Book Drives Sydney

Books and Bevvies

Welcome to **Books & Bevvies** — a casual book swap and drinks social in the Sydney CBD. This is not a book club with homework. It’s a simple, low-key way to meet people, chat about what you’ve been reading, and walk out with something new. **HOW IT WORKS** Bring a book you’re happy to part with. Pop it on the swap table when you arrive. Mingle, chat, and swap recommendations. When the swap opens, take a book that catches your eye. Stay for a drink and a conversation after. **WHAT TO BRING** One book, any genre and any reading level. **GOOD TO KNOW** The venue relies on accurate numbers for staffing, so if you can’t make it, please change your RSVP to “not going”. Repeated no-shows may result in removal from the group. The venue is kindly not enforcing a minimum spend, but please support them by buying a drink, soft drink, or some lunch during the swap if you can. There is no mandatory entry fee, but voluntary contributions are **very much** appreciated. The group costs around **$65 a month to keep running**, so if you enjoy the swap and are in a position to chip in, even $5 or $10 makes a real difference. Please feel free to contribute with cash or via PayID at any stage through the swap. **WHERE WE’LL BE** We’ll be in the Market Street Garden Bar, with a table full of books and bevvies.

Social meet-up: Western Classics Book Club

A social meet-up for those who come along to the Western Classics Book Club. There is no set book to discuss. Just come along and chill. Meeting at 7.00pm. NB. We normally meet in the Long Room (the large room). Our socials normally get about 10 people, so we will meet in the 'Two Tables Room.' This is on the same level, but at the top of the stairs turn right, instead of left. Look out for the sign. Contact dalemills@cantab.net for any extra info.

October Book Club: "Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy"

Welcome to Meet the Moment Book Club, where we read books that meet the moment and make sense of it all together. Please see our [group page](https://www.meetup.com/meet-the-moment-book-club/) for a list of upcoming books. In discussing the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we spoke about who the real powers that be are that have molded Palestine and the Middle East into the quagmire it is today. Now we turn our eyes to the urgent now: who the powers that be are today that are consolidating power as never before. Silicon Valley and Big Tech are top of mind. Gil Durán's book "Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War On Democracy" has become an instant bestseller for good reason -- we see AI dominating and tech billionaires (now even trillionaires) amassing wealth and power in frightening proportions, even as they are not solving but exacerbating the crises we face today. It seems critical that we understand what they really have in mind and what we can do about it. Here is an ABC article about the book: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/the-nerd-reich-silicon-valley-fascism-war-on-democracy-abc-2026/107091034 \*\*\* "When Silicon Valley says it is ‘‘moving fast and breaking things,’’ the world interprets the chaos as a necessary cost of innovation. Gil Durán reveals something far more sinister: a decades-long campaign to replace elected governments with corporate rule. Drawing on insider political experience and new investigations, Durán traces this ideology from its philosophical roots in *The Sovereign Individual* by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg. He introduces its modern apostles—Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, Balaji Srinivasan, and Elon Musk—and shows how the promise of technological liberation has transformed into a global movement for digital feudalism, powered by cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and the algorithmic propaganda of social media. *The Nerd Reich* explains the origins, strategies, and ambitions of Silicon Valley’s war on democracy for the first time. From San Francisco’s weaponized elections and secret billionaire projects to the White House, Durán exposes how the world’s richest men are building a new political order. *The Nerd Reich* is more than a hidden history, it’s an urgent warning: democracy is being dismantled not by coups or tanks, but by code, capital, and the illusion of innovation. Durán insists there is still time to fight back—if we act now." https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-nerd-reich-silicon-valley-fascism-and-the-war-on-democracy-gil-dur-n/a6f6f0dce1150339 \*\*\* We will be meeting at The Erko Hotel. If it's sunny, we'll be outside in the back; if rainy, we'll be at the big square raised table next to the bar. We will start and end on time. There's no fee, but please purchase your own food/drinks from the venue. \*\*\* If you have trouble getting the book, message me. On reading the book: I encourage people to read the book over just interviews or summaries, because nothing beats the slow digesting of the beauty and nuances in a book. Especially for the books in this book club that challenge our worldviews and help us see the world as it truly is, these books need to be really grappled with, to be fully engaged with, to receive the full benefits. For reference, I use book clubs to motivate me to finish the books I want to read, so the date of the book club becomes a deadline to finish the book by. I calculate the number of pages in a book and the number of days I can realistically read, and work out how many pages on average I need to read each day. That's how I've finished many books. Invariably, they're worth reading to the end. Of course, life happens and we're all busy. If you really can't finish a book or can only watch videos this time, that's okay. Come by with an attitude of listening, open to being inspired, and take in what others have to say; perhaps you'll want to read/finish the book afterwards. Just know that books are like most things in life: what you put in is what you get out of it. A podcast or ChatGPT can give you the high-level points, sure, perhaps to BS your way to a decent grade in class; but we're not in school anymore, and we read these books because they better our lives and help us see more clearly. But they can only do so if we read them, because reading is what makes all the new concepts come to life enough to maybe change us. For the full magic, you just gotta read. Alright, thanks for reading my ode to reading. \*\*\* If the RSVP list is full, please join the waitlist as there will likely be fluctuations closer to the date. If you RSVP'ed and can't make it, please edit your RSVP so that others can attend. No-shows will be noted and barred from the book club. Look forward to seeing you there!

Queer Cinema: Vale Tim Curry

October's film cannot be named due to copyright restrictions however here is a description of the film to give you a clue. I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey. Brad and Janet have just got engaged and are on their way to share the good news with their old teacher Dr. Scott, when they break down near an old house. Owned by a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania, Dr Frank-N-Furter, who has been making a man with blond hair and a tan. Get ready to do the time warp again and celebrate the incredible life of Tim Curry in arguably his most iconic role. There will be call and response with props so expect noise and mess! Don't dream it, be it Run time: 1h 40m M CC *You need to be a library member to attend this event, if you haven't joined yet, we value your membership and would love you to join. Discover everything the library has to offer including free e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines, movie streaming and so much more. Access our e-library 24/7. Join our library [here](https://library.waverley.nsw.gov.au/libero/WebOpac.cls?VERSION=2&ACTION=SIGNUPAGREE&RSN=&DATA=DWL&TOKEN=75KA1hXWhx6590&Z=1&NewBreadCrumb=1)*

Queer Reads

Reading list for 2026: * Feb: Queer Heroes of Myth and Legend by Dan Jones * Mar: Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin * Apr: Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard * May: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado * Jun: Just by Looking at Him by Ryan O'Connell * Jul: Pageboy by Elliot Page * Aug: Milk Fed by Melissa Broder * Sep: Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella by Jack Charles * Oct: We Are Never Meeting In Real Life by Samantha Irby * Nov: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar * Dec: Carol by Patricia Highsmith

Book discussion: 1984 by George Orwell

In October we'll be reading George Orwell's 1984, one of the defining novels of the twentieth century and a work that has shaped the way we think about power, surveillance and freedom. The novel follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking bureaucrat living in a society where the government watches its citizens constantly, rewrites history and demands absolute loyalty. As Winston begins to question the world around him, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous search for truth, love and personal freedom. Often described as both a gripping dystopian novel and a timeless political classic, 1984 continues to provoke debate about authority, language, truth and the individual's place within society. Whether you're reading it for the first time or returning to it after many years, it promises to make for a lively discussion.

Dracula by Bram Stoker | Sat 10 Oct 2026

Inner West Writers Group - Write Club

Saturday 17 October is an in-person event at Marrickville Library. RSVP to secure a place! This group started in January 2020 in a beautiful private room granted by Marrickville Library. We have continued to meet in person fortnightly at the Library, with alternate weeks via Zoom. To keep up to date - sign up and receive our notifications. The group is flourishing! You will need to RSVP each week for the following Saturday so we can organise the right number of Zoom rooms and Library space to ensure good quality feedback. RSVP's will receive the link. The intention is to give a supportive environment to get traction on your writing project, gain useful feedback, and exchange writing and publishing information with each other. Please note that if you are attending for the first time - you are welcome to observe and listen to how we work. Your turn to read and be critiqued will be invited in the second session. So come along, bring up to 1500 words of your latest writing - fiction writers of all types, memoirists, biographers, graphic novelists, bloggists, poets - all writers welcome. You will have up to eight minutes to read out your work, an equal time of constructive critique and feedback from the rest of the group. If you want a tribe of fellow writers to be with you as you finish your writing project, build your author profile, want to get inspired by other writers, or want to just listen and give constructive feedback (we all need beta readers), you are very welcome. This is a free event, but membership is essential to attend. Many thanks to Marrickville Library! For more information, contact Maria, mariaissaris@icloud.com, or Jamie Ramjan (jamie.ramjan@gmail.com) or Sunnie Mosphilis via DM.

