Stay-at-Home Parents

**\*\*\*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!

For 2026, I thought it would be fun to explore Melbourne in alphabetical order. Let's start with A for Altona (by popular demand). **ITINERARY** 11am - Meet at the entrance of Altona station. Walk down to the pier together and enjoy the sun, sea, summer breeze, and introvert-friendly conversation. 12pm - Picnic lunch in the park. Takeaway options nearby: * Altona Pines Fish and Chips * Mascalzone Altona * Between 2 Buns * Matteo's Delicatessen 1pm: Explore the town centre or the beach. * Altona Library is open till 4pm. * Louis Joel Arts & Community \| Gallery & Ceramic Studio is open till 2pm\. P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low) or bring cash on the day.

**As we had to cancel this event 24 January due to extreme heat (40) we will put it on next Saturday 31 January with more mild conditions - 25 degrees predicted..Please keep up with this website in case of any change.** Our late afternoon get-together, (4-6pm) for a drink and conversation *en français* at Southgate food court by the Yarra river. It is easy to find. We will get together in the sheltered seating area (as per photo above) outside the food court *en plein air.* Southgate food court is just across the river from Flinders Street Station. We can buy a glass of wine or hot drink inside the food court. A glass of wine costs $11 at Grill'd or Rhumbas. Any change of arrangement, will be posted on the meetup website.

Silent Book Club Melbourne is hosting a special **in-person fundraiser** in support of **[Fly By Night Bat Rescue](https://www.flybynight.org.au/)** — a volunteer-run organisation caring for injured and orphaned flying foxes and microbats across Victoria. **The idea is simple:** We read quietly together, just like always — and we raise funds to support flying foxes and bats who urgently need our help this week. **Join us in person for:** * A relaxed, welcoming Silent Book Club gathering * Time to read whatever you like (no set book, no pressure) * A chance to give back to an incredible wildlife rescue **Why are we doing this?** Melbourne is forecast to experience its hottest days since 2009. As temperatures soar this week, our critically threatened community of Melbourne flying foxes is at serious risk. Temperatures over 38°C can cause heat stress. Temperatures over 42°C can trigger mass fatalities. We need our flying foxes — and they need us. Flying foxes play a vital role in our ecosystem, and Fly By Night Bat Rescue relies on community support to continue their work. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. **How it works:** * RSVP for the event (please consider [donating](https://www.flybynight.org.au/donate.html) a suggested ticket price of $10 to Fly By Night Bat Rescue). * Bring your book and get comfy amongst the beautiful trees at Fitzroy Gardens * Donate if you're able: [Fundraiser by Tamsyn Hogarth : Flying fox mass orphan emergency](https://www.gofundme.com/f/flying-fox-mass-orphaning-crisis?attribution_id=sl:3a8af205-2da6-4344-b5a6-cfeff5453948&lang=en_AU&ts=1769405801&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=email) * Read. Rest. Support bats. All readers are welcome. You don’t need to be a regular Silent Book Club attendee — just someone who enjoys quiet reading and wants to support a good cause. 📖🦇 **Books for Bats — read quietly, support wildlife.**

**\*\*\*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!

Come and catch up at Fluffy Torpedo in Fitzroy (they give 50% of profits to effective international charities). Talk malaria, vitamin deficiencies, fistula repair and discuss which are the most effective ways to do good in this world.

**"TechWalking" - Networking + Walking** Are you a tech professional looking to network beyond the screen? Look no further than my upcoming #TechWalking event! 💪🏃‍♀️ Join us for a refreshing walk around the scenic Albert Park Lake. It’s the perfect chance to connect with industry peers while getting in some steps! I know many of you have been tuning in to my online events, but we've never had the opportunity to meet in person. Let's change that! Check out the video from the last event: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0kzu8nGhT1E We'll kick things off at **10 am sharp** at the Albert Park Fitness Station. Please, don't be late! We're hitting the trail around the lake as soon as we gather. And trust me, you won't want to miss it – unless you're up for a bit of a sprint to catch up! (we're going anti-clockwise) This event is pet and kid-friendly, as long as your little ones and furry friends can manage a 5 km walk, they're more than welcome to join. Looking forward to meeting you all in real life! *** Join us for a Live Discussion on Wednesdays at 5.30 pm (AEDT) Subscribe to YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ITCareerinAustralia Follow me on LinkedIn for more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/ Just moved to Australia? Grab your FREE guide to land your first tech job! [https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/](https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/)

**Understanding the Columbus Housing Market: Let’s Talk Downsizing for Seniors** Understanding the Market to Make Your Best Move Yet Thinking about downsizing or helping a parent prepare for a move? Join us for a friendly, educational seminar designed specifically for seniors in Central Ohio. We’ll break down what’s happening in today’s Columbus housing market, explore timing and planning for downsizing, and discuss easy ways to prepare a longtime home for sale—without overwhelm. You’ll also learn about low‑maintenance housing options, financial considerations, and simple steps to make your next move smooth and stress‑free. This is a relaxed, no‑pressure event where you can ask questions and get practical advice tailored to seniors and their families. Hosted by: Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)