Community groups
Get involved to have your say
Residents and local business operators wanting to have a say about issues affecting their local area, such as traffic and transport, parks and services, and other city developments, have a range of community groups available to join.
Each group varies in its make up and its aims and objectives, but they all provide an essential link between the City of Sydney and the communities it serves. Joining a local group also provides an opportunity to meet your neighbours and share experiences.
To include a new community group or to change an existing listing on this page please contact:
Lyn Black
City Conversations Coordinator
02 9265 9780lblack@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
2011 Residents' Association
The 2011 Residents' Association Inc was established over 20 years ago to promote residential amenity for people living within the 2011 postcode of Kings Cross, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay and Woolloomooloo – one of the most densely populated areas of Australia.
It meets on the first Monday of each month (except public holidays) at 7pm in the Greenknowe Room at the Rex Centre, Macleay Street, Potts Point.
Contacts
Convenor: Helen Crossing
Committee members: Ruth Walker, Jill McKay, Norman Thompson
Email: 2011rai@gmail.com
PO Box 183
Potts Point NSW 1335
Alexandria Residents' Action Group Inc
The Alexandria Residents' Action Group (ARAG) meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues impacting the local community and to initiate activities that create social, educational and environmental benefits for the suburb.
The group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 7pm at the Alexandria Town Hall, Garden Street, Alexandria. All residents, families, friends, local businesses, agencies and members of the local community are welcome to attend.
Contacts
Co-Convenor: Gary Speechley
Tel: 0407 014 879
Coordinator, Working Groups: Desley Haas
Tel: 0431 050 486
Email: info@ARAG.org.au
BIKESydney
BIKESydney is an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation that advocates to improve cycling opportunities in the City. It organises regular social rides and gatherings, and has many opportunities to become involved as a volunteer.
Contacts
President: David Borella
Tel: 02 8213 2437
Email: cityride@bikesydney.org
PO Box M59
Missenden Rd
Camperdown NSW 2050
Blackwattle Cove Coalition
The Blackwattle Cove Coalition (BCC) aims to work with the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Trust, the City and numerous state government agencies involved with the planning of Wentworth Park and the Blackwattle Bay foreshore area. Its membership is based on residents and business operators in the Glebe, Pyrmont and Ultimo areas, including representatives from other local community groups.
Contacts
Convenor: John Brooks
Tel: 02 9518 8730
Email: brooksjno@iprimus.com.au
C/- The Glebe Society
PO Box 100
Glebe NSW 2037
Centennial Park Residents' Association
The Centennial Park Residents' Association (CPRA) was established to represent and address the mutual interests and concerns of residents around Centennial Park who live in Martin, Robertson, Lang, Cook, Furber and Poate roads.
The CPRA comprises two representatives from each road and focuses on issues that impact the immediate area. The CPRA meets monthly or when required.
Contacts
Co-chairman: Peter Tzannes
Tel: 02 9663 3370
Email: ptzannes@ozemail.com.au
Co-chairman: Jo Topfer
Tel: 02 9663 4056
Secretary: Brenda Sambrook
Tel: 02 9663 2837
Chippendale Residents Interest Group
The Chippendale Residents Interest Group (CRIG) has been established for over 20 years. The group aims to address the interests and concerns of the local community, with a particular emphasis on preserving Chippendale and achieving better planning, heritage protection, open spaces and community facilities.
CRIG works closely with the East Chippendale Community Group, Friends of Carlton United Site (FoCUS) and it is also a member of City of Sydney Combined Resident Action Group (CityRAGs).
Contacts
Co-convenor: Jeanette Brokman
Tel: 0412 191 333
Co-convenor: David Pocklington
Email: chippendalecommunity@gmail.com
CityRAGS
CityRAGs was formed in August 2003 to be the central forum representing about 19 resident action and precinct community groups across the city area. While the group no longer meets formally, it can provide referral information for relevant groups in your immediate local area.
Contacts
Jill Yates
Tel: 02 9299 4211
Email: jill_yates@hotmail.com
City Central VIEW Club
The Smith Family established the VIEW Club to promote the voices, interests and education of women (VIEW). All proceeds generated from the club's activities are donated to The Smith Family.
Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.30am for an 11am start.
