E-Democracy

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.

**Pride Film Party: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert** Melbourne’s biggest monthly queer movie night is going bush! Join us at Pride of Our Footscray for the 2026 screening of the legendary ***The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.*** [(Link to tickets)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1521759) The Highlights: \- Signature Cocktails: Sip on a Little Ding\-a\-Ling\, Frock on a Rock\, or a Showgirl\. \- The Pre\-Show \(7:15pm\): Behind\-the\-scenes footage\, movie trivia \(with prizes\!\)\, and a chance to hit the stage\. \- Get Involved: Grab a mate to act out an iconic scene or deliver a sassy line for the crowd\. \- The Main Event \(8:00pm\): The film kicks off with a halftime break and a group chat to wrap up\. Doors open at 6:30pm. Follow @prideofourfootscray for more details. It’s high-heels, desert vibes, and pure queer joy!

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

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.

**Hck4G#0x13 – Trust, But Verify: Testing Cybersecurity Controls with MITRE ATT&CK** доверяй, но проверяй A cybersecurity meetup for the community, by the community. Hck4G is a not-for-profit organisation focused on disrupting the human impact of cybercrime through awareness, intervention, education, victim support and referrers and diversion. Our monthly meetup events aim to create ethical pathways, real-world skills, and building defenders communities who understand context — not just tools. *** **PLEASE REGISTER HERE!!!!** https://shorturl.at/QFPAI **About the Session** How do you know your security controls actually work? This session is designed for: * **GRC professionals** looking to move beyond tick-box compliance and Excel security questionnaires * **Security engineers** who want practical ways to validate control effectiveness * **Security leaders** responsible for assessing the performance and maturity of their organisation's risk posture * Anyone curious about threat-informed defence, MITRE ATT&CK, or how cybersecurity controls are tested in the real world The talk will explore how to apply **threat-informed defence** to test cybersecurity controls in real-world environments. Using the **Information Security Manual (ISM)** and the **MITRE ATT&CK framework**, we’ll walk through threat modelling, control selection and tailoring, and how to evaluate whether your controls genuinely mitigate common adversary tactics. The session will finish with a **hands-on small-group exercise**, where attendees will work together to threat model a scenario, select relevant ATT&CK tactics, and determine how those controls could be tested. *** ### **What You’ll Learn** * Why compliance does not equal security * How threat modelling differs across organisations and environments * How to apply ISM guidance for system hardening and procurement * How to focus on the most relevant MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques * An overview of Atomic Red Team techniques for servers and desktops * How to practically assess and validate control effectiveness You’ll receive a copy of the presentation, including links and resources, so you can start applying a **~~“trust, but verify”~~ "Zero-Trust"** approach in your own organisation. *** ### **🍕 Bonus** Best cyber pizzas in Melbourne, courtesy of **CyLynk**. *** ### **Event Information** **Date:** Wednesday, 18 February 2026 **Time:** 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (AEST) **Location:** Building 80, 435–457 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 300 **Cost:** Free (registration required) **Catering:** Food and drinks provided *** ### **Livestream Watch Parties** * Ghana (WAT+2) * Nigeria (WAT+1) Livestream links will be shared with registered attendees **24 hours before the event**. *** ### **Speaker – David Dowling** David has 18 years of experience in the IT and cybersecurity industry, beginning his career in Launceston, Tasmania, and working across Seoul, San Francisco, and now Melbourne. He holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and SABSA Chartered Foundation (SCF) certifications, along with a range of vendor certifications including Microsoft, Qualys, Netskope, and Splunk. David began his career working for SIEM, WAF, and endpoint vendors before moving into MSSP environments, and has since completed the “circle of life” by working in security accreditation and operations at a vehicle manufacturer in Geelong. This background gives him a unique perspective across vendors, service providers, and in-house security teams. Outside of work, David has teenage kids, a very active poodle named APT p00py who enjoys walkies and being bad at CTFs and serves part-time as an Artillery Forward Observer in the Australian Army Reserves. *** ### **What to Bring** * Laptop with internet access * Minimum 8GB RAM * Curiosity and a willingness to ask questions *** ### **Event Schedule** * **5:30 – 5:40 PM:** Welcome, Intro & Networking * **5:40 – 6:00 PM:** Networking & Cyber pizzas 🍕 * **6:00 – 6:45 PM:** Presentation * **6:45 – 7:00 PM:** Small-group exercise *** ### **Thanks to our Sponsors** [RMIT University](https://www.rmit.edu.au/) \- Worldclass certificates\, degrees\, Masters and Postgraduate programs\. [BridgeLynk.io](http://BridgeLynk.io) \- Attack Informed Cybersecurity Services for NFP\, SMB and Enterprise [CyLynk.com](http://CyLynk.com) \- Job\-Ready cybersecurity training led by expert coaches\.

