Ghost Towns

Join us for Linux Town Hall meeting where we discuss the upcoming Hardware Freedom Day. This is an open Town Hall meeting where all community members are welcome to attend, observe, and contribute to the discussion. Whether you're a long-time LUV member or new to our community, your input is valuable as we shape the future of Linux Users Victoria. The meeting will be held online, making it accessible for everyone to participate from the comfort of their own space. This is a great opportunity to learn about Linux Victoria's behind-the-scenes operations and how you can get involved in our growing open-source community. Come be part of the conversation as we work to strengthen and expand Victoria's Linux adoption and open source practice! ## Key Discussion Points \- Upcoming Hardware Freedom Day \(April 18th\) \- Project Moonshine \(Remote Displays for Linux Desktops\): WIP report and demo ## How To Join Online Link to join: [https://electronworkshop.com.au/goto/venue](https://electronworkshop.com.au/goto/venue) We use a self-hosted Big Blue Button instance (aka BBB) for this meeting, managed by Electron Workshop and hosted by Serversaurus. ## Join In Person Maps Link for Inspire9: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRMAXpBdmG1Ece4m9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRMAXpBdmG1Ece4m9) **Getting to Inspire9:** Train station is located right next to Inspire9. Tram 70 is a short 2 minute walk. There is 2hr parking on the street but very often there are no spots. Inspire9 main entrance is wheelchair accessible. When arriving, head for the AKM building. ## Schedule 19:00 Meet and greet 19:30 Opening 20:30 ClosureApril

**WELCOME! BEM-VINDOS!** Come and dance Brazilian Samba with us! Meet new people, learn new skills, enjoy this awesome culture! All experience levels welcome! Join us at our Samba Dance Open Session! Our mission is to promote and share our love of Brazilian music, dance and culture, whilst making loads of noise, having some fun and working our hips. We want to build the community involved in this beautiful culture here in Melbourne, and bring together musicians and dancers to share in the experience. This is Melbourne's only weekly samba dance class where you get to experience the sound and energy of the hottest bateria in town, the drums of Bloco 3K. **WHAT** Come and dance with us! **WHEN** Every Tuesday Evening (We open our doors to newcomers at these Open Sessions - one week of the month) **WHERE** Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance for the first hour, then across the road to NMCC to join the drummers for the last 30 mins. **WHAT YOU NEED** Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym gear and trainers with a thin sole/socks. For dancing to drums you may wish to bring earplugs. We will however have some available to buy for $2 each, cash only. **COST** Your first session is just $10. After that casual sessions are $30 each, or monthly access to all projeto and quadra sessions is $60. [Secure your spot via our eventbrite link](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brazilian-samba-dance-classes-dance-to-drums-melbourne-tickets-1576480177649?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) **PLAYING DRUMS** If you'd rather be playing drums than dancing to them (or maybe you want to do both?) check our other events. Any questions then shoot us a message. Looking forward to dancing with you soon!! **WHO** Led by two pioneers of Australian Samba, you’re in expert hands as you enjoy your Samba journey with Bloco 3K. Founder and Mestre de Bateria, Rob Arcari, leads the drum team, while Rainha de Bateria and Dance Director, Denise Kayan, heads up the dance element. Mestre Rob has been at the forefront of the Melbourne Samba scene for the past decade. As the Mestre de Bateria for both Bloco 3K (Melbourne) and Unidos da Cacatua (the largest samba project in Australia and New Zealand), he brings a wealth of experience and passion. Since 2017, he has made an annual pilgrimage to Rio, parading with numerous Escolas de Samba. A regular ritmista with Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Acadêmicos da Rocinha, he has also paraded with Paraiso da Tuiuti, Império da Tijuca, Estacio de Sá, and many other schools. Denise Kayan is one of Australia’s most accomplished samba dancers. Locally, she serves as Rainha de Bateria and Dance Coordinator for Bloco 3K, as well as Director of Dance for Unidos da Cacatua. Denise is well-known in Rio, where she has been a passista with Vila Isabel since 2020 and previously with Mocidade from 2017 to 2019. She has held prestigious titles such as Rainha da Escola and Princesa da Bateria at Unidos da Ponte, in addition to various Musa positions at numerous schools. With her extensive experience, Denise is adept at commanding attention and leading with confidence in front of a bateria. Come and share in our passion! We look forward to having you as a part of it.

**Welcome to 'GENESIS' - The Generative AI Filmmaking Networking Event!** ***THIS MAY BE A LIMITED EVENT - PLEASE MAKE SURE TO RSVP.*** This group is for individuals interested in exploring the intersection of generative AI technology and movie making. Whether you're a filmmaker eager to discuss movie production, a technician looking to collaborate, or simply wishing to learn more and discuss AI in film, this group is for you! Join us at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) to discuss AI technologies, workflows, productions, AI ethics, government responsibility and more. After 7pm, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Feel free to bring friends interested in AI filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. RSVP to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. At 7 PM, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. We want to foster a supportive network for creativity, film and television production, and collaboration between the world of cinema and AI. Connect with like-minded individuals and explore the exciting world of generative AI filmmaking together at GENESIS.

