Signs and Wonders with Delia Falconer
Join Walkley Award-winning author Delia Falconer in conversation with Ailsa Piper discussing Delia's latest book. In Signs and Wonders, Delia explores how it feels to live as a reader, a writer, a lover of nature and a mother of small children in an era of profound ecological change. She looks at how global warming is changing not only our climate but our culture. Beautifully observed, brilliantly argued and deeply felt, these essays show that our emotions, our art, our relationships with the generations around us – all the delicate networks that make us who we are – have already been transformed.
The Luminous Solution with Charlotte Wood
Join award-winning author Charlotte wood in conversation with Michaela Kalowski as they discuss Charlotte's latest book The Luminous Solution.
In this essential, illuminating book, award-winning writer Charlotte Wood shares the insights she has gained over a career paying close attention to her own mind, to the world around her and to the way she and others work.
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Backyard Bees with Doug Purdie
Bees need our help. Under threat from insecticides and habitat loss, they're in decline the world over. Join Doug Purdie, author of Backyard Bees the bestselling Australian bee guide to walk you through everything you need to know, now fully revised and updated.
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Care with Brooke McAlary
Join Brooke McAlary in conversation with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz as they discuss Brooke's latest book Care: The radical art of taking time.
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The Kindness Revolution with Hugh Mackay
Join Hugh Mackay in conversation with Ailsa Piper as they discuss Hugh's latest book The Kindness Revolution.
Reflecting on the lessons learned through the pandemic – about making personal sacrifices for the common good, rediscovering the importance of the neighbourhood, valuing our relationships more highly, the need to see ourselves as interdependent, interconnected humans, ahead of our identity as independent individuals, The Kindness Revolution asks us to imagine how different our society could be if we were to apply those lessons more widely.
This event was hosted by Woollahra Libraries on behalf of the NSW Public Libraries Association.
Parents and Carers: Screen Time in 2021 with Danielle Einstein
Join Dr Einstein as she leads a discussion about family screen use in 2021. Danielle is a published author of The Dip: A practical guide to take control of screen addiction and reconnect your family.
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The Golden Maze with Richard Fidler
Hear Richard Fidler, author of Ghost Empire and Saga Land in conversation with Michaela Kalowski as they discuss Richard’s latest book. The Golden Maze follows the story of Prague from its origins in medieval darkness to its uncertain present.
This event is a collaboration with Randwick City Library and Waverley Library.
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Infinite Splendours with Sofie Laguna
Hear Sofie Laguna, author of The Choke and The Eye of the Sheep as she shares insights from her hotly anticipated new novel. Infinite Splendours is a sensitive exploration of childhood trauma, handled with compassion and wisdom. Set in a fictional town in Victoria’s Southern Grampians region, this extraordinary novel is rich in colour and character.
This event is a collaboration with Randwick City Library and Waverley Library.
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Stories of Hope with Heather Morris
Heather Morris is the author of two global bestselling novels, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey. Hear Heather as she shares her own story and explores the art of listening in her first non-fiction book. Stories of Hope reveals her own incredible experiences since meeting Lale Sokolov, the tattooist of Auschwitz. She describes the people she has met, the remarkable stories they have shared with her, and the lessons they hold for us all.
This event is a collaboration with Randwick City Library.
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The Budapest Job with Alice Spigelman
Clinical psychologist, writer and human rights advocate Alice Spigelman discusses her political novel 'The Budapest Job'. Tom Gaspar, a young architect is sent to Budapest on a job in 1989 as communism is about to collapse. Caught in the web of the country’s, and his own family’s murky past, he is faced with monumental decisions that change his life forever.
Alice will also discuss themes explored in her book including the rise and roots of 'illiberal democracy' and the new style semi-dictatorship admired by Trump and practiced in numerous post-communist countries in Europe.
Exploring Gut Health with Lee Holmes
Hear from wholefoods chef and holistic food and nutrition coach Lee Holmes as she guides you through the importance of gut health, including how to cook and eat a balanced diet to promote a healthy gut. Lee is the author of a number of books including Supercharge Your Life, Supercharge Your Gut and Fast Your Way to Wellness.
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The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter with Adam Courtenay
In celebration of National Reconciliation Week, author Adam Courtenay discusses his latest book. The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter is a fascinating and poignant true story from Australian colonial history.
Just after Christmas 1803, a convict called William Buckley fled a settlement in the land of the Kulin nation (now the Port Phillip area), to take his chances in the wilderness. A few months later, the local Aboriginal people found the former soldier cold and starving and took him in.