**📣IMPORTANT📣:** registrations are essential! Attendees that have not registered will be charged $5 to enter. For FREE entry, get your membership below: [https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast](https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast) **== Find someone to practice with before the event ==** (Optional:) post the language you're learning (and teaching language) in the comments so the right people can connect with you. E.g. a comment like: "#learnFrench #teachEnglish seeyou all soon :-)". **Overview:** Every week, over 150 people from 23+ countries meet at out language exchange to practice a new language and make new friends over a beer.🍻 The first thing you will notice when you go to New To Melbourne is the great community atmosphere; people in our group are friendly and helpful and always welcoming of new group members. I hope you can bring a friend and join us for some language practice :-) Our language exchange is free and runs every We3ednesday night, there's cheap food & drinks if you arrive at 6pm and want some dinner ;-)🍻🍟 **If you want to attend:** Event cost: **FREE**! (you must register for free entry: [https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast](https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast)) **First Time? / What is a language exchange?** If you've never been to a language exchange (many people haven't) we wrote an article for first timers (based on our 8+ years of running language exchanges). It's a comprehensive article and well worth reading: [https://bit.ly/firstTimeAtTheLanguageExchange](https://bit.ly/firstTimeAtTheLanguageExchange) **===== EVENT FORMAT =====** When you arrive, you receive a badge with your native language and the languages you would like to learn. Place them on your chest with your native language on the right and other languages you are learning on the left. Then go meet people and exchange languages! What to bring: Pen and Paper and good vibes! Age Group: 18+ **===== FREE BEER AND PIZZA FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! =====** We're looking for friendly volunteers who want to help out and welcome newcomers to the group. We provide free beer/drinks and food (pizza wedges etc) and a friendly team of other volunteers to hang out with. If it's your first time at the event, you're welcome to applt - our volunteers are often newcomers too :-) To find out more about volunteering at our language exchange, please see the link below: [https://bit.ly/NTM-Lang-Exchange-volunteering](https://bit.ly/NTM-Lang-Exchange-volunteering) **===== Group Rules =====** We pride ourselves on running events where people feel safe and open to making new friends. To protect our group members, we have several rules in place: 1\. This is \*not\* a dating group\, please do not ask for people's numbers / socials\. Contact them via the meetup\.com private chat if you want to get in touch\. 2\. Please do not advertise other groups / events / tours on this page or to this groups attendees during / after events\. 3\. Please do not advertise products and services \(e\.g\. MLM / mentorship\)\. Please do not ask our attendees to complete surveys\. 4\. Please do not add people to wechat / whatsapp groups\. By join our group or attending our events, you agree to these rules. If you attend an event and someone is breaking these rules, you can speak to the host if you wish. **===== MENU🍔 =====** The management gave us a special menu with some cheap eats :-)🍟 This section will be updated soon. **===== NEW TO MELBOURNE! =====** This event is run by New to Melbourne! We run fun and affordable event for people mostly between 18-35 including: international students, backpackers and even some locals :-) You can find all our upcoming social events and tours here: [https://bit.ly/FF-Free-language-exchange](https://bit.ly/FF-Free-language-exchange) See you soon! :-)

**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!

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

Ready to ride the vibe? Join us for **Vibe Hack** – a free workshop where you'll learn to build real, practical apps using AI-powered vibe coding tools. **No experience needed**, just curiosity and good energy. Whether you're a small business owner, creative professional, or lifelong learner, this **hands-on session** will help you turn your ideas into digital solutions. Come discover that "I can do this!" feeling in a welcoming, energetic space where everyone belongs. Bring your laptop, build something awesome, and connect with the Vibe Club community.

**🔥 MELBOURNE'S NO.1 BAR CRAWL! 🔥** Want an epic night out for just **$15**? Here’s what you need to do: 1\. Click "**Attending**" on the Meetup event 2\. Pre\-book your ticket at [ontherocksbarcrawl.com](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) – Use promo code “**MEETUP26**” on an '**Online Saver**' ticket for $10 off your ticket price! 3\. ARRIVE **BEFORE 18:30** (strict cutoff – no exceptions!) ⏳ Miss any of these steps? It’s **more expensive** on the door! If you're late, your discounted ticket won’t be valid. **WHATS INCLUDED?** 🍹 **5** **Free Shots** 🚀 **VIP** fast-track entry to **5 top** **venues** 🕺 **Free** pass to the best **nightclubs** at the end of the night 👫 **Fun games** and **friendly** **guides** throughout the night We’re officially TripAdvisor’s #1 nightlife experience in Brighton (UK), Barcelona, and now Melbourne! **ARRIVAL INFORMATION:** 📍The Back Room, 24 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia 🕢 Arrive BEFORE start time (18:30) **💡 IMPORTANT INFO:** 🔞 18+ only – bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport (other IDs may not be accepted) 💬 Contact +61 436 399 434 if you have any issues! 🚫 Due to previous negative experiences, we do not allow stag/hen dos or same-sex groups of 9+ on our public crawls. (Private bookings available – email enquiries to info@ontherocksbarcrawl.com) **🔥 DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK YOUR $15 TICKET [HERE](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) NOW! 🎉**

