Democracy for America

The Naarm Solarpunk Meetup presents this special event to kick-off 2026. Our two speakers will take you through the high hopes that many of us had for the impact of the web on society, and the reality of corporate enshittified platforms that are destroying our ability to connect with our communities while building every more polluting data-centers. Please join us for an interesting evening as we walk through these ideas and meet like-minded people who care about using technology in service of **Sustainable**, **Resilient** and **Just** futures. **Reclaiming the Open Web** [Milly Schmidt](https://www.millyschmidt.me/) In the 2000s, a generation of nerds got online and found a wonderful place where you could learn to code, make things, share your art, be part of communities and feel welcomed. We blogged, we vlogged, we shared, we posted, we followed and we were followed. We found a beautiful world where we could connect with our friends and make new ones, all across the globe, and find the people who liked the same things we liked and feel less alone. We signed up for platform after platform, excited about the promise of a hyper-personalised web, where we would see recommendations and content based on our specific interests. We knew there might be some risks, but we thought it was worth it. In the 20 years or so since then, things have changed. The platforms that once connected us have mutated, transformed under a grim late capitalist ethos to be not just extractive, but no longer even for us. How do we get out of this mess? How do we find our way back to the promises of the early web, where we could connect with communities, friends and family, find joy and creativity and learning? And more importantly, what principles should we hold to ensure we don't make these mistakes again? **Neighbourhood-First Software** [Jade Ambrose](https://jade.hopepunk.me/) A vibrant ecosystem of open-source alternatives to big tech walled gardens is a critical part of building the free and open internet that we want, but technical requirements mean that this software is often only run by a small group of skilled enthusiasts. Neighbourhood-First software is hosted in cycling distance of your house, by volunteers in your local community, for the benefit of those less technical. In this talk, Jade will present a manifesto of Neighbourhood-First software, and discuss how it can help support local-first software, the Fediverse, and other key open source initiatives while also providing local resilience in an age of climate uncertainty. \-\-\- These talks were both previously given at Everything Open 2026, and don't require technical knowledge. We will provide some plant-based nibbles. Probably not enough for dinner, please feel free to bring anything of your own that you'd like to eat. This event will be hosted on the stolen, unceeded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. **Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.** **Accessibility info:** Balam Balam place is wheelchair accessible via lift. Wide corridors and accessible toilets are situated on each level. The grounds are entirely accessible via flat concrete paths and ramps. Mask wearing is very welcome. Our speakers will be unmasked while presenting. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you feel more able to attend this event.

Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Looking for your community in Melbourne? Welcome to Lounge Asia — The premier social exclusively for Global Asians. ⚡ WHY JOIN? (Your Benefits) ✅ Find Your Tribe: Instantly connect with people who share your Asian heritage & values. ✅ Real Conversations: No loud club music. Just a relaxed vibe for genuine chats. ✅ Safe & Chill: Your "Third Place" mid-week to relax and be yourself. ⚡ WHO IS THIS FOR? * This event is exclusively for people with Asian backgrounds. * Global Asians: Living, working, or studying abroad. * Cross-Cultural: Returnees, TCKs, or Mixed Heritage. (We curate this space to share our specific shared experiences. Thank you for respecting this.) 📍 WHEN & WHERE 🗓 Date: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month ⏰ Time: From 6:00 pm 📍 Venue: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Entrance: Enter via Little Lonsdale St only. (No entry from inside Melbourne Central). 💰 Entry: Buy 1 Drink from the bar OR Pay $3 at the door. 🚨 HOW TO JOIN (Mandatory) 1. You MUST RSVP on this page. STRICT POLICY: No RSVP = No Entry. We check the list at the door. 2. Follow Instagram: @_lounge_asia 3. 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Join the VIP list for early access to our official app & special party invites. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ HOUSE RULES (Zero Tolerance) To protect our safe environment, we strictly ban: 🚫 Solicitation: No MLM, business recruitment, or poaching. 🚫 Harassment: No pickup artists or creepy behavior. Violators are removed immediately. 🌏 OUR VISION "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Members) 🌏 2026 Expansion: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ IMPORTANT ID Required: Passport or Driver’s License (18+). Student IDs: NOT accepted. VIC Law: ID checks are required at the licensed bar. 👥 Your Host: 🎤 David – Your friendly Melbourne host! Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 メルボルンでコミュニティをお探しですか？ Lounge Asiaへようこそ — グローバル・アジア人のための最高の交流会です。 ⚡ 参加するメリット ✅ 仲間が見つかる: アジアのルーツや価値観を共有できる人とすぐにつながれます。 ✅ リアルな会話: 騒がしいクラブではありません。リラックスして会話を楽しめます。 ✅ 安心・安全: 平日の夜、素の自分でいられる「サードプレイス」です。 ⚡ 参加対象 * 本イベントは、アジアのバックグラウンドを持つ方限定です。 * Global Asians: 海外在住、勤務、留学中の方。 * Cross-Cultural: 帰国子女、TCK、ミックスの方。 (共通の経験を共有する場を作るため、ご理解をお願いいたします。) 📍 日時・場所 🗓 日程: 毎月 第3水曜日 ⏰ 時間: 6:00 pm から 📍 場所: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: Little Lonsdale St側の入り口からお入りください (Melbourne Central内からは入れません)。 💰 参加費: バーでドリンク1杯購入 または 入場料$3 🚨 参加方法 (必須) 1. このページで必ずRSVP (参加登録) をしてください。 厳格なルール: RSVPがない場合は入場できません。入り口でリストを確認します。 2. Instagramをフォロー: @_lounge_asia 3. 🎁 VIPアクセス (創設メンバー) 公式アプリの先行アクセスと特別パーティーへの招待を受け取るには、VIPリストに登録してください。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ ハウスルール (ゼロ・トレランス) 安全な環境を守るため、以下を厳禁とします。 🚫 勧誘行為: MLM、ビジネス勧誘、引き抜きは禁止です。 🚫 迷惑行為: ナンパ、不快な行動は禁止です。 違反者は即座に退場となります。 🌏 私たちのビジョン "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 オーストラリア: ブリスベン、シドニー、メルボルン (メンバー1,500名以上) 🌏 2026年展開: 東京、ホーチミン、セブ ⚠️ 重要 ID必須: パスポートまたは運転免許証 (18歳以上)。 学生証: 不可。 👥 ホスト: 🎤 David (メルボルン担当) Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 正在墨爾本尋找屬於你的社群嗎？ 歡迎來到 Lounge Asia — 專為全球亞裔打造的優質社交圈。 ⚡ 為什麼要參加？ (你的收穫) ✅ 找到歸屬感: 立即連結擁有相同亞洲背景與價值觀的朋友。 ✅ 真誠對話: 這裡沒有吵雜的夜店音樂，只有輕鬆交流的氛圍。 ✅ 安全放鬆: 週間放鬆身心的「第三空間」，讓你做回真實的自己。 ⚡ 適合誰參加？ * 本活動專為擁有亞洲背景的人士舉辦。 * Global Asians: 在海外生活、工作或求學的亞裔。 * Cross-Cultural: 海歸派、TCK 或擁有混合文化背景者。 (為了分享共同的經歷，我們特別規劃此專屬空間，感謝您的理解。) 📍 時間與地點 🗓 日期: 每月的第三個星期三 ⏰ 時間: 6:00 pm 開始 📍 地點: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: 請務必從 Little Lonsdale St 入口進入 (無法從 Melbourne Central 內部進入)。 💰 費用: 購買一杯飲料 或 支付 $3 入場費 🚨 如何參加 (必須遵守) 1. 你必須在此頁面報名 (RSVP)。 嚴格執行: 無報名 = 無法入場。