birthday party.
Coming up this month
September is the start of spring and we are all coming back to life. Events and Festivals are starting to ramp up and we are all getting busy busy busy.
Some dates for the September Perth Calendar-
- CS Zone @ Brass Monkey - Wed 2nd, 16th and 30th September
- Coffee Club @ Milkd - Wed 9th September
- 6 Day South West road trip ending in a Yallingup weekend - 1st to 6th September
- Wave Rock Music Festival - 26th September Long Weekend
- Earthdance Festival - 26th September Long Weekend
- Kings Park Wildflower Festival – 1st to 28th September
- Rottnest Weekend - Officially this is the first weekend in October (sort of Sept)
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 each Monday at Valentino's restaurant in Northbridge.
- 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 Brass Monkey meet up.
- 40+ group Dinner Club
Fremantle last month
- Following a hiatus in July the Fremantle meetups have recommenced and this month was held at Clancy’s on August 27th, keep an eye on the Freo Crew group for upcoming details for next month’s meet up and other events.
Regional WA
- A Bunbury group has been formed and had their first meetup with lunch at the Parade Hotel in Bunbury on the 23rd August.
General CS News
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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
CS maintains a list of all Australian-based CS Ambassadors. It is available here.
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. |
