Tax Reform

Never been to one of our meet-ups before? Been a member for a while or just joined? Either way this is the social for you! Once a month we hold a special meet-up to welcome in new members. Regulars are encouraged to attend and help new members have a fun night out! Our monthly “newbie” social is an opportunity to learn about our groups, events held and resources to help members. More importantly it is an opportunity to meet others going through separation & divorce in a safe and friendly environment. We can all learn from each other, but the primary aim of the socials is to enjoy ourselves! Our socials are hosted by members of the Divorce Support & Social Group and the Melbourne Divorce Support Group. We pay for own food and drinks individually. On Wednesday nights the Royal Melbourne has $20 pizza and pasta specials. Great food and great company. We hope to see you!

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.

We are also amalgamated with members from Ormond Tennis Club. Sets are organized and rotated. So come down and enjoy a relaxed social night at Ormond Tennis Club.

Class fee applies ZEST Stretch Movement is an adult open-ability class (17+) focused on improving mobility, strength, and body awareness through a blend of stretch, dance-based Pilates, and fitness techniques. This is a 45-minute class designed to gently but effectively strengthen the body from the inside out. Sessions focus on joint mobility, core strength, and controlled movement, making it especially beneficial for those managing injuries, stiffness, or returning to movement after a break. Classes are kept small and personal, allowing the session to be tailored to the students attending and their individual needs. What to expect: * Stretch and mobility work * Core strengthening * Controlled, low-impact movement * A supportive, focused environment Pricing: * 5-class pass: $125 * Casual drop-in: $29 Copy & paste the link below to book classes: https://app.gostudiopro.com/apps/api_classes_resp.php?id=zaqlxajd29jd258f327784b04a09jasdklj21dx58f327784b0f4&s=186860

**Details - Coding Night!** Bring your laptop and your iOS, visionOS, macOS, tvOS or watchOS project to the combined CocoaHeads & Android GDG coding night. Everyone is welcome to our all-ages alcohol-free event. Hosted in a professional environment to allow you to work on your project. Get help from industry experts who are on hand to help you out. • What we'll do: We'll help you setup up Xcode and start your first project. We'll help answer your questions re how to get to the next phase of your project. • What to bring: Your laptop, a copy of Xcode, a project you'd like to hack on. Before arrival, make sure you're grabbing a fresh copy of Xcode from the Mac App Store (Apple Menu then App Store then search for Xcode, Install. Link: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/xcode/id497799835?mt=12) Doors open at 5:45 PM at our host the Mantel Group, Level 2/452 Flinders St Melbourne. Message via Meetup or Slack if you are arriving after 6:00 as the lifts won't let you up. The hack night will wrap up at 8:30.

Join us for a reformer Pilates session that brings people together through movement. This class focuses on controlled, strength-based exercises performed in a continuous flow, keeping the whole group moving and engaged. You’ll build strength, improve stability, and move with intention alongside others, creating a shared rhythm in the room. It’s a space to challenge your body, feel supported, and enjoy the energy of moving together.

Join us for a reformer Pilates session that brings people together through movement. This class focuses on controlled, strength-based exercises performed in a continuous flow, keeping the whole group moving and engaged. You’ll build strength, improve stability, and move with intention alongside others, creating a shared rhythm in the room. It’s a space to challenge your body, feel supported, and enjoy the energy of moving together.

On the third Sunday of every month we take a walk in nature. Exercise is so important to all of us and nature has its own unique way of healing. It helps us live in the present, enjoy our surroundings, regain balance and perspective and be pleased with ourselves for going out and doing something. And it costs nothing except time and effort. Our hikes are all over Greater Melbourne and afar. Generally our walks will be 2 to 2.5 hours of moderate grade. Those who want to go more quickly can but generally we try to stay as a group and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature together. Please read the waiver liability before you RSVP https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mHAz_ShmpWR1wr69gefWEqVzS-zw4bIvI2uGXw4RJ08/edit?usp=sharing WHAT TO BRING Water bottle appropriate clothing (be prepared for hot or cold weather) comfy shoes snacks hat sunscreen camera money for coffee afterwards We look forward to catching up.

We will be at **State of Grace Rooftop** for after work chats! This is a popular venue with eclectic decor and views of the city 📍 Address: 27 King Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery. New people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time Join us to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

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...

Join us for a relaxed networking drinks with other couples who value meaningful conversation, intentional living, and want to work on a business or a project together (or already are). This isn’t your average couples’ Meetup. 💡 **Please note:** This event is specifically for couples attending together. RSVPs without a +1 (partner) will be cancelled to keep the balance of the group. 📅 **il Mercato Centrale Melbourne** **📍 Limited to 10 couples** so grab your spot early 🍷**Happy Hour** drink specials from 5:00pm **💬 Conversation Starters** Each time we meet includes a few rotating topics to spark insight and great chats: * A habit that made your life better as a couple * A travel story with a twist (funny, unique, or unexpected) * Something you’re learning right now * A tip on how to work with your partner's personality and communication styles No need to prep, just come ready to connect. We’ll mix up seating halfway through so you meet more than just the couple beside you. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Couples into growth, learning, and intentional living * Those building something together, or who want to * People who want deeper connection, not surface-level chat This isn’t networking. It’s real people and real convos. Just bring yourselves, curiosity, and an open mind. We’ll take care of the rest. **👥 Hosted by Matt & Justine Stuckings** Matt & Justine are the kind of couple who live for deep chats over food, spontaneous adventures, and connecting with people who live life on purpose. Matt’s a 6’4 ex-photographer turned marketer and entrepreneur. He’s into Pickleball, boutique breweries, and discovering weird restaurants and books that make life (and business) better. If it helps him grow or gets him thinking differently, he’s probably already into it. Justine’s a connector at heart. She’s a uni teacher and entrepreneur who loves mentoring, dancing, dark hot chocolate, and surrounding herself with people who think big and care deeply. Together, they host events that feel relaxed but intentional, welcoming but meaningful. They started this event to find more of their people. Curious, kind, growth-minded couples who want more than just small talk.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Spec-Driven Development with GitHub Spec-Kit: From Intent to Implementation* Spec-driven development flips the traditional workflow on its head: instead of code being the source of truth, the specification becomes the backbone of design, collaboration, and delivery. In this session, we’ll explore how GitHub Spec-Kit enables teams to treat specifications as first-class artifacts—living documents that drive architecture, implementation, and verification. You’ll learn how Spec-Kit helps teams clearly express intent using structured, version-controlled specs that live alongside code. We’ll walk through a practical workflow that starts with defining system behavior and constraints, then progressively refines those specs into testable, automatable outcomes. Along the way, we’ll show how specs can reduce ambiguity, improve cross-functional collaboration, and make design decisions explicit before a single line of production code is written. This talk will cover: --What spec-driven development is (and what it isn’t) --How GitHub Spec-Kit fits into modern developer workflows --Using specs to align product, engineering, and AI-assisted development --Real-world examples of turning specs into implementations with confidence Whether you’re building greenfield systems, integrating AI into your stack, or trying to reduce costly rework, spec-driven development offers a scalable way to move faster without sacrificing clarity. Attendees will leave with concrete patterns and a clear mental model for adopting GitHub Spec-Kit in their own projects. **YouTube Link** TBA