我們將在門口核對名單。 2. 追蹤 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 會員 (創始成員) 加入 VIP 名單，搶先體驗我們的官方 App 及獲得特別派對邀請。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 規範 (零容忍政策) 為了維護安全的環境，我們嚴禁： 🚫 推銷招攬: 禁止直銷 (MLM)、商業招攬或挖角。 🚫 騷擾行為: 禁止搭訕騷擾或任何令人不適的行為。 違規者將被立即請離。 🌏 我們的願景 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 澳洲: 布里斯本、雪梨、墨爾本 (成員超過1,500人) 🌏 2026年擴展: 東京、胡志明市、宿霧。 ⚠️ 重要事項 必須出示 ID: 護照或駕照 (須滿18歲)。 學生證: 不接受。 👥 主辦人: 🎤 David (墨爾本負責人) Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 멜버른에서 커뮤니티를 찾고 있나요? Lounge Asia에 오신 것을 환영합니다 — 글로벌 아시안을 위한 프리미엄 소셜 모임입니다. ⚡ 참여해야 하는 이유 (혜택) ✅ 공감대 형성: 아시아의 문화적 배경과 가치관을 공유하는 사람들과 즉시 연결됩니다. ✅ 진솔한 대화: 시끄러운 클럽 음악이 아닙니다. 편안한 분위기에서 진짜 대화를 나누세요. ✅ 안전과 휴식: 주중의 피로를 풀고 온전한 나로 돌아갈 수 있는 '제3의 공간'입니다. ⚡ 참여 대상 * 본 이벤트는 아시아 배경을 가진 분들만을 대상으로 합니다. * Global Asians: 해외 거주, 근무, 유학 중인 아시아인. * Cross-Cultural: 귀국 유학생, TCK, 또는 다문화 배경을 가진 분. (공통의 경험을 나누기 위한 자리이므로, 이 점 양해 부탁드립니다.) 📍 일시 및 장소 🗓 날짜: 매월 셋째 주 수요일 ⏰ 시간: 6:00 pm 부터 📍 장소: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 입구: 반드시 Little Lonsdale St 쪽 입구로 입장해주세요 (Melbourne Central 내부 연결 불가). 💰 비용: 바에서 음료 1잔 구매 또는 입장료 $3 🚨 참여 방법 (필수) 1. 이 페이지에서 반드시 RSVP(참가 신청)를 해야 합니다. 엄격한 규칙: RSVP 없음 = 입장 불가. 입구에서 명단을 확인합니다. 2. Instagram 팔로우: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 멤버 (창립 멤버) VIP 리스트에 등록하고 공식 앱 조기 사용 권한과 특별 파티 초대장을 받으세요. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 운영 규칙 (무관용 원칙) 안전한 환경을 위해 다음을 엄격히 금지합니다: 🚫 영업 금지: 다단계(MLM), 비즈니스 권유, 스카우트 행위 금지. 🚫 괴롭힘 금지: 헌팅 목적이나 불쾌한 행동 금지. 위반 시 즉시 퇴장 조치됩니다. 🌏 우리의 비전 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 호주: 브리즈번, 시드니, 멜버른 (멤버 1,500명 돌파) 🌏 2026년 확장: 도쿄, 호치민, 세부. ⚠️ 중요 사항 신분증 필수: 여권 또는 운전면허증 (18세 이상). 학생증: 불가. 👥 호스트: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 正在墨尔本寻找属于你的社群吗？ 欢迎来到 Lounge Asia — 专为全球亚裔打造的优质社交圈。 ⚡ 为什么要参加？ (你的收获) ✅ 找到归属感: 立即连接拥有相同亚洲背景与价值观的朋友。 ✅ 真诚对话: 这里没有嘈杂的夜店音乐，只有轻松交流的氛围。 ✅ 安全放松: 周间放松身心的“第三空间”，让你做回真实的自己。 ⚡ 适合谁参加？ 本活动专为拥有亚洲背景的人士举办。 Global Asians: 在海外生活、工作或求学的亚裔。 Cross-Cultural: 海归派、TCK 或拥有混合文化背景者。 (为了分享共同的经历，我们特别规划此专属空间，感谢您的理解。) 📍 时间与地点 🗓 日期: 每月的第三个星期三 ⏰ 时间: 6:00 pm 开始 📍 地点: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: 请务必从 Little Lonsdale St 入口进入 (无法从 Melbourne Central 内部进入)。 💰 费用: 购买一杯饮料 或 支付 $3 入场费 🚨 如何参加 (必须遵守) 1. 你必须在此页面报名 (RSVP)。 严格执行: 无报名 = 无法入场。我们将在门口核对名单。 2. 关注 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 会员 (创始成员) 加入 VIP 名单，抢先体验我们的官方 App 及获得特别派对邀请。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 规范 (零容忍政策) 为了维护安全的环境，我们严禁： 🚫 推销招揽: 禁止传销 (MLM)、商业招揽或挖角。 🚫 骚扰行为: 禁止搭讪骚扰或任何令人不适的行为。 违规者将被立即请离。 🌏 我们的愿景 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 澳洲: 布里斯班、悉尼、墨尔本 (成员超过1,500人) 🌏 2026年扩展: 东京、胡志明市、宿务。 ⚠️ 重要事项 必须出示 ID: 护照或驾照 (须满18岁)。 学生证: 不接受。 👥 主办人: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Bạn đang tìm kiếm cộng đồng tại Melbourne? Chào mừng đến với Lounge Asia — Cộng đồng hàng đầu dành riêng cho Global Asians. ⚡ TẠI SAO NÊN THAM GIA? (Lợi ích của bạn) ✅ Tìm thấy sự thuộc về: Kết nối ngay lập tức với những người chia sẻ di sản và giá trị Á Đông. ✅ Trò chuyện chân thực: Không ồn ào như vũ trường. Một không gian thư giãn để trò chuyện thật sự. ✅ An toàn & Thoải mái: "Không gian thứ ba" giữa tuần để thư giãn và là chính mình. ⚡ DÀNH CHO AI? Sự kiện này chỉ dành riêng cho những người có nguồn gốc Châu Á. Global Asians: Đang sống, làm việc hoặc học tập ở nước ngoài. Đa văn hóa: Du học sinh về nước, TCK, hoặc người có dòng máu lai. (Chúng tôi tạo ra không gian này để chia sẻ những trải nghiệm chung cụ thể. Cảm ơn bạn đã tôn trọng điều này.) 📍 THỜI GIAN & ĐỊA ĐIỂM 🗓 Ngày: Thứ Tư tuần thứ 3 hàng tháng ⏰ Thời gian: Từ 6:00 pm 📍 Địa điểm: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Lối vào: Vui lòng chỉ vào từ đường Little Lonsdale St (Không có lối vào từ bên trong Melbourne Central). 💰 Vào cửa: Mua 1 đồ uống tại quầy HOẶC Trả $3 tại cửa. 🚨 CÁCH THAM GIA (Bắt buộc) 1. Bạn PHẢI đăng ký (RSVP) trên trang này. CHÍNH SÁCH NGHIÊM NGẶT: Không RSVP = Không vào cửa. Chúng tôi kiểm tra danh sách tại cửa. 2. Theo dõi Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 THÀNH VIÊN VIP (Sáng lập) Tham gia danh sách VIP để truy cập sớm ứng dụng chính thức & nhận vé mời tiệc đặc biệt. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ NỘI QUY (Không khoan nhượng) Để bảo vệ môi trường an toàn, chúng tôi nghiêm cấm: 🚫 Chèo kéo: Cấm đa cấp (MLM), tuyển dụng kinh doanh, hoặc lôi kéo. 🚫 Quấy rối: Cấm tán tỉnh làm phiền hoặc hành vi khiếm nhã. Người vi phạm sẽ bị mời ra ngay lập tức. 🌏 TẦM NHÌN CỦA CHÚNG TÔI "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Úc: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (Hơn 1,500 thành viên) 🌏 Mở rộng 2026: Tokyo, TP.HCM, Cebu. ⚠️ QUAN TRỌNG Yêu cầu giấy tờ: Hộ chiếu hoặc Bằng lái xe (18+). Thẻ sinh viên: KHÔNG được chấp nhận. 👥 Chủ nhà của bạn: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Naghahanap ka ba ng iyong komunidad sa Melbourne? Welcome sa Lounge Asia — Ang premier social na eksklusibo para sa Global Asians. ⚡ BAKIT DAPAT SUMALI? (Ang iyong Benepisyo) ✅ Find Your Tribe: Agad na kumonekta sa mga taong kapareho mo ng Asian heritage at values. ✅ Real Conversations: Hindi maingay na club. Relaxed na vibe para sa totoong kwentuhan. ✅ Safe & Chill: Ang iyong "Third Place" sa kalagitnaan ng linggo para mag-relax. ⚡ PARA KANINO ITO? Ang event na ito ay eksklusibo para sa mga taong may Asian background. Global Asians: Nakatira, nagtatrabaho, o nag-aaral sa ibang bansa. Cross-Cultural: Returnees, TCKs, o Mixed Heritage. (Ginawa namin ang space na ito para maibahagi ang aming shared experiences. Salamat sa pagrespeto nito.) 📍 KAILAN AT SAAN 🗓 Petsa: Tuwing ika-3 Miyerkules ng buwan ⏰ Oras: Mula 6:00 pm 📍 Venue: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Entrance: Pumasok sa Little Lonsdale St lamang (Walang entry mula sa loob ng Melbourne Central). 💰 Entry: Bumili ng 1 Drink sa bar O Magbayad ng $3 sa pinto. 🚨 PAANO SUMALI (Mandatory) 1. KAILANGAN mong mag-RSVP sa page na ito. MAHIGPIT NA PATAKARAN: Walang RSVP = Hindi Makakapasok. Tinitingnan namin ang listahan sa pinto. 2. I-follow ang Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Sumali sa VIP list para sa early access sa aming official app & special party invites. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ HOUSE RULES (Zero Tolerance) Para maprotektahan ang aming safe environment, mahigpit naming ipinagbabawal: 🚫 Solicitation: Bawal ang MLM, business recruitment, o poaching. 🚫 Harassment: Bawal ang pambabastos o creepy behavior. Ang mga lalabag ay tatanggalin agad. 🌏 ANG AMING BISYON "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Members) 🌏 2026 Expansion: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ MAHALAGA ID Required: Passport o Driver’s License (18+). Student IDs: HINDI tinatanggap. 