Contacts
The Secretary
Tel: 02 9357 1279
Bowlers' Club of NSW
2nd Floor, 95 York St Sydney
(Refer to the notice board for meeting room details.)
Coalition of Glebe Groups
All local resident groups in Glebe are represented at the Coalition of Glebe Groups (COGG).
Contacts
Chair: John Gray
Tel 0420 303 847
Email: Johngray.glebe@bigpond.com
Concerned Older Women
Concerned Older Women (COW) meets every second Friday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. The group meets at the Old Fire Station, 113 Mitchell Street, Glebe.
Contacts
Facilitator: Rebecca Reidy
Tel: 02 9660 3943
Email: becglebecdp@bigpond.com
Council of Ultimo/Pyrmont Associations
The Council of Ultimo/Pyrmont Assocations (CUPA) provides a forum for resident and community groups from the Ultimo and Pyrmont area.
Contacts
Convenor: Mary Mortimer
Tel: 02 9518 8681 or 0410 679 204
Email: mortimer@docmatrix.com.au
Darlinghurst Residents' Action Group
The Darlinghurst Residents' Action Group (DRAG) focuses on community concerns about inappropriate development in the local area. It works for increased open spaces, improved residential amenity and attempts to maintain the diversity that Darlinghurst is famous for.
The group meets every alternate month with the 2011 Residents' Association, in the Greenknowe Room at the Rex Centre, Potts Point.
Contacts
Co-convenor: Jo Holder
Email: joholder@aic.net.au
Co-convenor: Julia Perry
Email: julia.perry@bigpond.com
East Chippendale Community Group
The East Chippendale Community Group (ECCG) focuses on community concerns such as inappropriate planning, lack of open space, poor heritage controls and traffic issues. The group meets regularly and works closely with CRIG and FoCUS committee members.
Contacts
Convenor: Jeanette Brokman
Tel: 0412 191 333
Email: communityworkingparty@yahoo.com.au
East Sydney Neighbourhood Association
The East Sydney Neighbourhood Association (ESNA) has been working for over 30 years to represent the views of residents to improve the residential amenity and protect the heritage of East Sydney, an inner-city residential heritage village bordered by Oxford, College, William and Forbes Streets.
ESNA meets every second Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm in the Doug Heron Room, at The Republic building on the corner of Palmer and Burton Streets, East Sydney.
Contacts
President: Eliza James
Email: jeneliza2@yahoo.com.au
Secretary: Margaret Smythe
Email: esna@esna.org.au
Forest Lodge and Glebe Coordination Group
The Forest Lodge and Glebe Coordination Group (FLAG) meets every six weeks from 4pm to 5.30pm at the Old Fire Station, 113 Mitchell Street, Glebe.
Contacts
Chair: Ally de Pree-Raghavan
Tel: 02 9660 3943
Email: alison.depree@sydney.edu.au
Friends of Benledi and the Glebe Library
Friends of Benledi and the Glebe Library is a group of volunteers who support the library through fundraising activities. The group actively supports the library by providing extra services specifically for the Glebe community, such as promoting the library's vision, organising a yearly book fair in May and inviting guest speakers and authors.
The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Membership costs $10 per year/$8 concession.
Contacts
Presidents: Heather Sykes and Ros Wheeler
Tel: 02 9660 7430
Email: roswheeler@bigpond.com
Friends of Bourke Street
Friends of Bourke Street (FOB) meets regularly in one of the heritage-listed boulevard's many excellent and inexpensive restaurants to promote improvements and to discourage threats to the amenities of the street. All users and admirers of the street – residents, local businesses, cyclists, pedestrians, motorists and politicians – are welcome to join the group.
Contacts
Convenor: Rosemary Potts
Tel: 02 9332 1002 or 0402 615 107
Email: friendsofbourkestreet@hotmail.com
Friends of Erskineville Inc
Friends of Erskineville meets regularly to discuss community issues and liaises with the City for positive outcomes. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month, at the Erskineville Town Hall from 7.30pm.
All residents, local businesses and members of the community are welcome to attend and actively participate in the meetings.
