They’re illegal, carry out their deeds at night to avoid detection and are active in a growing number of cities around the world. They’re Guerrilla Gardeners. Their crime? Attacking ugly patches of public land with hand-trowels and flowering annuals in covert greening campaigns. Typical targets include roundabouts, verges and other neglected areas, which are beautified with plants. Richard Reynolds’ website has a global noticeboard of activities plus a how-to guide for beginners.

From Monday it’s National Volunteer Week (12-18 May), which honours volunteers. Der, you might say. But previously it operated as a kind of recruitment drive. Volunteers are now so prevalent that the week's focus has shifted to say 'thanks'.

Those matchmakers at Good Company - who introduce professionals to short-term projects with charities - are hosting an Exchange of Ideas and Inspiration forum. Helen Dalley (from Sky Business Channel) will be telling stories of successful volunteering outcomes.

Upstairs at the Establishment, 248-252 George St
15 May, 6-8pm
RSVP

Being green is easy – despite what Kermit says. It just takes some creativity. The inventors of Green Hanger – the environmentally conscious coathanger – have it in spades. Who’d have thought that we had such a huge appetite for wire coathangers – albeit shortlived? Some 77 million end up as landfill each year. Made from recycled cardboard, the Green Hanger is a good-looking, mindful alternative.

Like eBay? You’re gonna love Etsy – the ‘place to buy and sell all things handmade’. WARNING: Have water and maybe a snack handy; you’re gonna be a while.
This worldwide marketplace showcases thousands upon thousands of things made - and often conceived - by the seller, from whom you buy directly (so it’s generally inexpensive). Need some thing that’s red? Search all categories by colour. Want to buy local? Search by location. Or just browse. Even if you buy nothing, it’s pure inspiration to see how many creative people there are out there turning ideas into things.

Sydney’s unique Carriage Works performance space brings an enviable edge to the city’s arts scene.

The patch of land that it occupies in Redfern has been a community space for as long as anyone can remember. Originally a meeting place for the Gadigal people, the Eveleigh Rail Yards were built here between 1880 and 1889. The very first electric carriage and the Royal Carriages (for the exclusive use of the Governor General and visiting royalty) rolled out of the workshops here during its heyday. The carriage and blacksmith workshops have subsequently been transformed into the Carriage Works arts centre, with cathedral-like proportions testament to the glory of 19th century industry.

The former workshops’ history of turning out fine products continues with the Carriage Works’ program, including theatre, music, film and writers festival events.

Evidence of the joys of learning an instrument...watch the drummer.

Not that most people need convincing of the merits of running away to join the circus. But, our brains are bombarded with over 3500 sales shots each day: they’re in emails, and newspapers, on telly, billboards, radio and the internet. We hardly notice them anymore, so focused are we on checking our phone messages or inbox. Frankly, it’s a mind fug. The constant level of background distraction spoils our social lives and reduces our overall productivity.

The answer is to make time for something enjoyable. And what could be more delightful than Flying Trapeze classes? Cloud Swing classes you may well answer. And that’d be right too. Circus Arts runs regular classes at Olympic Park for all ages guaranteed to put your head in the clouds, where there is very little distraction.