The YWCA (Not to be confused with the YMCA) is a fantastic non profit organisation which does a a…read moreheck of a lot of good for young women in Adelaide. The YWCA provide all sorts of support services for Adelaide women under thirty, and they are also responsible for administering the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a hugely successful program whereby volunteers spend one on one time with a child to give them positive mentoring and a good role model. YWCA are also responsible for advocacy campaigns for women against violence and domestic abuse, as well as support for positive body image, women's clubs, professional mentoring for young women... and a lot more. If you want to volunteer you can pick up the phone and a lovely, supportive YWCA staff member will take you through the whole process and become a great friend and mentor to you in the process. If you get involved with this organisation you will meet some very inspirational people in the process. Ahmaazing.

Aspergers...not many people know it exists or what it is but many people have it. Aspergers…read moreSyndrome is part of the Autism spectrum but with far and wide degrees of effect, what one person has another will not, either to a higher or lesser degree or to the point of being undetectable or with subtle hints. They look just like you or I but under the surface there are some challenging issues which we take for granted in life. Aspergers is for life and cannot be cured as it is part of the genetic makeup of that person, nobody knows what causes it although there are many theories and reason for discussion. Social skills is a major area for development in these kids for inclusion, difficult situations, coping with stress, etc such programs available with the foundation. Essentially, The Gold Foundation was set up by a group of mums over a coffee back in 2008, discussing and writing their ideas on a napkin as to what they can do to raise awareness and not only help their families but those of others in the same category. With only one other organisation available for assistance, Autism SA, there needed to be a more tailored, streamlined avenue for Aspey kids. So the idea was born and the rest is history as they say! Please have a look at their website which has been refurbished recently to get a clearer grasp on the subject . If you know someone who you think may need their assistance, in a subtle way recommend the website to them, it can clear up alot of difficulties for children and adults as it's the adults who have to come to terms with it in the first instance. Once kids are diagnosed with the condition there is help available for not only for the family unit but in connection will schooling, making life much easier or at least trying to. There have been a few movies made on the subject portraying Aspergers Syndrome such as Mozart and the Whale, Adam and also Rain Man as a more extreme portrayal. Anyway, I hope I have enlightened a few people but as I mentioned have a look at their website and make an appointment via their email to discuss.

Any southern suburbs Op-Shop/Second-hand aficionado worth their salt knows about this shop/sale…read more Every first Sunday of the month (unless a public holiday conflict should postpone it until the following weekend) the sale Brigadoons the sheded area by the train tracks, bringing mystical treasures with it. The Lions Club of Brighton volunteers are friendly and helpful and wander around in yellow and navy uniforms to pay and assist. Although most are quite a bit older than me, they're all fun and easy to talk to, always ready for a chit chat or a joke. They're good eggs. The sale operates for fundraising purposes for the club and the many charity and motivational programs that it runs. They can give change but I'd bring some. If you want some absolute steals then I suggest getting there as close to 9am as possible, as along with op-shop enthusiasts, antique/second-hand dealers also know about this sale and tend to get in right on the gate's opening. This place has a massive range of bric-a-brac, furniture, tools, books, records and clothes (see photos), so chances are if you are looking for something in particular it will be there, or show up one Sunday. Despite the place having everything, it also has a big turnover of goods/donations and each Sunday it'll have one of a kind items (the like of which you will not get elsewhere). It's not the place to consider buying something, it won't be there again when you go back. For example, Sunday a month ago I considered buying this giant Statue of David alcohol bottle and this Sunday looked, nope, not there. What was there this Sunday for me was a vintage chrome and formica sewing table for $5, a hat with a $250 tag still inside also for $5, and an amazing jacket that makes me look the business. I also bought a replacement guitar hero guitar for my brother which they've said if it doesn't work I can return to the bookshop on Thursday. On Thursdays during the week the Lions Club of Brighton run the bookshop portion of this sale. Some hard to find books are here and everything is labelled and in separate sections for easy browsing.

Freedom Hill Animal Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organization that provides a home to unwanted or…read moreneglected farm animals. They do some great work and a few times a year they have amazing picnics open to all. Everyone brings a plate to share and you get to see the animals your donations have helped support. Worth a visit if you get the chance!

Unless you've been born into a well to do old Adelaide family - and you're a gentleman - you're…read moreunlikely to ever get past the front door of The Adelaide Club. This is an exclusive 'gentleman's club' the likes of which don't exist in many places these days. The club was established back in 1863 and its still stands today in its original location on North Terrace. Much of the exterior of the building has remained unchanged since those early days but those 'allowed' inside report that it has undergone a myriad of changes inside through the years. Not that average bods like you and I can get in there but those who have say there's a library, billiards room, bar, library, cards room and of course accommodation. If you come from old Adelaide money, you may get inside one day but I don't like my chances of ever paying them a visit. I'm sure this establishment is deserving of five stars but its exclusivity status prevents me from granting it - so there!

or secret Mens society, as I like to call it…read more It's that exclusive, that the staff are contracted to keep their mouths shut about anything and everything that happens within The Adelaide Club walls. Now it isn't just old Adelaide money, its for anyone of a certain upper class in society who also happens to drive a Bentley and isn't still paying it off. There is a restaurant which offers silver service, a smoking room for enjoying a fine Cuban cigar... and accommodation. I'm of course just going by what I've been told, The Adelaide Club is for doctors and lawyers and their home away from home wifeys. I would be concerned if my partner was frequenting this gentlemens club, the exclusivity is ridiculous and dated and the secrecy is just plain uncomfortable.