EASTER SATURDAY
2024-03-30 | NSW

EASTER SUNDAY
2024-03-31 | NSW

Challenging Walk – Bondi to Coogee Beach & Return *Note this walk has been recently changed*
2024-04-02 09:45 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Bondi Pavillion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026
An iconic cliff top coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee beach. It features stunning views of beaches, parks and bays. We will start from the Pavilion at Bondi Beach and return there post lunch at Clovelly Beach. This walk is approximately 12kms (6kms each way) and will take approximately 4 hours plus lunch. It’s an exposed walk with several areas with steps. You must not be carrying any injuries and be able to walk consistently at a moderate pace. Please bring a hat, water, morning tea.
DATE: Tuesday 2 April 2024
TIME: 9.45am – 2:45pm (includes lunch time)
VENUE: Bondi Pavillion steps at 9.45am
COST: Lunch at attendees at the Sea Salt Cafe at Clovelly
RSVP TO: Email: SWICchallengewalk@gmail.com.
LEADERS: Sue Jamieson – Mobile 0488170285 and Thana Sivaganam – Mobile 0432553338 Please make sure you contact one of the leadersvia mobile if your plans change and you are unable to attend. This will prevent any delays in starting the walk.
RSVP BY: Thursday 28 March 2024
TRANSPORT: There is paid parking at Bondi Beach or free parking in the backstreets. The 380 and 333 buses leave the city from Elizabeth Street next to Hyde Park and go to Bondi Beach. The Eastern Suburbs train line reaches Bondi Junction from Central, Town Hall and Martin Place. Then change for a 380 or 333 bus to Bondi Beach which is a 15-minute ride.

Evening Book Group
2024-04-08 17:30 - 20:00 | Imperial Hotel, Paddington, 252 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW, 2010, Australia
The Evening Book Group meets on the first Monday of the month, in the evening, and is for members who may be working or have daytime commitments. It is intended to be more social than academic and members meet in a central location. The reading list differs from that of the Tuesday book group. See the Noticeboard for the 2024 Evening Book Group Reading List.
DATE: First Monday of the month
TIME: 5.30pm to 8.00pm (book discussion will start around 6.00pm)
VENUE: The Imperial Hotel, 252 Oxford St, Paddington https://www.imperialhotelpaddington.com.au
COST: Pay for your own drinks (and food if you wish to eat)
TRANSPORT:
By Bus: From the city you can take the multiple bus routes which all stop opposite in Oxford Street
By Car: Parking
Street parking is readily available
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact the Convenor, Caroline Frangopoulos, at swiceveningbookclub@gmail.com or cmfrangopoulos@gmail.com

North Shore Evening Book Club - Note changed dates
2024-04-09 17:30 - 19:30 | The Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Cres, Lavender Bay, Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia
The SWIC North Shore Evening Book Club invites SWIC members to join them in 2024.
The previously advertised dates have had to change to those below due to The Kirribilli Club now being closed on Mondays.
It will now be held on the first Tuesday of the month (except in March and April – as per below).
5.30pm – 7.30pm at the Kirribilli club.
Food at own cost.
If anyone is interested in joining this group, please send an email to jill.mclean@jarie.com.au
Confirmation of attendance is required for each week as per other groups.
The book list until June 2024:

Date
Book
Author

Tuesday 9 April
Still
Matt Nable

Tuesday 7 May
Wrong Place Wrong Time
Gillian Mcallister

Tuesday 4 June
Restless Dolly Maunder
Kate Grenville

Explore Sydney Walk – Narrabeen Lake
2024-04-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Narrabeen Lagoon, Narrabeen, Sydney, NSW, 2101, Australia
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a nice, flat and easy 8 km walk surrounded by beautiful bushland, mangroves and parklands.
We will meet at 10am at the Narrabeen B1-B-Line Bus stop. If you are coming by car, you can park in the parking just behind the bus stop. It will take us about two hours to do the loop around the lake, home to nearly 200 species of birds.
Then, we’ll have lunch in a cafe or at one of the restaurants on the lake. Please could you let us know if you would like to stay for lunch as we may need to book a table.
DATE: Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
TIME: 10 am – 12 pm
MEETING POINT: Narrabeen B1-BLine bus stop.
COST: Lunch in a cafe on the lake at your own expense.
RSVP TO: Corinne Drouin via email only on swicdiscoversydneywalks@gmail.com
RSVP BY: Monday, 8 April 2024
TRANSPORT: By bus B1-BLine (Narrabeen stop on Pittwater Road) or by car (easy to park at Narrabeen Lake just behind the B1-BLine bus stop).