**If you’re a GTA small business owner and you’ve been thinking:** “There has to be funding out there… but I don’t know where to start” — **this is for you.** A lot of businesses miss grants and support programs not because they don’t qualify… but because they’re **not positioned properly**, don’t have the right documents, or don’t know which opportunities match their business. In this economy, cash flow and funding can be the difference between **surviving** and **scaling**. That’s why we’re bringing together **grant funding experts, accountants, and business owners who’ve already been funded** for a fast, high-energy session built to give you clarity and next steps immediately. *** ## **What you’ll get (Online Attendance)** If you’re attending **online**, you’ll still get the **core strategy**: ✅ The information you need to get grant-ready ✅ The best upcoming funding opportunities to watch for ✅ Clear steps to position your business properly ✅ Key tax strategies that improve cash flow **Online is for learning the playbook.** *** ## **What you’ll get (In-Person Attendance = Massive Value)** If you attend **in person**, the value is on another level — you’ll receive **exclusive in-person bonuses and offers**, including: 🎁 **FREE 1-hour 1-on-1 session** (valued at **$500**) 🎁 **FREE 1-hour “Power Workout”** with us at **Lifetime Fitness Mississauga** 🎁 **FREE custom business plan** (valued at **$1,000**) 🎁 **FREE access to our Marketing & Sales Training** (valued at **$3,500**) Plus: more direct networking, faster answers, and in-room opportunities you won’t get online. **In-person is for results, connections, and premium bonuses.** *** ## **Who should come** * Small business owners in **Mississauga / Toronto / Peel / GTA** * Contractors, service businesses, trades, and **solar/clean-energy** businesses * Anyone serious about funding and growth who wants to move fast in 2026 *** ## **Event Details** 📍 **3770 Nashua Dr #5, Mississauga, ON** 🗓️ **Feb 18, 2026** 🕖 **7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (ET)** 🎟️ **Ticket: $14** **Seats are limited and the date is close.** Reserve your spot now. 🎟️ Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/future-proof-your-business-with-grants-advance-tax-strategies-tickets-1982716182475?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

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)*

This is not just a money class. This is a restoration space. The I AM Worthy of Ownership™ Path is a 12-step, sister-centered journey for women who are ready to build financial stability without shame, fear, or pressure—and to do it in a way that honors both wisdom and the spirit. Many women don’t struggle with money because they lack discipline or intelligence. They struggle because of unhealed experiences, survival patterns, and the quiet belief that they are “behind” or “disqualified.” This series gently challenges those beliefs while offering practical tools for peace, clarity, and long-term planning. Together, we will talk honestly about: Releasing shame and money anxiety Building stability as a form of self-respect and spiritual discipline Understanding money as a tool, not a source of worth Managing debt with clarity instead of condemnation Preparing for life’s unexpected moments without fear Laying a calm foundation for future ownership and legacy Each session blends practical financial education with reflection, conversation, and encouragement. There is no pressure to share personal numbers or experiences. You are welcome to speak, journal quietly, or simply listen. This is not about hustle. This is not about perfection. This is about alignment, wisdom, and peace. Who this series is for: Women who are starting over or rebuilding Women who want stability without stress Women preparing for future ownership or housing decisions Women who want their financial lives to reflect wholeness, not fear No prior financial knowledge is required. Come as you are. Bring a notebook. Leave a little lighter than you arrived. Light refreshments will be served along with 30 minutes of networking.

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Always an overachiever, David Bayer didn't settle for being Number Two in just about anything. Whether a runaway entrepreneurial success as a teenager, the leading online director for Ducati with over $70 million in sales, or as an early mid-life crisis overachiever with at least three wildly self-destructive behavioral addictions, whatever David did, he did it wholeheartedly. Not surprisingly then, when it came to facing his failures and determining his next course of action, David sought health and healing with the same full-strength effort he had previously used to bring about his own ruination. Seeking to learn from the best of the best, David's pursuit of tangible, practical, actual change from the mind and emotions, outward, brought a new passion--that of encouraging others to learn from his mistakes and to be able to strive after and achieve healing and success in their own lives. We are reading *A Changed Mind*, by David Bayer, and can't wait to enjoy the group discussion on **Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:30 pm**, at **True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center**. Come join us! Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-changed-mind-columbus-ohio-tickets-1978437853879)! Check us out on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1390625182655746)!