Design Groups Sydney

SydDT #131: Lead Change That Matters with Ben Pecotich

Join us for the launch of my 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. 300+ people shared their experiences, goals, frustrations, and hopes through the research behind the book – including so many of you from the SydDT community. Lead Change That Matters is a call to action. It says the work matters, the people involved matter, and what we choose to do next matters. This session is for you if you’re: * Leading change you’re accountable for but can’t really control * Navigating complexity with increasing ambiguity and uncertainty * Caring for everyone’s wellbeing but dodging your own burnout * Firefighting the tactical when you want to lead the strategic change that matters At the heart of the book is a tension that ran through the research. Leaders are expected to juggle more as the work becomes faster, more complex, and more scrutinised… but the conditions around them haven’t kept pace with what’s being demanded. We want people to collaborate, adapt, take the initiative, and deliver meaningful results. What are we doing to make that possible? The premise is that leading change well is about designing the conditions for people to do meaningful work together – bringing purpose and performance together to build momentum and deliver results that matter. We’ll explore these themes together… with a focus on how we design the conditions for momentum, so we can lead change that matters. Come 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.

SydDT #132: State of the Design Nation with Ben Crothers & Min Kong

We’re lucky to have Ben Crothers and Min Kong sharing their reflections as a couple of the judges for the 2026 Good Design Awards. This has been a SydDT tradition since 2018 and a time to reflect on the state of the design nation… full of interesting observations, insights, and trends. [Good Design Australia](https://good-design.org/) has a proud history that dates back to 1958 and they’re passionately committed to recognising, rewarding, and promoting the importance of design to business, industry, government and the general public… and the critical role it plays in creating a better, safer, and a more sustainable and prosperous future. Come join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design thinking community. New members are welcome! **SPEAKERS** **[Ben Crothers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencrothers/)** **Principal Facilitator, [Bright Pilots](https://brightpilots.com/). Good Design Ambassador** Ben has been a designer since before Netscape ruled the www, and is currently a facilitator and design strategist at Bright Pilots (his online training and facilitation business), where he teaches teams of all sorts about design and facilitation methods, running strategic workshops, and generally helping teams get un-stuck. Previous to Bright Pilots, Ben was Principal Designer at Atlassian, a Design Director at Second Road (a strategic innovation consultancy), plus some assorted startups, agencies, and government departments. Above all, Ben wants everyone to be just as good at the whiteboard as they are at the keyboard, to be better at thinking, communicating, and solving problems together visually. He’s the author of a few books, including Presto Sketching: Simple Drawing for Brilliant Product Thinking and Design. **[Min Kong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/minkong/)** **Associate Design Director, [Caon Design Office](https://caondesignoffice.com/). Good Design Ambassador** Min is a strategic designer with nearly two decades of experience shaping physical products, services, and environments across aviation, transport infrastructure, healthcare and consumer sectors. Her approach brings together strategic thinking, experience design, and industrial design expertise to uncover opportunities for innovation and improvement and translate complex business and customer needs into high-quality, tangible experiences with real-world impact. At Caon Design Office, Min currently leads customer experience design across major Qantas Airways aircraft programs, including the flagship Project Sunrise A350 fleet. Min’s work has been recognised through multiple design awards, including the Australian Good Design Awards and Red Dot Design Award. An active member of the design community, Min taught industrial design at UNSW for over a decade and has served on multiple design award juries. **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by [Thoughtworks](https://www.thoughtworks.com/), [Shapeshifters](https://www.shapeshifterscreative.com.au/), [Bright Pilots](https://brightpilots.com/), 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.

Young Desi New Connections

Meet interesting Desi people in Sydney without the awkwardness of a formal dating event. Chai, food, Bollywood, games, travel, culture and good conversation. We’re building a relaxed social community for Indian/South Asian students, professionals and young adults around Parramatta and Western Sydney. Come solo or bring a friend. No networking pitch. No forced speed dating. Just good people and interesting things to do.

How I AI: Show & Tell

Curious about how others are using AI in their learning and design work and to build performance in their roles & companies? Come along for an evening of practical examples, shared experiments and conversation. Four fantastic speakers will show how they’re using AI, sharing ideas and insights you can take back to your own practice. You'll see practical examples, and have time for Q&A after each speaker. Whether you’re already experimenting or wondering where to start, join fellow L&D professionals to explore what’s possible, ask questions and swap experiences. **Meet the speakers** * **[Samantha Ferguson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjferg/)** — A passionate learning leader (who's a designer at heart) with experience across a wide range of roles and industries in learning. sharing insights on how AI is being used to design quality learning for a range of clients. * **[Shawna Murray](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-murray-02638283/)** — A forward-thinking Learning & Leadership leader, sharing how she's putting AI into practice meaningfully, to build organisational capability. * **[Travers Owers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/traversowers/)** — A leader in what's possible in learning technology, data & reporting sharing how AI can completely change and improve the way you work. * **[Stanley Yip](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleyyip/)** —Is the Manager Learning Innovation & Workforce Programs at the Independent Schools NSW, a not-for-profit member organisation. His current role includes designing and delivering teacher professional learning, innovations such as AI, and teacher workforce strategy. His background is in teaching, learning design, and multimedia. He is currently part-way through a PhD on metacognition, the brain, and AI showing how has AI changed our role as learning designers? Stanley will be sharing how AI is used in his team of learning designers and their toolset, skillset, and mindset. There’ll also be time to catch up with familiar faces and meet others in the learning community before & after the talk. We'll also likely head to a local pub to continue the conversation post 7pm. **Agenda** 5pm - 530pm: Register, mingle, have a snack 530pm - 630pm: Hear from our speakers 630pm - 7pm: Mingle, share ideas 7pm onwards: Wander to a nearby pub to keep the ideas flowing. **When and where** Wednesday 14 October 2026 5:00pm–7:00pm Kindly hosted by our friends at **Hays** Level 14, Chifley Tower 2 Chifley Square, Sydney CBD **Tickets and RSVP** Tickets are **$10 per person**, so we can have some light refreshments (and ensure we're not hangry!) We look forward to seeing you there!

ST VINCENTS + OLLEY  

Design Her from Home Workshops

Join Rachel Maree online for a practical weekly workshop exploring how women can unlock personal growth, purpose and new income possibilities from home. You’ll discover how your story, skills, relationships, home and life experience can become the foundation for something meaningful. Rachel will share the principles and lessons she has used to build a lifestyle-led business and community around faith, family, wellbeing and financial growth. We’ll explore: • Personal growth as the foundation for business growth • Turning your experiences into purpose • Recognising opportunities already within your network • Building an income-producing ecosystem from home • Creating more health, wealth, freedom and choice • Taking your next practical step with clarity and confidence This is an introductory workshop and is separate from Rachel’s paid Seven Layers Deep mentorship. Every Wednesday at 1pm in person or 7pm online. Hosted by Rachel Maree Design Her Lifestyle Bring a notebook and come ready to think differently about what you can build from home.

Life Drawing on Saturday MORNINGS in Marrickville with fantastic models

WELCOME IN 2026 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're back up and running our weekly Saturday life drawing sessions Join us each Saturday for Drawn Together - Sydney life drawing group for a dynamic and inspiring life drawing session in Marrickville. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, this event offers the perfect opportunity to have fun practicing figure drawing a in a supportive and creative environment. Go to our [booking page](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835) to see who we have booked to model. Immerse yourself in a morning of creativity and artistry as you sketch, draw, and bring your ideas to life. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange techniques, and explore the world of life drawing. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your skills, unleash your creativity, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to creating and perfecting our art. Book online [here](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835).

Sydney HUG Meetup @ Netflix Animation

Our October 2026 SydHUG is brought to you via a collaboration between the Sydney Houdini User Group, Netflix Animation Studios & the ACM SIGGRAPH Sydney Chapter. We look forward to welcoming attendees from across our communities! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PRESENTATIONS** More details coming soon. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **SCHEDULE** 6.30pm: Doors open, networking 7.00 to 8:30pm: Presentations and Q&A 8:30 to 10:00pm: Networking and refreshments \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **ACCESS & ENTRY** \- We have a maximum capacity limit for this SydHUG\, so please register early to avoid disappointment\! \- Attendees will receive a NDA\, sent to your email via Envoy before arrival\. Please complete this **before** arrival on the day, and allow 10 minutes to sign in and collect your name tag at Reception upon arrival. \- Attendees will also receive an email in the leadup to the event with specific access details \(entry gate etc\.\.\)\, to ensure smooth entry to the event\. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS** SideFX has Houdini Indie licences up for grabs. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

SSP ......TRANSPORT HERITAGE EXPO

Come and have a ride on a vintage train or bus.Soak in the vintage atmosphere. It is a long weekend but for meetup only on Sunday. Challenge:Retro look.

Beer and Pixels - Monthly

Beer and Pixels is back as usual, on the second Tuesday of the month. At the Off Broadway Hotel. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Got a game, demo or prototype you need people to playtest? Bring it along! Just provide a computer and input device, or a copy of the boardgame or card game you wish to show off, if you are a physical game dev :) Don't have a game to show? No worries! Just come on down, grab a beverage of your choice and play the games on display. See you there! PS: We have a Google Calendar of all Sydney events: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=dXNpcGNlZzRzdGhrZGE5cnF0bDUwMHJlMDhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ PPS: If you are driving, parking is free after 6pm at the Broadway Shopping Centre. https://www.broadwaysydney.com.au/visit/parking [#BeerAndPixels](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/beerandpixels?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXA1_Gs4GRAZsh55FxkF-C6TQs0cL7M-55eLC0PY3jSLiQIvmXsZYz39rKYw0ltJ6skKgSCCcFoA99W-7NeyX-WKj_Pb3uUHqNtK-RaC0IrJA&__tn__=q)

The AI Project Brain: NotebookLM to Align Business Goals, SEO & Development

The most expensive bug in a WordPress project often isn't hidden in the code — it's hidden in communication. When business requirements, SEO strategies, UX decisions, and developer specifications are scattered across emails, Slack conversations, Google Docs, and meeting notes, projects slow down, scope creeps in, and teams waste time rebuilding features that could have been avoided. That challenge becomes even more common as projects grow. Developers spend valuable time searching for information, clients receive inconsistent answers, and important decisions become difficult to track because no single source contains the full picture. In this practical session, Georgia Tan, Co-Founder of Switch Key Digital, demonstrates how to build a centralised "Project Brain" using Google's NotebookLM. By bringing together client goals, UX wireframes, SEO documentation, and project requirements into a single AI-powered knowledge base, teams can quickly find answers, stay aligned, and make better decisions throughout the entire project lifecycle. **You'll walk away with:** ✅ A practical framework for building a centralised AI-powered project knowledge base using NotebookLM ✅ Faster ways to find answers across project documentation without digging through emails and chat history ✅ Techniques for turning SEO audits and business requirements into clear technical specifications for developers ✅ Better strategies for keeping clients, strategists, and development teams aligned while reducing scope creep **🎯 Who's It For?** WordPress developers, digital agencies, project managers, SEO specialists, and anyone involved in planning or delivering WordPress projects who wants to improve collaboration and documentation. This session is ideal for teams managing multiple stakeholders, client requirements, and technical documentation. **Format** * In-person Event * Arrive 6:30 for pre-networking * Talk starts at 6:45. 👉 **Host:** Georgia Tan, [Switch Key Digital](https://www.switchkeydigital.com/)

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY DAY TRIP