SWIC Theatre Group – 13 April 2024 – ‘Into the Shimmering World’ – Wharf 1 Theatre (STC)
2024-04-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
A poetic Australian story of love, renewal and living on the land, starring Kerry Armstrong and Colin Friels
By Angus Cerini
Directed by Paige Rattray
The full force of nature
From the monumental playwriting talents of 2020 Patrick White Playwrights Fellow, Angus Cerini (The Bleeding Tree, Wonnangatta), comes this epic and poetic story of love, loss and renewal.
Stage and screen legends Colin Friels and Kerry Armstrong play Ray and Floss, a farming couple who have lived off the land their entire adult lives. Through boom times and bust, they’ve been each other’s support and constant companion. But at the tail end of a once-in-a-generation drought, both are on the precipice of earth-shattering change and transformation.
Into the Shimmering World will beguile audiences with its gothic and dreamlike take on the Australian landscape, its lush and musical language, and its powerful exploration of the depths of our national psyche.
STC Director of New Work and Artistic Development Paige Rattray (Do not go gentle…) will premiere this new Australian masterpiece in the glorious expanse of an extended Wharf 1 Theatre, in a production that is set to be a rich evocation of the mysteries of the natural world and a lyrical look at humanity’s changing relationship to it.
What awaits Ray and Floss when the drought finally breaks?
Approx. duration 90 mins (no interval)
Content Infrequent strong language, references to self-harm, and gunshots.
DATE: Saturday 13 April 2024
TIME: 7.30pm
VENUE: Wharf 1 Theatre (Sydney Theatre Company), Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney 2000
Theatre Group Co-Convenors, Cherry Spoor and Judith Nguyen, have purchased seats P11 and P12
To buy your tickets contact the Box Office on 9250 177 or email boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au
PRE-THEATRE DRINKS/SNACKS (Optional): There will also be the option to join us for pre-theatre drinks/small food or boards at The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf. Please advise if you are interested in participating.
RSVP TO: Judith Nguyen at judith.m.nguyen@gmail.com
RSVP BY: 5 April 2024 as we will need to book a table
*************************************************
THEATRE GROUP – Looking Ahead in 2024

Date & Day
Play
Type
Theatre

Time
Seats (Convenors)

16 May (Thursday)
The President
A Sydney/Dublin co-production of 20th C political drama
Roslyn Packer Theatre (STC)
7.30pm

C32, C33

1 June (Saturday)
Never Closer (MATINEE)
Irish Australian Contemporary Drama
Belvoir Street Theatre
2.00pm
J15, J16

28 July (Sunday)
Uncle Vanya (MATINEE)
Chekhov’s Tragicomedy
Ensemble Theatre

5.00pm

F44, F45

17 August (Saturday)
The Turn of the Screw (MATINEE)
Opera by Benjamin Britten after a story by Henry James
Hayes Theatre Company
2.00pm
G7, G8

19 September (Thursday)
Colder Than Here (MATINEE)
Offbeat Comedy
Ensemble Theatre
6.15pm
C41, C42

5 October (Saturday)
Seventeen (MATINEE)
Contemporary Drama
Seymour Centre
2.00pm
E7, E8

30 November (Saturday)
The Heartbreak Choir (MATINEE)
Life-affirming Comedy
Ensemble Theatre
2.00pm
E10, E11

December (Date TBA)
Sweat (MATINEE)
New American theatre by twice Pulitzer-winning playwright Lyn Nottage
Wharf 1 Theatre (STC)
6.30pm
J15, J16

Special Event - Sunday Lunch at Watson's Bay
2024-04-14 11:55 - 16:00 | Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel, Military Rd, Watson's Bay, NSW, Australia
Join us for a relaxing ferry ride from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay.
For those interested and able, a short walk up to the Gap to enjoy the views, then lunch at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
DATE: Sunday April 14 2024
TIME: Meet at Wharf 6 Ferry at 11:55 arrive 12.25
WALK: From Ferry to the Gap
LUNCH: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel 13:30
Everyone to pay for their own transport and lunch
Places limited, first come first served. Partners welcome.
RSVP Date: Tuesday 9 April 2024
RSVP to: Jill McLean jill.mclean@jarie.com.au

Art and Culture - SWIC Private Tour Art Gallery NSW - Celebrating 24th Biennale of Sydney (Waitlist)
2024-04-16 09:30 - 11:00 | Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Dear Art and Culture Enthusiasts,
Join us for our second Art and Culture Event celebrating the 24th Biennale of Sydney. On this occasion we explore the ‘Ten Thousand Suns’ exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales with our own AGNSW Experienced Lead Guides. This exhibition brings First Nations understandings of the cosmos to the fore, and celebrates carnival traditions, such as music, dance and regalia.
DATE: Tuesday 16 April 2024
TIME: 9.30am -11am (approximately)
VENUE: Art Gallery of NSW, on Gadigal Country-South Building Art Gallery Road The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000.
MEETING PLACE: Outside the main entrance to old South Building Art Gallery NSW at 9.20am. Please note: Late Arrivals: Admission cannot be guaranteed outside of scheduled booking time.
COST: $15 (Special SWIC Price)
RSVP TO Kay Nicholas Email: kay.k.nicholas@gmail.com with your name and mobile phone number.
RSVP BY: 9 April 2024. Please note that it is advisable to RSVP early as this event has a maximum of 30 members. When the event is full, we will go to ‘Waitlist’. Do not pay until your place is confirmed. We will always endeavour to get back within 24 hours. If you have not heard back, please SMS: Kay Nicholas MOB. 0438469044
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 062-005
Account No: 11889493
Description: Event + your initial and surname
TRANSPORT: The NSW Art Gallery is located on the Eastern side of Sydney’s CBD, next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain, just down the road from St Mary’s Cathedral. The Art Gallery is approximately a 5-minute walk from Macquarie Street, across the Domain, or from Hyde Park. Public transit access: St James rail (15-minute walk); Martin Place rail (20-minute walk.