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Cracking the Anxiety Code with Judith Hoare
Journalist Judith Hoare shares the true story of the little-known mental health pioneer who revolutionised how we see the defining problem of our era: anxiety. In 1962 Dr Claire Weekes published the ground-breaking book Self-Help For Your Nerves which is still in print today.
Judith Hoare's book Cracking the Anxiety Code is the first to tell Dr Claire Weekes' remarkable story.
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Uluru Statement from the Heart with Jennifer Newman
The Uluru Statement from the Heart, based on the direction of the 12 First Nations Regional Dialogues, is the continuation of calls over many decades by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to move past Australia's colonial legacy by being recognised and heard in their own countries, and with the right and capacity to practice self-determination.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a generous and heartfelt invitation from First Nations to non-Indigenous Australia "to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future".
Hear from Wiradjuri academic Jennifer Newman as she unpacks aspects of the Uluru Statement and what it means for non-Indigenous Australians.
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Aboriginal Astronomy with Kirsten Banks
Learn about the Aboriginal system of recognising the spaces in between the stars and the stories and meaning they hold with Waradjuri Astrophysicist Kirsten Banks.
Electric Vehicle Charging in Apartments - Webinar
Hear from industry experts and learn how to set up electric vehicle charging in apartment blocks.
Electric Vehicles - Your questions answered
View this webinar with Michael Day from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association and Alex Kelly from the Electric Vehicle Council. Our presenters answer key questions from local residents about electric vehicle charging, performance, range, batteries, available models and trends in sales and prices.
Grow Your Own
The following videos are Woollahra Council's Grow Your Own organic gardening series.
For related resources please see:
Session 1 covers where to set up a garden bed and building healthy soil. It's presented by Steve Batley from Sydney Organic Gardens.
Session 2 focuses on selecting a diversity of plants and how to plant a seedling. It's presented by Steve Batley from Sydney Organic Gardens.
Session 3 covered composting and worm farming, hosted by JP Williamson from Compost Revolution.
Woollahra residents can get 80% off the RRP of a compost bin or worm farm by going to: compostrevolution.com.au.
Session 4 covers tips for pest management and attracting beneficial critters to your garden, hosted by Steve Batley from Sydney Organic Gardens.
Session 5 has tips for ongoing care, harvesting and chickens and is presented by Steve Batley.
Thinking critically about the big ideas that shape our everyday.
Ideas Exchange (formerly the Woollahra School of Philosophy) is a series of quarterly forums aimed to encourage informed community discussion and a robust exchange of ideas between scholars, pioneering minds and the local community. This initiative is about fostering philosophical and ethical conversation at the community level, covering a variety of relevant topics.
Topics explored in the past include; the moral challenge of climate change, death and dying, artificial intelligence, and freedom of speech.
The Power of Storytelling
Telling stories and seeing stories in everything is a deeply human trait. Neuroscientist Beau Lotto says the world we perceive is not actually the world itself - it is our own story of the world, based on our knowledge and what we have learned from others. "Stories are our powerful means of navigating a sometimes shocking or uncertain world...and finding our place in it." So what can master storytellers, and people who listen to stories all day, help us understand about the uses of stories and how the way we tell them shapes our reality and informs our choices?
Racism: Bridging Difference in a Pandemic World
One in five people living in Australia has experienced racist abuse*. The pandemic has shown deep cracks and inequality in our society, and has been the framework for a steep rise in xenophobia and racist attacks.
In a multicultural country like Australia, and in a world redefined by covid-19, how is racism evolving? How far has Australia come in recognising racism and developing responses to it? And what are different communities doing to combat it?
In this timely conversation, moderated by Michaela Kalowski, community and industry leaders will share insights from their work about how they bridge differences between groups and how people can stand up to racism and prejudice.
*source: https://alltogethernow.org.au/racism-in-australia
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Addiction
Addiction today is epidemic. We can be, and are, addicted to everything in front of us. From drugs and alcohol to gambling; to online shopping and checking our social media.
Have we been thinking about addiction all wrong? Whose brains have we been studying? Is there a ‘cure’ for addiction and what might it look like? Join Michaela Kalowski as she speaks with two world-leading thinkers - Judith Grisel and Adam Alter on the topic of addiction.
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Ethical Consumerism
Can we shop our way to a better world? There is growing pressure to make sure we are buying products that are not harmful to the environment or society.
Michaela Kalowski along with Matthew Kearnes and Judy Friedlander discuss this curly topic in light of our current collective experience living through a pandemic.
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Future Ready: Make Learning Stick
Many students waste hundreds of hours each year using ineffective study techniques like rereading passages, highlighting and underlining. Join Jesse from Sandbox Learning as he shares how to use learning science techniques to make learning stick. This session is open to secondary school students or those with an interest in improving their learning and memory recall.
