Family Cycling

There’s something special about St Kilda at dusk — the way the light softens over the water, the breeze carries a hint of salt, and the shoreline begins to quieten as the day exhales. Join us for an evening that blends good food, gentle movement, and one of Melbourne’s most magical wildlife moments. **WE WILL DO DINNER and then a walk down to st kilda pier where we may be lucky enough to spot a penguin** ## ✨ A Coastal Evening to Ease Into We’ll begin by gathering at the **Village Belle Hotel**, settling in over a relaxed dinner before our walk. Their **$25 parma special** (with chips and salad, including a vegetarian option) makes this an easy, comforting way to connect before we step out into the night air. ## 🌊 What You’ll See & Experience After dinner, we wander toward the marina, where the masts sway gently and the lighthouse stands quietly against the fading sky. The coastline opens beside us — soft waves rolling in, the scent of salt, the glow of the city stretching across the bay. We follow the curve of **St Kilda Beach**, then slip beneath the palms of **Catani Gardens**, where the evening breeze moves through the leaves like a slow whisper. From here, it’s a short, easy walk to **St kilda Pier**. As the sky deepens, the little penguins begin to return from the sea, emerging from the water with their soft calls and familiar waddle. if we are lucky we might see the penguins return — tiny silhouettes emerging from the darkening water, shaking off the sea and settling into their rocky homes for the night. It’s a gentle, intimate moment of wildlife on the very edge of the city, where the penguins carry on just as they did before the city expanded ## 🚶‍♀️ The Walk ***Distance: **4 km loop ** *Walking time: **30–40 minutes of gentle movement *** Grade: **Easy ** *Terrain: **Flat pathways, beachside promenades, smooth and accessible surfaces *** Pace: **Social walk — time to talk breathe and enjoy the evening ## 🎒** What to Bring** - Comfortable walking shoes - Water - A warm layer — the pier can feel cool once the sun dips - Optional: camera (no flash), small snack ## 🌤** Difficulty** Easy — suitable for most walkers. ## 🌦** Weather & Cancellations** If the weather becomes unsafe — heavy rain, strong winds, or conditions that make the pier unsuitable — the event may be postponed or cancelled. Any updates will be posted on the Meetup page, so please check before leaving home. ## ⚠️** Safety Disclaimer** This is a social, community‑led outing, not a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. The route includes natural hazards typical of outdoor environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and support others in the group as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together. Our volunteers may carry first aid supplies and communication devices to support the group, but these are not a substitute for personal preparedness. We also recommend having active ambulance cover whenever you take part in outdoor activities.

Join me for an evening of live classical music at Hamer Hall as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs Great Passions. The updated program now includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4, with Jaime Martín conducting. Finnish pianist Paavali Jumppanen joins the orchestra for Mozart’s dramatic and expressive concerto, followed by the huge orchestral sound of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4. Please note that this program has changed from the original listing: Nemanja Radulović is no longer performing Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto. The event is still listed by MSO as Great Passions. I’ll also be attending the 6:45pm pre-concert talk in the Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer, so the plan is to meet a little earlier, say hello, and then head in together. The talk should be a nice way to learn more about the music before the performance. This will be a relaxed, low-pressure meetup for anyone interested in orchestral music, whether you already attend classical concerts or just feel like trying something different. You’re very welcome to come solo. You can leave after the concert, or join for an optional dinner afterwards if the group feels like continuing the evening. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjaqi6gBm3z7q8ai7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjaqi6gBm3z7q8ai7) Event: [https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-great-passions-radulovic-plays-khachaturian](https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-great-passions-radulovic-plays-khachaturian) Please check your eligibility for the promo code here: [https://www.mso.com.au/first-look-seats/first-look-seats-faqs](https://www.mso.com.au/first-look-seats/first-look-seats-faqs) **Rough timeline** * 6:20pm — Meet outside Hamer Hall * 6:45pm — Attend the pre-concert talk in the Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer * 7:30pm — Concert begins * Interval — Short break * 9:45pm — Concert finishes and meetup wraps up * Afterwards — Optional dinner nearby if people are interested **Tickets** You’ll need to purchase your own ticket for the concert. I’ve already bought mine. My seat is Stall R40, and I purchased it for $23 using the FIRSTLOOK promo code, though prices, seat availability, and promo eligibility may vary. Please check the official MSO event page and First Look Seats information before booking. First Look Seats are intended for first-time MSO audiences and have eligibility/availability conditions. **Important notes** * Please buy your own ticket before attending. * Ticket prices and availability may change. * The FIRSTLOOK promo code may not work for everyone, so please check eligibility before relying on it. * We’ll meet before the pre-concert talk, then head in together. * You’re welcome to leave after the concert if you don’t want to join dinner. * This is a social meetup to enjoy the concert together, not a formal music discussion group. **Other info** The concert runs for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. The program features large-scale orchestral music, so it should be a strong choice for anyone curious about the drama and power of a full symphony orchestra.

**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:** This group is suitable for an intermediate type player. You need to be able to play a good level of tennis to participate. Beginners should participate in the Monday program. **YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND PAY VIA THE ATTACHED LINK TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:** https://play.tennis.com.au/RoyalParkTennisClub/Coaching **Players who just register their interest on Meetup, do not have their spots secured and may miss out.** **Registration Opens:** 6 Days in advance at 9am **Registration Closes:** Close 6pm the day *before* the event. This is to finalise player numbers and organise a playing roster. **Social Tennis Structure:** * Location: Royal Park Tennis Club (333 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne) * Day: Thursday * Time: 10.00am-12.00noon Cost: $10 for Non-Members, $0 for Members. * Participants will play 3 sets of tennis: emphasis on having a good hit of tennis, getting some exercise and making friends. * After each set, participants will rotate around. * Balls are provided each week. * Racquets are available for hire if required. * Some refreshments are available for purchase. * Please remember to wear shoes suitable for tennis! * Maximum of 12 spots for each session.

