i think you're expecting too much, the drink-driving laws and the tyranny of distance make this highly improbable in Sydney and to some extent Melbourne.
I've noticed in another (national) forum that get-togethers happen to work fairly well in smaller centres but in Sydney or Melbourne it's almost impossible to reach a consensus on a venue where a reasonable number of people can attend without 2 hours travelling, which pretty much kills it on a weeknight or a weekend. Few are willing to waste 4 hours for a dinner with people they have never met before.
Us Canberran's are a small mob and the community seems to be tight-knit. We have some bright and colourful characters who seem to be able to pull people together to do things.
I'd love to go, but, alas, I'm on-call for work. D'oh!
I noticed that the 2009 Annual Dinner of the Canberra Astronomical Society will be held on this Thursday 18th June 2009.
Perhaps someone of that Society could tell us something about it and why you hold such an interesting event.
Note: Most Astronomical Society's in Australia these days don't seem to have as many social events. Perhaps this might inspire others to do so too.
They’re just a bunch of Alco’s. If you help out on outreach nights you go into the draw at the monthly meetings for some Port, keeps you warm.
No actually there great people who like to have a good time. I have other commitments tomorrow night also or I would be there with bells on. The committee are always working tirelessly for all of us to benefit.
Trick,
CAS member since 16 April 2009, Alcoholics anon mise (spelling) since 26 April 2009 TIC
Canberra Astronomical Society : Annual Dinner
