Cultural Heritage

Make the most of your end of year! It’s not too late to get outside of your comfort zone and meet new people! This will be a casual walk from Port Melbourne to Middle Park and back. Our events are designed for people who have an interst in personal growrh, leadership and mindset, and want to connect with like-minded people over deeper conversation topics. If this sounds like you, we can’t wait to meet you!

Fed Square is doing another FREE outdoor cinema! This time it’s one of my favourite film series Lord Of The Rings 🧝‍♀️ I absolutely love these films and they have inspired many of my artworks 🎨✨ This is more of a social hangout event but bring your art supplies along if you feel like sketching, i’ll be bringing my sketchbook ✏️ Invite your friends along too, everyone is welcome to join this event! 🍿For food and drinks in the area there will be a food truck called Bilbo Snaggins and ACMI will have a snack bar open around the upper square entrance serving choc tops, popcorn and other treats🥤 It will be the full extended versions of the films and they will be showing over the course of 3 days 🎥✨ Saturday 27th 6pm - The Fellowship Of The Ring Sunday 28th 6pm - The Two Towers Monday 29th 6pm - The Return Of The King Here’s the link to the event on Fed Squares website to see more info https://fedsquare.com/events/outdoor-cinema-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy

As we welcome a brand new year, let's take a moment to honour *us* — the people who show up, connect, share stories, and build bridges across cultures, professions, and lived experiences. Thank you for being part of a community where everyone belongs, where kindness is a strength, and where collaboration turns ideas into impact. Every conversation, every event, every small act of generosity has shaped something meaningful.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**Hello 2026!** **Welcome to a new year**🍾🏵️ Come along to **Republica** for a relaxed summer atmosphere, beach vibes and live Soul, R&B and Funk tunes with Soultribe, a local 6-piece band🏖️☀️🍹. **We'll have bookings in the outside courtyard under Andy and Annita** 😎.

This is a relaxed, social meetup for anyone interested in practicing Korean or English — no teachers, no lessons, no pressure! We’ll just hang out, chat, and get to know each other while switching between Korean and English as much (or as little) as you like. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just learning “안녕,” you’re welcome here. Bring good vibes, maybe a drink or snack, and let’s have some fun conversations together! Last attendees must arrive by 8:30pm!

Experience the magic of kirtan in one unforgettable evening! Lose yourself in the sound. Enchanting Kirtan is a live sacred-music experience blending ancient mantra, soaring melody and rhythms, and heart-centered meditation. It’s an immersive, flowing sacred sound journey that moves from gentle stillness to joyful collective song & ecstatic dance. Think soft lighting, fusion world music, deep connection, and that indescribable feeling when the whole room is in harmony. Come solo or bring a friend! Everyone’s welcome in this beautiful, heart-opening experience that leaves you glowing from the inside out. Enchanting Kirtan: Sacred World Music & Meditation Experience Sunday 4th January 6:30pm - 8:30pm St Kilda Surf Lifesaving Club: 34 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda Free community event \| All welcome \| Donations appreciated Book in here: [https://events.humanitix.com/enchanting-kirtan-st-kilda](https://events.humanitix.com/enchanting-kirtan-st-kilda)

We are heading to the stunning Great Ocean Road! This will be a once a year event. We will be hiring a 24 seater bus with driver. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your Trybooking ticket ($89-$109): [https://www.trybooking.com/DHNST](https://www.trybooking.com/DHNST) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. You do not have to message me for the same. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet at Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone at 8:50 AM. It's around 4-5 minutes walk from Flinders Street Station. To get directions, please follow this \*\*[Google Map Link ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Federation+Square+Bus+%26+Coach+Pickup+Drop-off+Zone/@-37.8171217,144.9679412,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ad642b7a89d520f:0x9629c0ef7d056ab5!8m2!3d-37.817126!4d144.9701299)\*\*or click on the meetup map icon. Cost: $89 - Lucky Bird $99 - Early Bird $109 - Regular Locations: **Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery** \- Huge selection of chocolate and ice cream\. They also offer free chocolate tasting which is a bonus\. 🚻 **Memorial Arch at Eastern View** \- Take photo with Great Ocean Road Sign\. Eastern View's memorial arch is one of the first stops on the Great Ocean Road\. The 243km war memorial was built four times in memory of those who built it\. **Teddy's Lookout** \- Teddy's Lookout at Lorne has one of the best ocean and beach views on the Great Ocean Road\. **Apollo Bay** \- Apollo Bay is one of Australia's most picturesque seaside villages\. This is also be our lunch stop\. Please note that lunch is not included as part of the bus ticket\. 🚻 **Loch Ard Gorge** \- The power of the coastline can be truly felt at Loch Ard Gorge\, one of the few places along the Great Ocean Road that can also be accessed from the beach\. **12 Apostles** \- Despite the 30 rock formations along this stretch of coast\, only eight of the original Apostles remain\. 🚻 **Colac** \- Quick stop at Colac on the way back to Melbourne\. 🚻 Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

As we prepare to enter a new year, the Burning Bowl Ceremony offers a powerful and heartfelt opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. You are warmly invited to join us for this sacred and reflective ritual. The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beloved Unity tradition—an empowering moment where we release old patterns, worries, or limiting beliefs by writing them down and symbolically releasing them into the flame. This act of letting go opens the door to clarity, peace, and transformation.

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!