**🔥 MELBOURNE'S NO.1 BAR CRAWL! 🔥** Want an epic night out for just **$20**? Here’s what you need to do: 1\. Click "**Attending**" on the Meetup event 2\. Pre\-book your ticket at [ontherocksbarcrawl.com](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) – Use promo code “**MEETUP26**” on an '**Online Saver**' ticket for $10 off your ticket price! 3\. ARRIVE **BEFORE 18:30** (strict cutoff – no exceptions!) ⏳ Miss any of these steps? It’s **more expensive** on the door! If you're late, your discounted ticket won’t be valid. **WHATS INCLUDED?** 🍹 **3** **Free Shots** 🍸 **1 Free Drink at the last venue** 🚀 **VIP** fast-track entry to **4 top** **venues** 🕺 **Free** pass to the best **nightclubs** at the end of the night 👫 Fun games and friendly guides throughout the night We’re officially TripAdvisor’s #1 nightlife experience in Brighton (UK), Barcelona, and now Melbourne! **ARRIVAL INFORMATION:** 📍 Wax Music Lounge, 250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 🕢 Arrive BEFORE start time (18:30) **💡 IMPORTANT INFO:** 🔞 18+ only – bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport (other IDs may not be accepted) 💬 Contact +61 436 399 434 if you have any issues! 🚫 Due to previous negative experiences, we do not allow stag/hen dos or same-sex groups of 9+ on our public crawls. (Private bookings available – email enquiries to info@ontherocksbarcrawl.com) **🔥 DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK YOUR $20 TICKET [HERE](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) NOW! 🎉**

Join us for an open outdoor conversation about everyday experiences with services, technology, and public spaces. No talks, no experts; just shared stories and perspectives. **Please reserve your spot for free at [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/discussion-circles-lets-talk-design-and-experiences-tickets-1982672886977?aff=oddtdtcreator).** **👏 Who should come?** Everyone! **You don’t need a design background** \- curiosity is more than enough\. Feel free to come with friends\, colleagues\, or just bring yourself\. **🗣️ How it works** * Everyone **gets a card with a question** * You can stand or sit in small circles * One person reads the question, anyone can respond and **start a discussion** **📍Location and time** We will meet just outside the **Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre** in the large grassy area (to the left of the building when you are facing the building’s entrance). **We'll start at 4pm.** I'll arrive at 3.45pm and will have a sign so you can spot me easily. If you prefer to sit down, please bring a blanket. **👩‍💻 About the Host** This event is organized by [Aria](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aria-cairo/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/aria-cairo/"), a UX designer and a service design student who loves meeting people and introducing them to the world of design. **🌤️ Weather** In case of heavy rain or temperatures over 35°C, the event will be canceled. **📷 Photos** Photos will be taken during the event for use on social media, and in written articles. By attending, you acknowledge and agree that you may appear in photos that are publicly shared. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform the organiser. **ℹ️ Disclaimer** This is a free, informal gathering held in a public space. By attending, you acknowledge that you participate at your own risk. The organiser is not responsible for any injury, loss, damage, or personal belongings during the event. The organiser is not responsible for supervising attendees at any time. The event is not suitable for minors.

Starting the year with exciting topic: * **Topic:** Event Streaming with GCP DataFlow * **Date:** Thursday 19th February 2026 at 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm * **Networking:** 6 pm - 6.30 pm and 7.20 - 8 pm * **Presentation Time**: 6.30 pm - 7.20 pm *(includes welcome, presentation 30 mins & community marketplace)* * **Location:** Fabric Group, Level 9, 446 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 * **Ticket:** Free of cost, however, registrations and RSVP are required! * **Sponsor:** Fabric Group, Thoughtworks **Event Streaming with GCP DataFlow** Learn about real time event streaming using GCP stack! This scalable event consolidation service orchestrates the real-time processing of millions of distributed data points into unified events. Built on GCP Dataflow and Pub/Sub, the architecture ensures high-throughput stream processing and seamless data synthesis for complex, distributed environments. ### **About The Speaker** *Abhishek is a Lead Software Engineer at Fabric Group with over 10 years of industry experience. He has worked extensively on data engineering problems, building ETL solutions and scalable event-driven systems. His interests include infrastructure automation and designing cloud-native solutions on AWS and Google Cloud.*

**Collaborate, Share, Talk, Hack, Make, Break, Fix, Enjoy, Learn, Re-use, Contribute** Visitors and newcomers are very welcome, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/newcomer-faq/ for more details. Short walk from Glenferrie train station. Car parking at Hawthorn Town Hall or St Columbs St. Please pay attention to parking signs as the inspectors are always on the job. Bring a laptop and/or project you are working on. There is also a number of group projects that you are welcome to join in. 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Electronics, Programming, Robotics, Prop Building, Costuming, Milling, Machining, Home Automation and more. The Connected Community Hackerspace (CCHS) is a community workshop, sometimes also known as a makerspace. We are run by members for members and are dedicated to providing facilities, tools and networking for members to achieve their projects. Our members work on personal and group projects. If you are interested in making/hacking join our Discord where like-minded people discuss their projects. See Discord link on our website. hackmelbourne.org Note - not all our members use meetup, so the RSVP's here dont reflect the total numbers.

**\*\*\*\* 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.

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

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)*

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas