The Social Developers Network is an association of people interested in the challenges of our time, keen to share knowledge, experiences and concerns. Be part of the effective small group experience that SDN offers - conviviality and mutual support guaranteed!

Tiobunga Lodge Guthega

The venue: Tiobunga Lodge Guthega

Tiobunga Lodge in Guthega is a cosy alpine retreat nestled in the picturesque Snowy Mountains. With breathtaking mountain views, featuring rustic yet comfortable accommodations,Tiobunga Lodge provides a serene and authentic alpine atmosphere for the workshop.

Where: 
Tiobunga Lodge, Guthega, Snowy Mountains
When: 
  • 15 - 20 Jan 2025
  • 4 days/5 nights, accommodation and meals:
  • Standard Fee: $380
  • Concession: $180
  • Deposit: $50

The workshop provides a forum for big and small ideas, our stories and personal growth. Bring your contributions and share your concerns, from the personal to the political, the local to the global, and become part of a dynamic agenda. Feel empowered to be a more effective catalyst for social change through this unique learning and sharing experience.

SDN acknowledges the traditional custodians of the country we meet on and pay respects to their elders past and present.

The workshop has now been held. A report and photos will be presented here soon.

Workshop Report

Workshop Report: Guthega 2025

Participants at the SDN 2025 Annual Workshop

Participants at the SDN 2025 Annual Workshop, Held at Guthega NSW

From left top row – Rosaria Palmese, Roberta Baker, Harry Creamer, Sacha Free, Chris Larkin, David Purnell, Lesley Shuttleworth, Mark Spain, Mary Stringer and David Crew. Sitting - John Russell, Dayle Summerfield, Carol Baker and Dave Smith.

The annual Social Developers Network workshop was held at the Tiobunga Ski Lodge at Guthega in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. 

It is a striking place and an excellent venue for an SDN workshop.

There were fourteen participants - six men and eight women. Most had attended an annual workshop, but this was the first experience for three people. 

We came from Canberra, Melbourne, Beechworth, Deniliquin and Port Macquarie.

The workshop took place over four days and included a music concert, a poems session and an afternoon when people went for a bushwalk. With brisk mountain air and mostly sunshine every day this summer in the Snowy Mountains provided a relief to the heat and humidity elsewhere.

We quickly formed a family of friends, sharing our thoughts, emotions, hopes and fears in an atmosphere of trust and support.

A fascinating variety of presentations was offered, as the titles indicate:
  • Living ethically in a world in crisis
  • What actions do we take in a chaotic world?
  • ‘World Leaders’ exercise
  • Speaking truth to power
  • A history and philosophy of Buddhism
  • Race relations in Deniliquin
  • What makes a community?
  • Therapeutic communities
  • ‘Corbett’ – a going forth project
  • Restorative practice conference
John_Russell_2025
Acknowledgment of John Russell

We also held an afternoon tea to say farewell to John Russell as this was his last SDN workshop. John was instrumental in founding SDN with Ned Iceton in the 1970s. 

We noted his long history of commitment to community and social justice in many walks of life.

Reflections:
  • I loved the venue and the inspiration it provided for ideas and discussion.
  • Genuine connection and a real sense of community began immediately.
  • The mature approach in drawing up the agenda and discussing various sessions was a joy.
  • I valued the rich conversations and preparing our meals together.
  • I enjoyed all the presentations and the ease with which we all got on together.
  • The concert was a highlight for me, especially the sing-alongs.
  • Ethical considerations arose and were dealt with in respectful and caring ways.
  • The experience was uplifting and positive.
  • I had a deep experience of humanity striving for its best.
  • Overall, the joy of meeting and mingling with thoughtful, kind people aware of the world we inhabit and all its highs and lows.
Workshop Details
Workshop Name: 
SDN 2025 Annual Workshop Guthega
Status: 
Completed
Workshop Location Map: 

Tiobunga Lodge, Guthega, Snowy Mountains

Workshop Venue Website: 
brindabellaskiclub.org.au
Workshop Begin Date: 
Friday, February 21, 2025 - 12:13am
Workshop Begins: 
Wed January 15, 2025
Workshop Ends: 
Mon January 20, 2025
Workshop Fee: 
$380.00
Workshop Concession Fee: 
$180.00
Workshop Deposit: 
$50.00
Download Workshop Flyer: 
PDF icon Workshop Flyer SDN Guthega Jan-2025.pdf