We are a multi-disciplinary group of PhDs and academic staff who write together regularly and help one another to achieve our writing goals through supportive community, focus and a structure that works. We welcome anyone who wants to get some writing done in a collegial, supportive, encouraging environment. You don’t have to be from University of Melbourne (you don’t have to be from university at all!). We use the Pomodoro method, which means we write in timed intervals of silence, then chat and catch up for 5 mins and repeat the cycle. Arrive when you like, leave when you like. The goal is to keep our writing projects progressing and reduce the isolation that can be part of the academic and/or writing life. **Session Outline:** Welcome: 9.00-9.05 (5 mins) Pomodoro 1: 9.05-9.30 (25 mins). Break: 9.30-9.35 (5 mins) Pomodoro 2: 9.35-10.00 (25 mins) Break: 10.00-10.05 (25 mins) Pomodoro 3: 10.05-10.55 (50 mins) Break: 10.55-11.05 (10 mins) Pomodoro 4: 11.05-11.30 (25 mins) **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: There is free public wifi available at the Melbourne Connect Superfloor (speak to the concierge for details). University of Melbourne staff and students can connect to the university wifi; staff and students from other universities can join Eduroam using their home institution's log in credentials. Travel / Parking info: Public bike parking along Swanston and Grattan Streets. Tram routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 16. 16, 64, 67, 72 along Swanston Street (Stop 1) and 19 along Royal Parade (Stop 10). The nearest train station is Parkville Metro Station. Bus routes include 200, 207, 250, 251, 401, 402, 403, 505, 546. There is no public parking available at Melbourne Connect, however the area is well serviced by nearby public carparks, including Cardigan House Parking at 96 Grattan Street and the University of Melbourne Eastern Precinct Car Park at 375 Grattan Street. A taxi rank is located on Grattan Street.

Discover the joy of making stuff up! Our Williamstown improv group is where Melbourne's west comes to play, connect, and unleash creativity. Improv isn't just about being funny (though you'll laugh heaps). It's about: ✓ Building confidence in social situations ✓ Improving listening and communication skills ✓ Meeting amazing people from Hobson's Bay ✓ Reducing stress through play and laughter ✓ Discovering your creative side ✓ Having a screen-free, present-moment experience No theatre experience? Perfect! No prepared material? Even better! The only rule is 'Yes, And...' - supporting each other's ideas and having fun. Drop in any Wednesday, 7-9pm. Location: **Williamstown Community and Education Centre Inc 14 Thompson St, Williamstown VIC 3016**. Suitable for ages 16+. First time is free, and its $10 a class after. ***Free parking out the back. Please come to the front, and we will open the door.***