Parents and Carers: Tips for School Success
Learn about ways to support school aged children no matter what the school year looks like! From adjusting to new routines, tackling online learning, boosting reading, writing and comprehension skills, as well as helping your child understand assignments and avoiding learning loss. Allow the team at Lindamood- Bell share the many ways to boost comprehension, studying, and writing and kick start the school year ahead.
HSC Help: HSC Up Close
Deciding on school subject electives is not an easy task for students and their parents/carers. There are many different subjects out there - should you do what you’re good at or what you are interested in, at what point can I change? and what is an ATAR anyway? Join this session with Jesse Whelan from Sandbox Learning Australia to help you demystify the process and pick up some tips and tools to make better subject selection decisions.
Young Writers and Readers: Point of View Writing Workshop
Level up your creative writing skills! Join the director of The Writing Workshop Dr Bernard Cohen as he shares insights and strategies for creating motivated, opinionated characters with depth and personality.
Special FX Film Making Workshop
Looking to bolster your Hollywood filmmaking toolkit? Or even just elevate your TikTok game? StarTime’s SPFX Filmmaking workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to craft your own special FX action sequence. Our professional filmmakers will show you how to use Hollywood green screen techniques and motion graphics to create fireballs, laser shots, explosions and more.
Future Ready - Careers in Law
Ever considered a future career in law? Join the University of Sydney Student Engagement team as they delve into pathways and future careers in Law. Learn about high school subject choices, university life, as well as the undergraduate pathways available to University of Sydney Law students and the opportunities these can unfold.
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Parents and Carers: Screen Time in 2021 with Danielle Einstein
Join Dr Einstein as she leads a discussion about family screen use in 2021.
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Maker Creator: Chinese New Year Paper Cutting Workshop
Transform a single sheet of paper into a beautiful masterpiece. Learn about the art of Paper Cutting in this 101 beginner’s session run by Paperazzi Design Studio.
Download the Lantern template(PDF, 363KB)
Download the Flower and Lantern template(PDF, 10KB)
Download the Chinese Paper Cutting template(PDF, 116KB)
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Book Week - Creating Fantasy Worlds with Astrid Scholte
Learn about the writer's craft with published Young Adult fiction author Astrid Scholte. Her debut novel Four Dead Queens was shortlisted for the Children's Book Council Australia award Older Readers category in 2020. Explore how to create fantasy worlds and work together to create one in this practical webinar.
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Maker Creator - Halloween Ink with Freda Chiu
Learn the technique of brush inking to create your own horror themed art. Led by Freda Chiu, Australian illustrator and educator at the University of Technology Sydney; create your own signature ink design that you can screen print onto an upcycled t-shirt, tote bag or other accessory.
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School Holiday Fun - Zentangle Design Drawing
Find your zen in this introductory Zentangle® drawing workshop. Zentangle® is the art of creating structured free hand patterns for the sake of art and mindfulness. Learn a range of tangle types, designs and techniques.
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Eastern Suburbs Cooperative Libraries - Studiosity Webinar
Studiosity is a free online tutoring service that provides easy, instant help with subjects including maths, English, science, research, study skills and resume writing from qualified tutors.
Find out how your library membership can give you and your family access to this educational service.
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Slam Your Poetry with Narcisa Nozica
Get your words out there in this performance poetry workshop. Learn the craft of writing performance poetry with impact from teacher Narcisa Nozica. She is the co-author of Slam Your Poetry: Write a Revolution.
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Future Ready - Careers in Science
Discover how your love of Chemistry, Physics or Biology can translate into a future career in Science. Let student and recruitment coordinators from the University of New South Wales share with you entry requirements and subject selection considerations for undergraduate study in the Sciences. This event was part of National Science Week.
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Comic Creations with Bernard Caleo
Create your own comic with Bernard Caleo. Start with warm-up drawings before making a comics page featuring two characters.
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Digital Escape Room: The Gamers Escape
Back by popular demand, another digital escape room has been created to celebrate International Games Week. This time you have been transported into an online game platform where you are currently trapped. You must complete all levels in order to escape and return back to reality.
Complete a series of family favourite games and trivia to level up and make your escape.
Click on the link below to enter and start the game.
Enter the Digital Escape Room
The Digital Escape Room experience is best enjoyed via desktop computer or laptop rather than a tablet or mobile device.
Digital Escape Room: Woollahra Libraries
Everyone loves the challenge of an Escape Room. We have created our own digital Escape Room that you can access at any time, from the comfort of your own home.
You have found yourself to be locked up in the Library. Follow the clues to make your great escape - in our very own Woollahra Libraries Digital Escape Room, created by our Library Programs Team. Click on the link below to enter....if you dare!
Enter the Digital Escape Room
The Digital Escape Room Experience is best enjoyed via desktop computer or laptop rather than a tablet or mobile device.
Suitable for all ages.
Dame Joan Sutherland OM, AC, DBE Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Dame Sutherland OM, AC, DBE at 115 Queen Street, Woollahra.
Captain William Dumaresq Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Captain William Dumaresq at 794 New South Head Road, Rose Bay.
Discover Your Local History: National Family History Month 2021 - Searching for Little Dorrit: family history discoveries from 19th century London to NSW
Ruth Graham, CEO of the Society of Australian Genealogists, provides an insight into researching UK-based ancestors through the discovery of her London heritage. Ruth discusses a range of sources including the Charles Booth poverty maps, and reveals the experience of seeking a Dickens link on the former site of the Marshalsea prison.
The Beatles Concerts at the Sydney Stadium Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque commemorating the Beatles concerts at the Sydney Stadium in June 1964 at the corner of Neild Avenue and New South Head Road, Paddington
Jessie, Lady Street Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque to honour Jessie, Lady Street on the footpath near 2 Greenoaks Avenue, Darling Point.
Local History Visual Tour: Cooper Park
A visual tour of Cooper Park and some of its heritage, filmed between 2019 and 2020. The tour pairs contemporary views with historic images from the Woollahra Libraries Digital Archive.
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Edward Albert 'Douglas' Watson Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque to honour Edward Albert 'Douglas' Watson at 39 Etham Avenue, Darling Point.
Alan Stuart Morris Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque to honour Alan Morris, co-founder of the Mojo advertising agency, at 120 1/2 Underwood Street, Paddington.
Montague Alfred (Monty) Noble Plaque Unveiling
The unveiling of a plaque to honour Montague Alfred (Monty) Noble at Trumper Park Oval, Paddington.
Discover Your Local History - Frank Hurley: a photographer's extraordinary life
Frank Hurley’s biographer, Alasdair McGregor, shares his insight into an extraordinary life. Hurley roamed the world as adventurer, photographer and film-maker but found sanctuary in creating magnificent gardens - two of them in our local area.
A plaque was unveiled marking the life and achievements of Frank Hurley in 2019 as part of the Woollahra Council Plaque Scheme.
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Local History Session - Upgraded TROVE - What is it good for?
Explore the power of the National Library of Australia’s TROVE. Browse through a vast collection of digital copies of newspapers, photographs, manuscripts and more. Learn how to plan your search and use narrow keyword searches. This event was part of History Week 2020.
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Small Business Month: Service NSW for Business Webinar
Staff from Service NSW for Business provide an overview of their services. The ‘one front door’ for business owners to access NSW government services, information, advisory and financial support.
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Tech Bites: Digitising Your Photos & Videos
Learn tips to help you digitise your hard copy photos and home movies to both protect and share them.
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Tech Bites: Online Streaming & Podcasts
An introduction to the world of online streaming and podcasts. Learn more about Beamafilm, a free film streaming service you have access to via your Woollahra Libraries membership.
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Watercolour Painting for Beginners Workshop
Join artist and Sydney Art School tutor, Krista Brennan, as she guides you through the art of painting with watercolours. Practice different techniques, experiment with colours and create your own artwork in this hands-on workshop.
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Tech Bites: Storing Your Digital Photos
Learn how you can use Google Photos, Apple Photos and iCloud to manage and access all your photos without taking up too much storage space on your devices.
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Tea Topics - Tai Chi Workshop
Practice introductory Tai Chi at home with a qualified teacher from Sydney Vision Tai Chi Qi Gong Health, who shares the benefits of this ancient form of Chinese exercise.
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Tea Topics - Tai Chi Workshop: 2nd session
Engage the body and mind through a Tai Chi class. Join a qualified teacher from Sydney Vision Tai Chi Qi Gong Health as they share the benefits of this ancient form of Chinese exercise. Then get active as you partake in an introductory Tai Chi session.
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Living Well with Dementia
Presented by the Woollahra Dementia Alliance, in this webinar Theresa Flavin shares her story and provides insights into what it takes to live well with dementia, in a dementia-friendly community.
The panel of speakers also includes: Joanne Jankelowitz, Chair of the Woollahra Dementia Alliance; Dr Allan Shell, Academic GP in Aged Care and Dementia at UNSW; and Wendy Francis, Manager Services for Older People, Holdsworth Community. They discuss an overview of dementia, barriers to diagnosis, and supports and services available for people living with dementia and their carers.