Contacts
Friends of Fitzroy Gardens
Friends of Fitzroy Gardens was formed in 2010 to raise awareness about the significance of gardens designed in 1970 by Ilmar Berzins, Australia's first qualified landscape architect, to complement El Alamein Fountain, designed by architects Woodward and Taranto. Berzins was ahead of his time making environmentally sensitive interventions into the public domain. His gentle modernism can also be felt in Hyde Park's Sandringham Gardens and in lovely little McElhone Park, in front of Elizabeth Bay House.
Friends of Fitzroy Gardens generally lobbies against the commercialisation of public gardens and it meets each alternate month with the 2011 Residents' Association.
Contacts
Convenors: Paul Wagner and Jo Holder
Email: savefitzroygardens@gmail.com
C/- 2011 Residents' Association
PO Box 183
Potts Point NSW 1335
Friends of Pyrmont Point
Friends of Pyrmont Point is an incorporated group that reflects community concerns on development, open spaces, parking and safety in the Pyrmont Point local area.
Contacts
President: Drew Morrow
Mobile: 0414 948 224
Email: drewmorrow@iinet.net.au
Vice President: Walter Giles
Mobile: 0412 959 468
Secretary: Philippa Giles
Mobile: 0412 959 468
Treasurer: Peter Devoy
Mobile: 0408 307 761
Friends of Victoria Park
Friends of Victoria Park is a group of community members with a broad range of interests and needs, united by the desire to see Victoria Park flourish and evolve into a vibrant, sustainable, connected and creative community. The group seeks to achieve this through planting the seeds for present and future generations.
Contacts
Glebe Assistance and Partnership Program
The Glebe Assistance and Partnership Program (GAPP) is an initiative of St John's Church for local people who find themselves needing help. GAPP offers commitment, time and some expertise and emergency relief funding. People will be offered basic assistance with the opportunity to form an ongoing partnership with one of its volunteers.
Call the St John's office to make an appointment first, either on Monday or Wednesday each week from 10am to 1pm. Access is via the community garden entrance, opposite St John's Church, near the corner of St Johns and Glebe Point Roads.
Contacts
Minister: Paul Perini
Associate Minister/GAPP Coordinator: Jo Holland
Community Assistance Worker: Stephen Brooks
Office Manager: Angie Collier
Tel: 02 9552 4164
Email: office@glebechurch.org.au
PO Box 353
Glebe 2037
Glebe Community Action Group
The Glebe Community Action Group meets on the last Wednesday of the month at the Old Fire Station, 113 Mitchell Street, in Glebe from 6pm, to discuss community issues including crime and safety, street cleaning, graffiti removal and beautification.
Contacts
Chair: Jocelyn Earl
Tel: 02 9571 6665
Email: jocelyn2511@gmail.com
Glebe Point Residents Group
The Glebe Point Residents Action Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss community issues including beautification, street cleaning, graffiti, social events and local development applications.
Contacts
Chair: Susie Cleary
Email: susiecleary@ozemail.com.au
Secretary: Ros Wheeler
Tel: 02 9660 7430
Email: roswheeler@bigpond.com
The Glebe Society Inc
The Glebe Society meets every second Wednesday of the month (except in January) at the Old Fire Station in Glebe from 7.30pm, to discuss community issues including heritage, bays and foreshores, transport, traffic, planning, the environment, and it also arranges social events.
Contacts
President: John Gray
Email: president@glebesociety.org.au
Tel: 0420 303 847
Glebe Urban Research Association
The Glebe Urban Research Association stores historical material including photographs and maps and other historical data about Glebe. It is a not-for-profit group made up of people interested in preserving and archiving historical information associated with the Glebe area.
Contacts
Max Solling
Tel: 02 9660 3943
Green Square Growers
The Green Square Growers share their knowledge within the community about growing plants, particularly food. The group meets on the second Sunday of the month from 10.30am until midday outside the Tote Library, 100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland.
More event details can be found on the group's Facebook page.
Contacts
Green Square Hub
Created in 2012, Green Square Hub is a social platform for people living in, working or visiting Green Square. The area includes Zetland, Victoria Park, Beaconsfield, Rosebery and parts of Alexandria and Waterloo. Green Square Hub includes a blog and a presence on Flickr and Instagram to help people promote community events, hire chair bombs and publish reviews of new local business. Join the conversation on Twitter with the hastag #greensquare.
Millers Point Dawes Point The Rocks and Walsh Bay Resident Action Group
The action group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Holy Trinity Garrison Church hall, on the corner of Argyle and Lower Fort Streets in Millers Point.