Ladies Night Out
2024-04-16 17:50 - 19:30 | Golden Sheaf Hotel, 429 New South Head Road, Double Bay, Sydney, NSW, 2028, Australia
A fun evening to share drinks and food together
DATE: Tuesday 16 April 2024
TIME: 5.50pm to 7.30 pm
VENUE: Golden Sheaf, 429 New South Head Road, Double Bay, Sydney
COST: Pay for your own drinks and food
RSVP TO: Sangeeta and Elaine
swicniteout@gmail.com
RSVP BY: Friday 12 April 2024
TRANSPORT: Bus from Town Hall or Edgecliff Station

Short Walk
2024-04-19 10:30 - 12:30 | Circular Quay, Sydney Cove, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Walk from Circular Quay, through the Rocks and Barangaroo to Darling Harbour
DATE: Friday 19 April 2024
TIME: 10.30am – 12.30pm
VENUE: Meeting details will be provided to participants closer to the event.
COST: Refreshments at member’s own expense
RSVP TO: cpowell40@live.com.au
RSVP BY: cob Thursday 18 April 2024

Sketchbook
2024-04-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Caffe Gigi, Circular Quay East, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
A social group meeting in scenic Sydney spots once a month – for a coffee, chat and an informal creative session. All levels and all art media are welcome. It’s a perfect platform to try new things or have a regular art session.
DATE: Tuesday 23 April 2024
TIME: 10.30am – 12.00pm
VENUE: Caffe Gigi, kiosk 1/14 Circular Quay East, Sydney 2000 NSW
COST: refreshments purchased by participants at own cost
RSVP TO: Maria Brookes, mkbrookes@outlook.com
RSVP BY: 21 April 2024
TRANSPORT: Buses, ferries, trains to Circular Quay. The meeting point is near Wharf 2.

Go Saturday - A Blueprint of Ruins
2024-04-27 14:00 - 16:00 | The White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW, 2008, Australia
A Blueprint of Ruins is a modern Chinese take on the urbanisation of China. Talented artist Hu Weiyi captivates his audience with work exploring the lonely lifeless streets and the haunting skyscrapers. Come join Go Saturday for this amazing experience.
DATE: Saturday the 27 April 2024
TIME: Start at 2pm
VENUE: White Rabbit Gallery
30 Balfour St, Chippendale, 2008 NSW
Phone
+61 2 8399 2867
COST: Free entry
RSVP TO: Sian Ware at sianware1@gmail.com or 0412 937 485
RSVP BY: By Tuesday the 23 April 2024
PAYMENT OPTIONS: N/A
TRANSPORT: Central Station is the nearest train.

Monthly Activity - Waverley Cemetery Walking Tour
2024-05-02 10:45 - 12:30 | Waverley Cemetery, St Thomas St, Bronte, Sydney, NSW, 2024, Australia
The Monthly activity for April will be held the first Thursday in May owing to the 5th Thursday of April being ANZAC Day.
The physical location of the Cemetery on the cliffs above Bronte is a magnificent background and setting. The Waverley Cemetery is a heritage-listed cemetery on top of the cliffs at Bronte in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Opened in 1877 and built by R. Watkins (cemetery lodge, 1878) and P. Beddie (cemetery office, 1915), the cemetery is noted for its largely intact Victorian and Edwardian monuments. It is regularly cited as being one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The cemetery contains the graves of many significant Australians including the poet Henry Lawson. Also known as General Cemetery Waverley.
Unfortunately, the topography is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. The tours which last 90 minutes are conducted by volunteers who are members of the Friends of Waverley Cemeteries. Waverley Cemetery is the resting place of over one hundred thousand people and every grave tells a story. Led by the Friends of Waverley Cemeteries, learn more about the prominent writers, artists, political figures, activists, and sporting heroes who are interred at the cemetery, in addition to the everyday folk whose unique stories are also shared.
We will visit Henry Lawson’s grave, Henry Kendall’s grave, the Irish Memorial to name just a few of the highlights.
Please bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. All contingencies allowed for!
It is advised that you wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour will be at least 90 minutes duration. You are advised to carry water. We will meet at the large white monument, which is near the administration building at the corner of St. Thomas and Trafalgar Streets.
If you have relatives interred in the cemetery and wish to locate them, visit Waverley Council Cemetery (nsw.gov.au) and search for the Looking for Loved Ones feature, which is quite easy to use.
DATE: Thursday 2 May 2024 at 11am
TIME: 10.45am for an 11.00am start
Finish: 12.30 pm: There is a choice of cafés for lunch nearby
MEET: We will meet our guide at the large white monument, which is near the administration building at the corner of St. Thomas and Trafalgar Streets.
COST: $25 per adult
RSVP TO: Caren Trafford: swic.activitymonthly@gmail.com . Please add your phone number and the name of the outing: Waverley Cemetery Walking Tour: May 24
Caren Trafford, Monthly Activity Organiser
RSVP BY: Friday 26th April 2024. Please include your mob number.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 062-005
Account No: 11889493
Description: Waverley Cemetery: Initial and surname
Further Details:
If you are travelling by bus, take the 378 bus from Railway Square, and alight at St. Thomas Street, Bronte.
Are you Taking the car? There is plenty of on street parking on Trafalgar St and St Thomas Street.