👥 Ang iyong Host: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Mencari komuniti anda di Melbourne? Selamat Datang ke Lounge Asia — Sosial premier eksklusif untuk Global Asians. ⚡ KENAPA SERTAI? (Manfaat Anda) ✅ Cari Geng Anda: Berhubung segera dengan orang yang berkongsi warisan & nilai Asia anda. ✅ Perbualan Sebenar: Bukan muzik kelab yang bising. Suasana santai untuk borak sebenar. ✅ Selamat & Santai: "Tempat Ketiga" anda pada pertengahan minggu untuk berehat. ⚡ UNTUK SIAPA? Acara ini adalah eksklusif untuk mereka yang berlatarbelakangkan Asia. Global Asians: Tinggal, bekerja, atau belajar di luar negara. Silang Budaya: Mereka yang kembali, TCK, atau Warisan Campuran. (Kami menyediakan ruang ini untuk berkongsi pengalaman bersama. Terima kasih kerana menghormatinya.) 📍 BILA & DI MANA 🗓 Tarikh: Setiap Rabu ke-3 setiap bulan ⏰ Masa: Dari 6:00 pm 📍 Lokasi: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Pintu Masuk: Sila masuk melalui Little Lonsdale St sahaja (Tiada laluan masuk dari dalam Melbourne Central). 💰 Masuk: Beli 1 Minuman dari bar ATAU Bayar $3 di pintu. 🚨 CARA MENYERTAI (Wajib) 1. Anda MESTI RSVP di halaman ini. POLISI KETAT: Tiada RSVP = Tiada Masuk. Kami semak senarai di pintu. 2. Ikuti Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 AKSES VIP (Ahli Pengasas) Sertai senarai VIP untuk akses awal ke aplikasi rasmi kami & jemputan parti khas. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ PERATURAN RUMAH (Toleransi Sifar) Untuk melindungi persekitaran selamat kami, kami melarang keras: 🚫 Solicitation: Tiada MLM, perekrutan perniagaan, atau curi tenaga kerja. 🚫 Gangguan: Tiada gangguan seksual atau kelakuan yang tidak menyenangkan. Pelanggar akan dikeluarkan serta-merta. 🌏 VISI KAMI "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Ahli) 🌏 Pengembangan 2026: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ PENTING ID Diperlukan: Pasport atau Lesen Memandu (18+). ID Pelajar: TIDAK diterima. 👥 Hos Anda: 🎤 David

Hi everyone, Stella & Tarrant here 😃 It's board game and dinner time every 2nd Wednesdays! Everyone's welcome, new or experienced board gamer. Let's play board games together, meet new friends if you want, and also supporting local restaurant buying their food and drink, coz the event is free. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏, 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 Meetup will be in the separate room at the back of their venue! 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 6pm - 10pm (but the pub is open till later if you want to stay around) 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Meetup for dinner & drink while playing board games. Here's a one page PDF document explaining how it works - https://loom.ly/hTHo2cM. Basically, find some friends or make some new ones. 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bring your own games or play our growing board games library, teach others or join others games. We have flag system to help you find people to play with you. Here is the list of our growing games library, categories and with short description - https://loom.ly/fOKuaM4 𝗙𝗘𝗘: Zero. Nada. It's a casual get together, we're helping facilitating the meetup. All I asked is to please order food & drink from the venue, don't bring your own food and eat there, as the venue is a pub, they are providing the venue for free So please help local business 😃 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗘: Feel free to post in the comment if you have games you want to bring and teach others, try to organise people to play. Or if you want to join other people's game. We have a group via Aftergame (app/website) where you can organise a game as well here - https://aftergame.app/groups/we-play-board-games-melbourne-meetup-by-meeple-university-1386 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: Melbourne Central, level 3. Melbourne Central station underneath. There are various public carpark Wilson 300 LaTrobe and Secure Parking in the city. Or the Wilson carpark under Melbourne Central, entry is a set price after 5pm (at the time of writing). And then plenty of public transport in the city 🙂 To connect more to fellow board gamers, you can join the Facebook group that started the event here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames Thank you and hope to see you all then! Stella & Tarrant

This Meetup is ideal for people who want to have a game mid-week. This Meetup is also preceded by Tennis Xpress (7pm) which is a beginner coaching course for adults. Glen our tennis leader on the night is the friendliest man and will make all players feel welcome.

**Do you want to inspire action, gain agreement, and make your ideas irresistible?** *At this Toastmasters meeting, our Skill Shot presenter and MC will share how to harness the power of persuasive communication—turning your words into influence that inspires, motivates, and drives results.* You’ll discover practical techniques to craft compelling arguments, engage your audience emotionally, and speak with authority and charisma. Learn how to present ideas persuasively in any setting—from the stage, to the boardroom, to one-on-one conversations—while staying authentic and confident. By the end of the meeting, you’ll be equipped with the skills to influence with integrity and make your messages resonate long after you’ve spoken. Join us tonight at Port Melbourne Toastmasters and learn how to communicate persuasively, captivate your audience, and unlock opportunities through the power of influence. 🌐 [www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org](http://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org) 📅 **When:** 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays of the month, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 **Where:** [Find directions here](http://5181586.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html) *Guests, Meetup Group members, and visiting Toastmasters attend for free.* Secure your spot today! **Want to speak with confidence and connect with real impact?** Here’s your chance to overcome nerves, build your presence, and elevate your presentation skills in a supportive, growth-focused environment. Come check us out!

**At Happy Hour Toastmasters - We make public speaking** **FUN!** **Do you want to get better at speaking in front of people?** Maybe for that important presentation at work, or that big wedding speech you've been asked to give? Do you want to have fun and make a bunch of great new friends while doing it? Then **our club is the place for you!** Our club is a diverse and supportive group of people, from beginners to world championship finalist-level speakers, who meet regularly to practice and improve our public speaking skills. **You'll also** **learn:** * **leadership skills** * **networking and 'soft skills'** * **how to provide constructive feedback** * **how to control your 'ums' and 'ahs'** * **how to think quickly and creatively while speaking on your feet** * **and much more!** **Guests are welcome** to come to any of our meetings, and we are also to chat with you about questions you might have, so please get in touch! **Please note - Bookings are essential**, as we need to let you into the building when you arrive!