Contacts
Marcia Chalmers (Secretary)
Tel: 02 9241 2875
Email: mprag@bigpond.com
Nichols Street Community Group
The Nichols Street Community Group supports local issues in Surry Hills and aims to protect residents' rights.
Contacts
Brian Noad
Tel: 0402 615 107
Email: nicholsstreet@hotmail.com
Paddington-Darlinghurst Community Working Group
The Paddington-Darlinghurst Community Working Group is interested in all issues that affect the quality of life in the densely populated urban village of Paddington and Darlinghurst.
The Paddington Society
The Paddington Society is Australia's oldest urban activist group. It was formed in 1964 in response to a government inspired plan to flatten large parts of Paddington to build a freeway. The society is dedicated to preserving the unique architectural and historical character of Paddington, and to building a lifestyle for current and future generations in a sustainable and humane way.
It meets on the third Monday of each month (excluding December and January) at Juniper Hall, Paddington.
Contacts
Treasurer and Communications Secretary: Francis Walsh
Tel: 02 9360 6159
Fax: 02 9363 9572
Email: heritage@paddingtonsociety.org.au
Paddington Uniting Church
This is a parish mission of the Uniting Church promoting Christian faith, inclusiveness, justice and creativity. Through the activities of the congregation, the Eddie Dixon Centre, the Paddington Markets, Eastside Arts, and the Paddington Children's Centre, the church seeks to support and serve the community. The Church is committed to hospitality, valuing the potential of each human being, including and serving people from all walks of life, and contributing to a just and sustainable society.
- Church services are on Sundays at 10am and 7.30pm
- The Eddie Dixon Drop-In Centre operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm for homeless and disadvantaged people
- Paddington Markets operate every Saturday from 10am to 4pm
- Groups such as AA, NA and Christian meditation meet weekly.
More information about its groups and services are available on the Church's website.
Contacts
General Manager: Tina Rendell
Minister: Rev. Ben Gilmour
Tel: 02 9331 2646
Fax: 02 9331 4864
Email: office@paddingtonuca.org.au
Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Conservation Society
This society aims to encourage heritage conservation in the Potts Point and Kings Cross area by advocating for better planning controls at all levels of government, and adding to an appreciation and enhancement of what the group wants to keep from the past, for the future.
The society welcomes input from all local residents and meets as required at the Rex Centre to discuss items of concern and interest.
Contacts
President: Andrew Woodhouse
Tel: 0415 949 506
Email: heritageandconservation@hotmail.com
Pyrmont Action
Pyrmont Action is an incorporated community group that works with local and state governments to make the physical and social environment of Pyrmont village better. It was originally formed in 2003 in a local campaign to improve broadband internet access.
It meets on the second Thursday each month from 7pm, in the Recreation Room at the Pyrmont Community Centre, on the corner of Mount and John Streets, Pyrmont.
Contacts
Convenor: Elizabeth Elenius
Tel: 02 9571 9727
Email: eelenius@bigpond.net.au
Pyrmont Cares
Formerly known as Pyrmont Progress Incorporated, not-for-profit organisation Pyrmont Cares works with the City and other groups to provide moral, emotional and material support to people who find themselves needing help.
Contacts
President: Peter Devoy
Secretary: Ian Bulluss
Tel: 0452 537 998
Email: pyrmontcares@gmail.com
Pyrmont Community Group
The group aims to participate more effectively in community and government processes, to shape the future of the local community, to develop strategies for direct community involvement in local projects, and to reduce costs and delays around project planning and development.
The group was awarded an Australia Day Award for outstanding community service.
Contacts
President: Jean Stuart
Tel: 02 9660 6702
Fax: 02 9660 6702
Email: stuart_jean@hotmail.com
The Redfern Society
The Redfern Society is a not-for-profit community group that was established to protect our local environment including its heritage and amenity, for all residents. The society generally coordinates its activities and campaigns online but meets occasionally as required.
The society believes that we all have the responsibility to retain the heritage and amenity of Sydney, and that residents have an inalienable right to live in their chosen environment by rejecting exploitative overdevelopment and supporting genuine improvements.