Classical Music Group
2024-05-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will play ‘A Musical Tempest’ by Sibelius, Purcell and Tchaikovsky with unique performance of legendary Australian actor John Bell reading excepts from Shakespeare play The Tempest. Great words meet great music !
We will meet in the Opera House foyer for free tea/coffee from 10am, then after the concert some members like to meet for lunch at ‘House Canteen’ just under the building.
Tickets can be bought at box office at Opera House ( ph 9250 7777) or Sydney Symphony Orchestra box office ( 8215 4600) or online.
Please let Grace, Classical Music Group convenor, know if you are attending so she can look for you in foyer – Mobile 0434 170 030.

Date & Day
Concert
Theatre
Time
Grace’s seat

Friday
(3 May)
A Musical Tempest – Purcell, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky with actor John Bell
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House
11.00am – 12md
Box Y – 65

Thursday
(June 6)
Ravel, Brahms, Schoenberg and John Adams, under young German conductor Anja Bilhmaier.
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House
1.30pm – 3.30pm

Thursday
(8 August))
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Box E -37

Friday
(18 October)
Gershwin, Stravinsky, Ravel
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House
11.00am – 12md
Box Y – 65

Friday
(8 November)
Mozart’s Symphony No.41
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House
11.00am – 12md
Box E – 51

Thursday
(28 November)
Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Box Y – 65

North Shore Evening Book Club - Note changed dates
2024-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 | The Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Cres, Lavender Bay, Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia
The SWIC North Shore Evening Book Club invites SWIC members to join them in 2024.
The previously advertised dates have had to change to those below due to The Kirribilli Club now being closed on Mondays.
It will now be held on the first Tuesday of the month (except in March and April – as per below).
5.30pm – 7.30pm at the Kirribilli club.
Food at own cost.
If anyone is interested in joining this group, please send an email to jill.mclean@jarie.com.au
Confirmation of attendance is required for each week as per other groups.
The book list until June 2024:

Date
Book
Author

Tuesday 7 May
Wrong Place Wrong Time
Gillian McAllister

Tuesday 4 June
Restless Dolly Maunder
Kate Grenville

Spanish Conversation - Note change of date for May
2024-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Mosman Library, 605 Military Road, Mosman, Sydney, NSW, 2088, Australia
Join the conversation over a cup of coffee, aimed at those who want to practise their Spanish and those who enjoy staying in touch with their mother tongue. Meeting on Monday 13 May from 10.00am – 12.00pm.
If you’d like to join the Spanish Conversation group contact Luz Losada at lalosada01@hotmail.com or on mobile 0412 024 364
DATE: Third Monday of the month – except for May 2024 where it will be second Monday.
TIME: 10.00am – 12.00pm
VENUE: Mosman Library, Study Room, 605 Military Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
COST: Participants pay for their own choice of refreshment
RSVP TO: Luz Losada at lalosada01@hotmail.com or on mobile 0412 024 364
RSVP BY: Wednesday prior
TRANSPORT: Bus – several buses go along Military Rd from the city and Milson’s Point. Car – there are 2-hour parking spots at the Mosman Library which is behind the Cafe

Meet n Eat - Sri Lankan Luncheon (Full - Waitlist)
2024-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Home of Judi Ludowyke, 5/11-15 Young St, Paddington, NSW, 2021, Australia
This new SWIC activity will include Ad Hoc lunches/ tours / ? Cooking demos/ Pubs
This will not be a monthly event and will be on the Calendar when a member organizes a lunch or tour.
The inaugural lunch will be: –
DATE: Thursday 16 May 2024
EVENT: Morning will commence around 10.15 with a hands on SRI LANKAN LUNCHEON cooking lesson.
We will prepare a meat dish – probably chicken (let Judi know if any issues with diet) and a number of sambols and vegetable dishes to accompany the meal,
maybe toss in an apron in case you get a grubby chore.
Around about (weather permitting) 11.30 we will enjoy a walk around the Paddington area, so flat shoes good idea,
We will then dine on our work…probably about 12.30
TIME: 10.00am – 3.00pm

VENUE: Home of Judi Ludowyke – 5/11-15 Young Street Paddington
COST: $15.00 to be paid on the day in cash
RSVP: Email to Judi Ludowyke – jludowyke@hotmail.com to book. Limit is 8 people