Join us at Preston Library and boost your public speaking skills! ## Speak with Confidence at Northern Exposure Toastmasters Join us in person at Preston Library for a fun and friendly Toastmasters meeting! Whether you're looking to sharpen your public speaking skills or just want to meet like-minded folks, this is the place to be. Share your stories, get useful feedback, and boost your confidence in a supportive atmosphere. ### **Set Your 2026 Challenge** Maybe this is the year you want to: * Improve your public speaking and presentation skills * Build confidence in meetings or high-pressure situations * Become a more influential leader * Sharpen your thinking on your feet * Strengthen your communication for career advancement * Expand your personal and professional network Whatever your 2026 challenge looks like, Toastmasters meets you where you are, and helps you grow from there. There is so much to learn from presenting speeches to become a Leader in the Club. * 1\. Personal & professional development * 2\. Improved communication & listening skills * 3\. Increased confidence * 4\. Develop & enhance leadership skills * 5\. Affiliation with an internationally renowned organisation Don't miss out on this chance to speak up and stand out!

Join link: [https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/41790991030013?p=F3QrbogyC5Iyss1AtF](https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/41790991030013?p=F3QrbogyC5Iyss1AtF "Meeting join") **Details** Join us for networking, drinks and a good time catching up with fellow Power BI and Microsoft Fabric enthusiasts **Agenda:** 5:30PM - 6:00PM Welcome and Networking 6:00PM - 7:00PM Speaker Session **Topic:** From Bronze to Gold: A Practical Testing Strategy for Microsoft Fabric **THE SPEAKER -** Mikhail Koptelov **THE SESSION** Testing in Microsoft Fabric requires different strategies depending on where your logic lives. In this talk, we explore how to apply unit and contract testing across the Fabric stack: * Pipeline unit tests for reliable orchestration and data movement * Python notebook testing using both notebook-first and package-first approaches * SQL contract testing to ensure downstream dependencies remain stable By the end, you’ll have a practical blueprint for building robust, testable Fabric workloads from Bronze to Gold. **Pre-requisites**: Basic understanding of Fabric and python **Sponsors:** **Vivanti** A big thank you goes out to our sponsor, Vivanti, for their support of this Meetup; providing the venue as well as drinks for attendees. **Sirius Technology (https://www.siriuspeople.com.au/)** A big thank also to our co-sponsor, Sirius Technology, for their ongoing support of our Meetup and providing us with food for each event. Sirius Technology recruits across all Technology Disciplines from Development (Front and back-end), Testing, Network, and Security, Project Services (PM's, BA's, Project Coordinators) & Data - across all technology stacks. **The Power BI Developer Checklist** You can download Greg's Power BI developer checklist here: [Power BI Report Development Checklist](https://www.dearwatson.net.au/checklist)

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become ultra-confident Whys is Smashing different? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close-by: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the meet starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing leadership & teamwork Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Together we will explore the Hero’s Journey (Monomyth) as a guide to personal transformation. Most epic stories follow a similar pattern. An ordinary person faces a challenge, goes through trials, and emerges on the other side transformed. The first session is an overview of the Heroes Journey; we will follow Luke Skywalker ala Star Wars. This session will give participants the opportunity to self-reflect as we go through the stages based on the model created by Joseph Campbell. After the break - the second session - we invite you to take a deeper dive, through meditation, self-reflection and group ritual; you are welcome to bring a small object that holds meaning for the Temanos.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\*** **What is AI Freedom Alliance?** AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large. **What’s Happening?** ***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.*** This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone. **Why Attend?** Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business. This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.

Polarity Reflexology (PR) Certificate Course: (2026) February 21-22 March 21-22 April 25-26 May 30-31 June 27-28 Students must attend all 5 weekends to receive Certificate Classes run from 8:30am-5:30pm each scheduled day Information & Registration Link can be found here: [Polarity Reflexology (PR) Certificate Course](https://www.gafee.org/#/polarity-reflexology-pr/) *[Global Academy for Energetic Education (GAFEE) is Registered with the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and is authorized to teach Diploma and Certificate Programs. (Registration #2091)](https://oh.edvera.com/directory/institutions)*

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.