**Ride**: A road ride from town to Point Cook (lunch), visiting the Coastal Park and returning on paths and roads back to town (Melb Exhibition Centre). *FYI, I have added a small detour, on our way back, to Champion Rd in Newport to see the new footbridge / bike-bridge over the railway there at this now-closed railway crossing.* **Planned Metro Train Outages:** (Check for any Bus Replacements affecting your travels) https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **Forecast**: Point Cook area - 17°C Partly cloudy. Low chance of showers (0-1mm for the day). Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting southwesterly during the morning. See this link for a detailed forecast https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/point-cook/forecast/detailed/#d2026-05-24 **Suits:** Intermediate (and above) road riders **Bike**: Lightweight road bikes are best **Speed**: 25 - 30 consistently. (ie 30 kmh mostly) **Distance**: \~72 km return distance **Map & GPS files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15812666](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15812666) \*Actual route likely to vary on the day **Bring**: Water, snacks, spray jacket, pump, spare tube and any tools. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Laverton Creek (Jul '23) "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

Please note the starting point which is slightly out of the city centre at the top of Lonsdale St before it becomes Albert St. **Ride**: This is a short and easy social ride going north from College of Surgeons Gardens to Thornbury and then east to stop for brunch / coffee at [Artiga Cafe](https://www.facebook.com/artigacoffee/) which is located conveniently by Darebin Creek Trail. We'll return to town on Darebin Ck Trail, Main Yarra Trail and through Abbotsford and Collingwood. *Note: Finish time is an estimation. Could be earlier.* **Distance**: 27 Km **Speed**: 20-22 Km/h typically **Map**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48765338](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48765338) \* \*Route may vary on the day **Forecast**: Melbourne area - 17° Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower (0-1mm), most likely later in the day. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning.. **Bike**: Any bike in good condition. Pump up your tyres to recommended pressures and check your bike over prior to the day. **Bring**: Water, jacket, spare tube, tools, phone with my number. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Darebin Park - June '25 "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

**MBTC Annual General Meeting** ***Location - Community Hub at The Dock, Multi-purpose room*** 912 Collins St, Docklands, 3008 (around the corner from Library at The Dock) * Doors open at 1:00pm Snacks on arrival , because you are hungry, it's been a long day. You can vote for the photo competition via MBTC Electoral Commission. Your vote counts ! * Photos will be posted around the rooms , discuss with other members in this, the world's first MBTC photo comp ! **Special guest speaker is Franca Vicendese** **an international bike rider** **who is currently in Australia, she will talk about her special touring bike and some of the wonderful places she and her husband have toured in USA and around Australia,** * At 2.00 the presentation from our special guest. * Around 2.45 break for a feed including the AGM approved pumpkin soup and a yak and cast your vote. Remember to bring a bowl, spoon and cup * AGM at 3:30 \~ 4.15pm AGM business will be conducted with all committee positions being declared vacant. Opportunity for any member to become part of the committee. Currently David will stand again as President, Alister as Club Secretary, Walter as Club Treasurer , with Jen P , John Waters as committee members. Vacant positions are Vice President and Ride Secretary. * After the AGM, the Electoral scrutineers will announce the winners of the photo comp. * Room is available until 5:30pm allowing time for a cuppa and more chatting and a some amount of gossip. How to get to the venue **Tram:** ​Routes 11, 48 (stop D18). This stop is within the free tram zone connecting Southern Cross Station and the city. **Train: ​**Take any train to Southern Cross Station and catch the tram or walk 500 m to the Hub. **Car:** There are a limited number of metered parking spaces in the area, primarily along Bourke and Collins streets. There is no parking within the immediate vicinity of the Hub. Any questions contact the committee through email

Nice tracks here, suitable for most bikes. We can head to Waterways and ride around that lake and then either on to Braeside or back to Mordialloc again. I don't ride fast and if the weather is shit I probably won't bother. Join me if you feel like it.

Join me for a family friendly afternoon walk, coffee and a game of bocce in the Royal Botanic Gardens. This environment is a stunning place to relax, explore, and make new connections in all seasons. There are winding paths, groves, lakes, lawns and more than 8,500 species of plants. We will stop in at the Terrace cafe for takeaways, or bring your own drinks and snacks and we can stop for a chat and a game on the lawns. Our walk will finish at the Shrine of Remembrance to see the beautiful views of the city. This walk is rated easy, it is relatively flat and we will walk at a slow to moderate pace so we can socialise along the way. There are a few sections with stairs but there are alternative pathways close by. **Agenda:** I will meet you at **2pm** at the circular sculpture near the Observatory & Visitors Centre, 100 Birdwood Avenue. There is a map and photo of the meeting place below. We will head off no later than **2.15pm** We will reach the Terrace Cafe by **3pm**, have a coffee and a game of bocce on the lawns, then explore the gardens finishing at the Shrine of Remembrance at 5pm. When you RSVP **please click Attend** on the event page and I will be in touch about the details via direct message. As this is a rain or shine event I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day, and add any updates there if needed regarding weather conditions.

Summer Session, Thursdays, June 4 - July 23, 2026, from 6 to 8:30pm ET **NAMI Family-to-Family** is a free, eight-week program for family members, caregivers, and partners of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Coffee Posse ☕️ A relaxed, come-as-you-are coffee meetup to connect, unwind, and start your weekend well. Good coffee, real conversation, and a welcoming space to share life and build genuine friendships—one cup at a time.