TRANSPORT:
public transport either 389 or 333 or parking available

Theatre Group – ‘The President’ at Roslyn Packer Theatre (STC)
2024-05-16 19:30 - 22:00 | Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
By Thomas Bernhard
Translated by Gitta Honegger
Directed by Tom Creed
A theatrical masterpiece performed by two icons
Hugo Weaving returns to the stage, joined by one of Ireland’s greatest actors, Olwen Fouéré (Terminus). In a first-time co-production, Sydney Theatre Company will join forces with the renowned Gate Theatre, Dublin to mount this genius piece of 20th Century playwriting.
Weaving and Fouéré play the President and First Lady of a small, unnamed country, whose regime is under siege. Despite a revolution brewing right outside their front door, the couple seem frozen in time. What follows is a mysterious trip into a complicated marriage and an unravelling political system.
At the helm is Tom Creed, the award-winning Irish director behind critically-lauded productions at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Barbican Centre in London, and The Public Theatre in New York City. With a creative team featuring world-class Australian talent, Creed will bring this searingly relevant story of ambition, power and change to an Australian audience for the very first time.
Along with these two titans of acting, we are in for an extraordinary night of theatre.
Approx. duration 2 hrs 20 mins (including interval)
Content Adult themes and smoking
DATE: Thursday 16 May 2024
TIME: 7.30pm
VENUE: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay NSW 2000
TICKETS: To buy your tickets visit www.sydneytheatrecompany.com
Judith and Cherry have purchased seats C22 and C33
PRE-THEATRE DRINKS/SNACKS (Optional): There will also be the option to join us for pre-theatre drinks/small food or boards at ‘The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf’. Please advise if you are interested in participating.
RSVP TO: Judith Nguyen at nguyenjm@bigpond.net.au by 6 May 2024
*************************************************
THEATRE GROUP – Looking Ahead in 2024
To enable you to plan your diary, below are the dates and selected plays for Theatre Group for the remainder of 2024. Newcomers to SWIC are very welcome – if you need help with booking or have any queries please contact Judith Nguyen at judith.m.nguyen@gmail.com or Cherry Spoor at bungalowbrennan@yahoo.com
SWIC Theatre Group Program 2024

Date & Day
Play
Type
Theatre
Time
Seats (Convenors)

1 June (Saturday)
Never Closer (MATINEE)
Irish Australian Contemporary Drama
Belvoir Street Theatre
2.00pm
J15, J16

28 July (Sunday)
Uncle Vanya (MATINEE)
Chekhov’s Tragicomedy
Ensemble Theatre
5.00pm
F44, F45

17 August (Saturday)
The Turn of the Screw (MATINEE)
Opera by Benjamin Britten after a story by Henry James
Hayes Theatre Company

2.00pm

G7, G8

19 Sept (Thursday)
Colder Than Here (MATINEE)
Offbeat Comedy
Ensemble Theatre
6.15pm
C41, C42

5 October (Saturday)
Seventeen (MATINEE)
Contemporary Drama
Seymour Centre
2.00pm
E7, E8

30 Nov (Saturday)
The Heartbreak Choir (MATINEE)
Life-affirming Comedy
Ensemble Theatre

2.00pm

E10, E11

3 Dec (Tuesday)
Sweat (MATINEE)
New American theatre by twice Pulitzer-winning playwright Lyn Nottage
Wharf 1 Theatre (STC)

6.30pm

K5, K6

Rummikub / Canasta EAST
2024-05-17 11:30 - 14:30 | Rose Bay Club, 1 Vickery Avenue, Rose Bay, NSW, Australia
Rummikub and Canasta are a lot of fun to play and easy to learn. Beginners are welcome and there is no need to bring your own game. There is the possibility of lunch and light refreshments.
DATE: 3rd Friday of each month
TIME: 11.30am – 2.30pm
VENUE: Club Rose bay, 1 Vickery Avenue, Rose bay
COST: Refreshments at members cost
RSVP TO: Lynette Sanchez / Maureen Trost-Black
Lynette Sanchez – ph 0418220605 lynettesanchez1@icloud.com
Maureen Trost-Black – ph text 0455373802 or trostblack@hotmail.com
RSVP BY: Thursday prior to the Friday game
TRANSPORT: Parking is available near the Rose Bay Club
Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. Buses run past the club.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
2024-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Cammeray Golf Club, Park Avenue, Cremorne, NSW, Australia
A fundraiser as part of the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea campaign, and a chance to meet up with old SWIC friends and meet new members.
There is an opportunity to invite non-member friends to this event in support of cancer research, which can change the lives of people with cancer and their family.
DATE: Monday 20 May 2024
TIME: 10am – 12 noon
VENUE: Cammeray Golf Club, Park Avenue, Cremorne 2090.
COST: $25 to be paid with the RSVP. All SWIC’s Biggest Morning Tea payments will be handled online. Your payment of $25 is the entry ticket to the event.
Please feel free to make any additional donation payment as this is our major fundraiser.
RSVP TO: Judy King at famking@bigpond.com
RSVP BY: Monday 13 May 2024
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Please note new SWIC bank account details below – from September 2023
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 062-005
Account No: 11889493
Description: Event + your initial and surname
TRANSPORT: Plenty of parking in the street or at the Golf Club.
Buses from City (Wynyard)
Catch 172X or 173X to Neutral Bay Junction bus stop (one stop). Advise not to catch B1 as this goes to another bus stop much further down Military Road. Follow directions below (flat 10 minute walk)
Buses from Spit Junction
Catch 172X, 173X, 100 or 144 to Neutral Bay Junction (number of stops depends on bus taken). Advise not to catch B1 as this goes to another bus stop much further down Military Road. Follow directions below (flat 11 minute walk).