SydDT #131: Lead Change That Matters with Ben Pecotich

Join us for the launch of Ben Pecotich's new book Lead Change That Matters: Design the Conditions for Momentum! Your ticket includes all the usual SydDT goodness… plus a set of limited-edition Lead Change That Matters cards that we’ll use on the night to catalyse conversation and help you choose your own journey. You’ll also get a special launch discount on Ben's new book. What’s a change you’d love to build momentum on? Bring it along. Whether you’re leading a team, designing a better experience, or helping an organisation move towards something that matters… we’ll have plenty to explore together. 300+ people shared their experiences, goals, frustrations, and hopes through the research behind the book – including so many of you from the SydDT community. Ben will share some of what he's learnt, then we’ll explore the five elements of Conditions for Momentum through conversations about our own work. You’ll use your set of the Lead Change That Matters cards to open up those conversations and help you choose your own journey through the evening… and beyond. You’ll take your own complete set of cards home to keep exploring – on your own and with your team. Come along! Bring a colleague or friend and join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design thinking community. New members are welcome! **SPEAKER** **[Ben Pecotich](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpecotich/)** **Design & Innovation Director/Founder, [Dynamic4](https://dynamic4.com). Author of Lead Change That Matters: Design the Conditions for Momentum** Ben's a designer, adviser, and founder of Dynamic4. He works alongside leaders and their teams on their most complex challenges across strategy, design, and tech. For 30+ years, Ben's led, designed, and delivered strategic change in financial services in Australia, NZ, Asia, the UK, and Europe – and co-founded 20+ startups and social enterprises across health and fitness, fintech, events, and community building. He founded Dynamic4 in 2001. Ben takes a human-centred design and living systems approach to helping clients design, build, and launch ideas that customers and teams love, make money, and do great things for people and our planet while increasing wellbeing. Everything he does is about accelerating the transition to more regenerative ways of living and doing business, creating the conditions for people and communities to be happier and live on a healthier planet. Ben's the author of Solve Problems That Matter and his new book Lead Change That Matters: Design the Conditions for Momentum is launching now. He's also the co-founder of Sydney Design Thinking. **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by [Thoughtworks](https://www.thoughtworks.com/), [Shapeshifters](https://www.shapeshifterscreative.com.au/), and [Dynamic4](https://dynamic4.com/). We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

Ashfield Writing Group #20

Important notice for today, we’re in the group study area which is downstairs from the reception. Bring along 750-1500, share your work and prepare to get some feedback! Sessions are fairly free flowing but will follow a basic format of 6-8 minutes of reading and 6-8 minutes of feedback for each participant. If you are having trouble finding the entrance to Ashfield library, use this document. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/16_Ptzwxce6ORvO4oa-xJNfZTtJMRbwfmTvR85ZDShkc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16_Ptzwxce6ORvO4oa-xJNfZTtJMRbwfmTvR85ZDShkc/edit?usp=sharing) This link is to the google drive folder. If you'd like to put your writing here, send a request for permissions. The folder is for any longer pieces you'd like to share, whether that's for feedback or just because you want someone to read it. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9opV-9ML9jzwTIUaKJHg8Z6ksB8yfXA?usp=drive_link](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9opV-9ML9jzwTIUaKJHg8Z6ksB8yfXA?usp=drive_link)

IN PERSON! Apache Kafka® x Apache Flink®Meetup - Oct 2026

Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® meetup on **Oct 13th from 5:30pm**, hosted by Mantel in Sydney! The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there! **Venue**: Mantel Level 21, 580 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 \*\*\* **Agenda:** * 5:30pm: Doors open * 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking * 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Jaehyeon Kim, Senior Data Engineer, Kasada * 6:30pm - 7:00pm: Chris Arthur, Customer Success Engineering Manager, Confluent * 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Additional Networking \*\*\* **Speaker:** Jaehyeon Kim, Senior Data Engineer, Kasada **Talk:** From Prototype to Production: Building a Real-Time ML Feedback Loop with Kafka and Flink **Abstract:** While many platforms power real-time decisions, most machine learning workflows remain stubbornly batch-oriented. This session presents a practical case study on redesigning an offline Python-based recommendation prototype into a highly scalable, real-time contextual bandit system built entirely on Apache Kafka and Apache Flink. We will explore how Kafka serves as the backbone of the feedback loop by managing real-time event ingestion and user feedback streams. From there, we will dive into how Apache Flink performs continuous, stateful online model training directly within the stream. Join this session to learn how to safely manage ML model state inside a distributed stream processor, decouple continuous Flink training from low-latency serving, and successfully integrate online learning workloads into your event-driven architectures. \-\-\-\-\- **Speaker:** Chris Arthur, Customer Success Engineering Manager, Confluent **Talk:** Atomic Writes Across Kafka and Your Database: What KIP-939 Changes **Abstract:** If you've ever built a system that writes to both Kafka and a database, you've hit the dual-write problem: how do you guarantee both writes succeed or fail together? Today's answer is usually the outbox pattern — a reliable but heavyweight workaround involving extra tables, pollers, and CDC pipelines. In this talk, we'll cover what 2PC participation actually means for Kafka's transaction protocol, how it differs from Kafka's existing exactly-once semantics, and what this unlocks for teams building event-driven systems that need real atomicity between Kafka and external stores. \*\*\* If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)

Halloween Drag Trivia hosted by Zephyr

Come to a night of fun, fangs and frivolity as we test your knowledge on all things horror and Halloween. 🎃 Get ready for an ooky spooky trivia night hosted by the masc, myth, legend - [Zephyr](https://www.instagram.com/zephyr.thedragking/)! 🦇We will test you on all things Halloween. Creepy true crime, scary movies, fearsome folklore and everything in between. 🧛Sink your fangs into sweet tricks and treats provided by us. 👹You are welcome to come as a group or on your own. This event is suitable for ghouls, ghosts and goblins 15 years and older. 👻Prizes for best dressed, and the winning team, so get those creative juices flowing. This fun and interactive night will have you screaming for more! 😱