Contacts
Co-convenor: Donna-May Bolinger
Tel: 0417 171 819
Email: theredfernsociety@gmail.com
REDWatch
REDWatch is a residents group covering Redfern, Eveleigh, Darlington and Waterloo – the same area under the state government's Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA). The group monitors RWA activities, the City, and government run programs in the area to ensure community involvement in decision making processes.
The group meets on the first Thursday of each month (except January) from 6pm at the Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street, Waterloo.
Contacts
Contact: Geoff Turnbull
Tel: 02 8004 1490
Email: mail@redwatch.org.au
ResNet
ResNet is open to residents who live in or near the city centre bordered by east Darling Harbour, Grosvenor Street, Circular Quay, Macquarie Street, College Street, Wentworth Avenue, Elizabeth Street, Eddy Avenue, Quay Street, Harbour Street and Day Street.
The group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (except December) in the Council Chambers of the Sydney Town Hall from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Contacts
President: Cherryl Wells
Tel: 02 9299 4211
Email: Sydney.ResNet@gmail.com
PO Box 594
QVB
NSW 2130
Rosebery Residents Action Group
The Rosebery Residents Action Group aims to prevent the City and developers from degrading the suburb. Major campaigns include opposing: the Hillsong mega-church, the Council’s garbage truck depot and proposed changes to the draft local environment plan. The group meets as and when needed, and regularly produces email newsletters and letterbox flyers to keep the local community informed.
Contacts
Chairman: Wayne Moody
Email: wayne@roseberyactiongroup.com
Spokesman: Graeme Grace
Mob: 0415 083 099
Email: info@roseberyactiongroup.com
Coordinator: Samantha Gardner-Wade
Email: samantha@roseberyactiongroup.com
South East Neighbourhood Centre
The South East Neighbourhood Centre covers the suburbs of Eastlakes, Botany, Mascot, Daceyville, Banksmeadow, Matraville, Kingsford, Rosebery, Hillsdale and Pagewood. It welcomes residents from all backgrounds who need assistance finding help with things like child care, shopping, education, transport or respite care. It also provides support groups and has opportunities for people to volunteer.
Contacts
Tel: 02 8338 8506
Fax: 02 8338 8502
PO Box 3007
Eastlakes NSW 2018
Surry Hills Business Alliance
The Surry Hills Business Alliance was formed in 1990 after the Central Club was disbanded, a former business group that held monthly networking dinner meetings at local restaurants. A committee of 6 people run the alliance, which calls meetings of its members when important issues arise.
The alliance is particularly interested in improvements to street cleaning, graffiti removal, crime prevention, parking issues, traffic/pedestrian safety, reducing noise and promoting local business interests. Its primary aim is to build a better community spirit, social environment and a successful business centre. It works with the Nichols Street Community Group.
Contacts
Chair: Brian Adams
Secretary: Sunita Adams
Email: briad@ans.com.au
Box A133
Sydney South NSW 1235
Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre
The Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre meets on the second Monday of each month, at the Surry Hills Library and Community Centre on the first floor, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Contacts
Chair: Norman Booker
Email: chair@shnc.org
Manager: Gillian Elliott
Tel: 02 9310 2888
Email: manager@shnc.org
Links
Taylor Village Residents Group
The group covers resident's issues and concerns who live within the boundaries of the southern side of Oxford, Flinders, Albion and Crown Streets.
Contacts
Contact: Michael Tiyce
Tel: 0414 297 374
Email: michael@tiyce.com.au
Transition Sydney Incorporated
Transition Sydney is a community-initiated not-for-profit voluntary support hub for local transition initiatives within the City and other local government areas in greater Sydney. It provides promotion, training and direct support to local initiatives, a web presence and mailing groups for networking and ongoing support.
Meetings are held at various locations in the city centre and inner suburbs. Meeting times and venues are listed on the group's website.
Contacts
President: Peter Driscoll
Tel: 8211 9134
Mobile: 0412 679 215
Email: peter@transitionsydney.org.au
PO Box 672
Darlinghurst NSW 1300
Ultimo Village Voice
Ultimo Village Voice independently serves the Ultimo community. Issues that affect residents and small businesses in the local area are discussed when the group meets on the first Thursday of each month (except January) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo.
Contacts
Chair: Yimmy Seifert
Email: ultimovillagevoice@gmail.com
Last updated: Monday, 27 May 2013