Art and Culture - Visit to White Bay Power Station - FULL - Waitlist
2024-05-21 11:00 - 12:15 | White Bay Power Station, Robert St, Rozelle, NSW, 2039, Australia
Dear Art and Culture Enthusiasts,
Please join us on a visit to White Bay Power Station – the longest serving Sydney power station. It was constructed between 1912 and 1917 to power Sydney’s tram system and later, its rail network.
Placemaking NSW has undertaken extensive remediation and conservation works to repurpose White Bay Power Station as an art, cultural and community hub. The Power Station is significant as it is the only one retaining machinery and equipment from before the 1950s, demonstrating the process of electricity production and its use throughout Sydney’s extensive rail network. It is listed on the NSW State Heritage, National Trust of Australia and National Estate registers. The refurbished Powerhouse opened on 8 March 24 with a spectacular evening event to celebrate its inaugural exhibition as one of the hosts of the 24 Sydney Biennale.
We will explore White Bay Power Station’s historic Turbine Hall and Boiler House while enjoying an Art Tour of some of the exhibits from the 24 Biennale of Sydney. Aesthetically, White Bay Power Station contains internal and external spaces of exceptional significance. These spaces include raw industrial spaces of scale, quality and configuration which are becoming increasingly rare, and which inspire visitors and users alike. Externally, it is a widely recognised and highly visible landmark, marking the head of White Bay and the southern entry to the Balmain Peninsula and its industrial waterfront. It retains a powerful physical presence and industrial aesthetic and is the most important surviving industrial building in NSW.
Following the tour members are free to explore the site. There is a Café for those wishing to enjoy a casual lunch or a coffee. Shuttle buses return every 15 minutes to The Queen Victoria Building.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
The stretch of Country now known as Bays West has been known for millennia as Gari Gurad/Nura (Saltwater Country) and Nattai Gurad/Nura (Freshwater Country).
DATE: Tuesday 21 May 2024
TIME: 11. 15am – 12.15pm (approximately)
VENUE: The White Bay Power Station
ADDRESS: Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039 Phone: (02) 9216 5700
MEETING PLACE: Outside the building at the seating area adjacent to the Tour Hub Van at 10.55am.
COST: $15.00 pp
RSVP TO: Alison Ross Email: arross@bigpond.net.au with your name and mobile phone number.
RSVP BY: 10 May 2024 It is advisable to RSVP early as this event has a maximum of 30 members. When the event is full, we will go to ‘Waitlist’. Do not pay until your place is confirmed. We will always endeavour to get back within 24 hours. If you have not heard back, please SMS: Alison Ross Mobile: 0405 541 921
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 062-005
Account No: 11889493
Description: Event + your initial and surname
TRANSPORT: There is no parking at The Power Station and extremely limited timed parking in surrounding streets.
Special Event Bus Route 443 run a shuttle between QVB and WBPS every 10 -15 minutes. The first bus leaves at 10.30am. Payment required. Journey takes approx. 10 minutes. Shuttle buses leave from Stand B York St outside the Queen Victoria Building to the Power Station. Drop off in the grounds of the Power Station is every 10 -15 minutes.
For further information on transport options please consult the White Bay Power Station website.

Ladies Night Out
2024-05-21 17:45 - 19:30 | Babylon Rooftop Bar, Level 7/188 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
A fun evening to share drinks and food together
DATE: Tuesday 21 May 2024
TIME: 5.50pm to 7.30 pm
VENUE: Babylon ,Level 7 Rooftop, Westfield Pitt Street Mall,
188 Pitt Street, CBD, Sydney
COST: Pay for your own drinks and food
RSVP TO: Sangeeta and Elaine
swicniteout@gmail.com
RSVP BY: Friday 17th May 2024
TRANSPORT: Walking distance from Wynyard /Townhall Station

Monthly Activity: Defence of Sydney Tour
2024-05-23 10:45 - 12:30 | North Fort, manly
Tour summary:
Established in 1936, North Fort is a remnant military complex at North Head Sanctuary in Manly.
Strategically placed at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, the fort was part of a defence system that spanned 300km of coastline during World War II.
The Defence of Sydney Tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will marvel at heritage gun emplacements, once capable of firing 26.4km, and descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex. Finally, our guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room. As you explore this facility, concealed within bushland, you’ll hear how our specialist volunteers faithfully restored it.
Tour Conditions

The 90-minute North Fort tour includes paved bush tracks, stairs, and approx. 20 minutes in underground tunnels, and in another 20 minutes in the underground Plotting Room. Please note, access to and from the tunnels and plotting room are accessed by stairs (approximately the equivalent of two flights of stairs).
There is no access for mobility devices in the underground tunnels.
The tour will proceed regardless of weather. Please wear suitable walking shoes.
Groups must comply with all directions of the guides who have the duty of care to determine if any of the group is not mobile enough to participate in the tunnel section of the tour.
A good level of fitness and mobility is essential for participants to enjoy this tour.

DATE: Thursday 23 May 2024

TIME: 10.45am for an 11.00am start
Finish: 12.30 pm, Lunch /Coffee Spot at the Bella Vista Manly, which is located inside the Heritage Listed North Fort Building at the picturesque North Head Sanctuary overlooking the majestic views of the Sydney Harbour. Bella Vista brings together a fresh and healthy brekkie, our own coffee blend and delicious flavours of homemade traditional and modern Italian cuisine. Bella Vista is the perfect escape from busy city life residing in the serene and majestic North Head National Park surrounded by beautiful wildlife and flora.
MEET: Location

North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre (located in the North Fort precinct), North Head Scenic Drive, Manly. Click here for location on Google Maps.

COST: $11 per adult/$8 per senior (over 60) – please let me know which category you are paying for when you send me a copy of your receipt.
Guide: Barry!
RSVP TO: Caren Trafford: swic.activitymonthly@gmail.com . Please add your phone number and the name of the outing: Defence of Sydney: May 24
Caren Trafford, Monthly Activity Organiser
RSVP BY: 18 May 2024. Please include your mob number.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 062-005
Account No: 11889493
Description: Defence of Sydney: Initial and surname

Go Saturday - Powerhouse Castle Hill
2024-05-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Powerhouse Castle Hill, 172 Showground Rd, Castle Hill, NSW, 2154, Australia
It’s time to explore the latest addition to the Powerhouse Museums. The wondrous exhibition exploring Indigenous creations Alchemy allows us to witness all the knowledge and expertise which goes into the craft of dyeing natural fibres. Additionally, there are over 500 000 museum pieces from history, science, technology, design, music, transport and space exploration.
DATE: Saturday 25 May 2024
TIME: 2:00pm- 4:00pm.
VENUE: Powerhouse Castle Hill
172 Showground Rd
Castle Hill NSW 2154
https://powerhouse.com.au/visit/castle-hill
Phone: (02) 9217 0222
COST: Free entry
RSVP TO: Sian Ware 0412 937 485 or email: sianware1@gmail.com
RSVP BY: Tuesday 21 May.
PAYMENT OPTIONS: N/A
TRANSPORT: Car is most convenient. Closest station is Hills Showground Metro Station. Bus routes 601, 626, 633 and 651 run throughout the day from Hills Showground to the TAFE, Green. Parking available onsite but is limited; more parking available vis TAFE entrance on Green Road.

Sketchbook
2024-05-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Cafe BTB Kirribilli, 2 Ennis Rd, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061, Australia
A social group meeting in scenic Sydney spots once a month – for a coffee, chat and an informal creative session. All levels and all art media are welcome. It’s a perfect platform to try new things or have a regular art session.
DATE: Tuesday 28 May 2024
TIME: 10.30am – 12.00pm
VENUE: Cafe BTB Kirribilli, 2 Ennis road Kirribilli 2061 NSW
(Cafe located next to Milsons Point train station)
Weather permitting, after coffee we will walk to the water front for sketching
COST: refreshments purchased by participants at own cost
RSVP TO: Maria Brookes, mkbrookes@outlook.com
RSVP BY: 26 May 2024
TRANSPORT: Buses, ferries, trains to Milsons Point station.

German Cakes and Coffee
2024-05-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Home of Anne-Marie Giles, 26 Yaralla St, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
Come and join us for this new activity for homemade German cake and good coffee. No need to be able to speak German.
Date: Tuesday 28 May 2024
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Venue: Anne Giles Home, 26 Yaralla Street, Newtown NSW 2042, M 0432162583, annemarie.eitler@gmail.com
Cost: $5 dollar pay cash at venue
RSVP: Anne Giles, Mobile 0432 162 583, email annemarie.eitler@gmail.com
RSVP BY: 24 May 2024
Transport: Bus from the city 423, 426, 430 stop King Street after Queen Street near IGA
Train: Macdonaltown or Newtown
Car: very limited street parking

EXPLORE SYDNEY WALK - Ferry to Parramatta and Old Government House visit - Note change of date
2024-05-30 08:50 - 14:00 | Circular Quay, Sydney Cove, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
This month we will be doing a long and nice ferry ride, from Circular Quay to Parramatta River Cat Terminal. We will leave circular Quay at 9.07 from wharf 5. It is a 90 minute journey on Parramatta River. Then, from the River Cat Terminal, we’ll walk along the Riverside Walk for about 20 minutes to arrive to the Old Governor House, Australia oldest public building. We’ll visit this elegant building and be transported back to the time of Governor Macquarie (1810-1821). After the visit, we’ll walk to Parramatta downtown where we can still see heritage-listed buildings. We’ll have lunch next to Parramatta station and come back to the city by train.
DATE: Thursday 30 May 2024.
TIME: 9 am – 2pm
MEETING POINT: Circular Quay Wharf 5 at 8.50am to take the F3 River Cat leaving at 9.07
COST: 15$ for the Governor house visit (you’ll pay at the entrance) + lunch in a cafe at your own expense.
RSVP TO: Corinne Drouin and Anna Weaving via email only on swicdiscoversydneywalks@gmail.com
RSVP BY: Monday 27 May 2024

Theatre Group – ‘Never Closer’
2024-06-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
Written by Grace Chapple
Directed by Hannah Goodwin
Northern Ireland, 1987. Deirdre is stuck – between arguments, nations, and the lives she almost lived. But when her old schoolfriends gather in her kitchen yet again for Christmas Eve, their growing differences push to the surface a powder-keg, waiting the tiniest spark. And then one of them turns up with her surprise fiancé.
He’s English.
Set against the backdrop of The Troubles, this brilliant debut play is an unforgettable drama of home, friends, the decision to leave or stay, and the possibility of forgiveness.
This is a chance to see a thoughtful, crafted new play by an Australian writing of her ancestral land. In six characters and a single room, Grace Chapple catches the tremors of a whole country and a whole time – with some striking resonances for here today. – Eamon
DATE: Saturday 1 June 2024
TIME: 2.00pm (MATINEE)
VENUE: Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
TICKETS: To buy your tickets visit www.belvoir.com.au, or ring the box office on 9699 3444
Theatre Group Co-Convenors, Cherry Spoor and Judith Nguyen, have purchased seats J15 and J16
PRE-PERFORMANCE (Optional): You are welcome to join Co-Convenors Judith and Cherry for a casual lunch at 12 noon at Mai Viet, an Asian/Vietnamese restaurant at 279 Cleveland Street, Redfern. It is a short walk from Belvoir Street Theatre.
RSVP TO: Cherry Spoor at bungelobrennan@yahoo.com
RSVP BY: 25 May 2024 as we will need to book a table
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THEATRE GROUP – Looking Ahead in 2024
To enable you to plan your diary, below are the dates and selected plays for Theatre Group for the remainder of 2024. Newcomers to SWIC are very welcome – if you need help with booking or have any queries please contact Judith Nguyen at judith.m.nguyen@gmail.com or Cherry Spoor at bungalowbrennan@yahoo.com

Date & Day
Play
Type
Theatre
Time
Seats (Convenors)

28 July (Sunday)
Uncle Vanya (MATINEE)
Chekhov’s Tragicomedy
Ensemble Theatre
5.00pm
F44, F45

17 August (Saturday)
The Turn of the Screw (MATINEE)
Opera by Benjamin Britten after a story by Henry James
Hayes Theatre Company

2.00pm

G7, G8

19 Sept (Thursday)
Colder Than Here (MATINEE)
Offbeat Comedy
Ensemble Theatre
6.15pm
C41, C42

5 October (Saturday)
Seventeen (MATINEE)
Contemporary Drama
Seymour Centre
2.00pm
E7, E8

30 Nov (Saturday)
The Heartbreak Choir (MATINEE)
Life-affirming Comedy
Ensemble Theatre

2.00pm

E10, E11

3 Dec (Tuesday)
Sweat (MATINEE)
New American theatre by twice Pulitzer-winning playwright Lyn Nottage
Wharf 1 Theatre (STC)

6.30pm

K5, K6

Challenging Walk – Collaroy to Manly - Note change of date
2024-06-04 09:30 - 12:30 | Collaroy Beach, Pittwater Road, Collaroy, Sydney, NSW, 2097, Australia
A spectacular coastal walk that starts at Collaroy Beach, continues along Long Reef, Dee Why Beach, Curl Curl Beach, Freshwater Beach and finishes at Manly Beach. It is approximately 11km in length and should take just over 3 hours to complete. The walk is exposed, has some stairs and we’ll walk on the beach. You must not be carrying any injuries and be able to walk consistently at a moderate pace. Please bring a hat, water and morning tea
DATE: Tuesday 4 June
TIME: 9:30-12:30 walking followed by lunch at Manly
VENUE: Meet at Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club
COST: Lunch at your own expense
RSVP TO: SWICchallengewalk@gmail.com
RSPV BY: Thursday 30 May
LEADER: Sue Jamieson
TRANSPORT: B1-B-Line bus to Collaroy leaves from Wynyard (Carrington St, Stand B). You can return to the city via the Manly ferry. If driving to Collaroy, you can return there via the 199 bus that goes from Manly to Palm Beach