## Burkes Lookout Hike and Meditation ### Dandenong Ranges - Aroha Are you an **adventurer or explorer** who keeps missing out on great hikes because you don’t have a car? **We’ve solved that problem.** Hi, my name is Pranav, and I am a techie. Along with my team, we are bringing you small hiking and meditation sessions. Our adventures come with a **built-in Carpool Hub**, where hikers can easily connect with drivers and passengers heading to the same trail. No car? No problem - just grab a seat and join the adventure. This experience is more than just a hike. Along the trail we’ll pause for a **short guided meditation in nature**, giving everyone a chance to slow down, breathe, and fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Dandenong Ranges. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, this event is all about **nature, connection, mindfulness, and community**. ## 🗓 Event Details **📍 Hike Location:** Burkes Lookout **Meeting Point:** Mount Dandenong Observatory **Hike Distance:** \~5–6 km **Start Time:** 12:00 PM Please arrive early so we can do a quick introduction before starting. **End Time:** Around 2:00 PM Meditation: Followed by Hike **Difficulty:** Easy to Moderate Beginner-friendly with a relaxed, social pace. CarPool Hub: Follow the link below to complete carpool registration [Click Here](https://aroha-connect--pranavgoyalwork.replit.app/) 🧘‍♀️ Nature Meditation Session After the hike, there will be a **short guided meditation session**. This will include: • Simple breathing exercises • Mindful awareness of nature • A chance to relax and reset mentally No meditation experience is needed. This is a **gentle, beginner-friendly practice** designed to help everyone feel calm, present, and refreshed. 🚗 The Carpool Hub (What Makes This Hike Different) One of the biggest reasons people miss hikes is **transport**. Access our **Carpool Hub** where hikers can: [Click Here](https://aroha-connect--pranavgoyalwork.replit.app/) • Offer seats if they are driving • Request a ride from fellow hikers • Coordinate pickup locations This makes the hike **accessible to everyone**, even if you don’t own a car. Carpooling also helps reduce traffic and makes the journey more social from the very start. 🌿 Why Join? ✨ Meet new people in a relaxed environment ✨ Enjoy a beautiful hike in the Dandenong Ranges ✨ Experience a calming meditation in nature ✨ Perfect for solo explorers or small groups ✨ Carpooling makes the adventure easy Many people arrive alone and leave with **new hiking buddies and friends**. 🎟 Tickets Standard Ticket: $11 Your ticket supports: • Event organisation • Safety preparation • Group coordination • App infrastructure for the Carpool Hub 🚗 **Driver Appreciation Ticket:** $5 Available for drivers offering seats to fellow hikers. 🥾 What To Bring 👟 Comfortable walking shoes 💧 1–2L water 🥪 Snacks ☀ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses 📱 Phone with maps downloaded Optional: 🧘 Small towel or mat for meditation 🌧 Light rain jacket 📱 After Booking Once you purchase your ticket you’ll receive access to: • The **Carpool Hub** to organise rides • Final meeting instructions • Event updates Please arrange your transport in advance if possible. 📍 About the Location Burkes Lookout is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Dandenong Ranges. On a clear day you can see: • Melbourne skyline • Port Phillip Bay • The Yarra Valley It’s the perfect spot to pause, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. 🍽 Optional Post-Hike Coffee After the hike we may stop at a nearby café in Mount Dandenong for coffee or lunch. Joining is optional, but many people stay to **continue the conversations and friendships started on the trail**. ⚠ Important Information • Must be **18+** to attend • Please respect fellow hikers and nature • Participate at your own risk • Positive and inclusive community 🌿 Our Mission We believe hiking should be **accessible, social, and meaningful**. By combining **hiking, meditation, and carpooling**, we’re creating a community where people can explore nature, meet like-minded people, and recharge mentally. Come for the hike. Stay for the community. 🥾 Ready to explore Burkes Lookout and experience nature differently? Grab your ticket and join us. ### Confirm your RSVP by buying a ticket on EVENTBRITE below: [Click Here](eventbrite.com.au/e/burkes-lookout-hike-and-meditation-dandenong-ranges-aroha-tickets-1984701864704?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) *For More Questions:* Message us at: [aroha.life.community](https://www.instagram.com/aroha.life.community/) Or reach out to me directly at pranavgoyal.work@gmail.com

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a friendly lunch at the Rosstown Hotel in Carnegie! Enjoy modern Aussie pub fare, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and seniors options. Whether you’re new to Radiant Women or a familiar face, this is a perfect chance to laugh, share stories, and meet like-minded women. Come for the food, stay for the friendship — I can’t wait to see you! Julie 🌸💓

**About this event:** Have you been dreaming of going tiny? Are you curious about minimal living, off-grid setups, or just downsizing your life in Victoria? You are not alone! We are launching a new community for enthusiasts to connect, share stories, and support one another. Imagine a life with less clutter, less debt, and more freedom. We are building a community in Victoria for those who want to step away from the traditional housing market and embrace tiny homes and minimal living. For our first-ever meetup, we are keeping it simple. We’ll meet in the park to introduce ourselves and discuss what we want to create together. Whether you want to talk about the technical side (trailers, solar, regulations) or the lifestyle side (downsizing, remote work), this is the place to start. Come along, make new friends, and let’s talk about how to make big dreams happen in tiny spaces. **What to expect:** This is a strictly casual, unstructured meetup. No presentations, no sales pitches, and no pressure. Just a relaxed afternoon in the park with like-minded people. We’re simply gathering to discuss: * Who is already living the tiny life? * Who is dreaming/planning? * What are the local hurdles (council rules, finding land, etc.)? * How can we support each other? **Who should come:** Whether you have your tiny house plans drawn up, you're already living in one, or you just watched a documentary and thought "I could do that"—you are welcome here. **What to bring:** * A camping chair or picnic rug. * Your own snacks/drinks. * Sun protection (or an umbrella—it is Melbourne/Victoria after all!). **About Your Host** Hi, I’m Karen. After exploring over 50 countries, I’ve chosen Melbourne as my home. As an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize that we don't need much to be truly happy. In fact, nature provides us with so many "free luxuries"—from sunlight to green spaces—that we often overlook in the modern world. I am channeling this philosophy into building my own tiny home in Victoria this year. I started this group because I realized that while the tiny house movement is growing, the journey can feel a bit lonely. I want to build a supportive local community where we can share resources, untangle the regulations, and help each other turn these small dreams into reality. * **Wet Weather Plan:** (e.g., "If it rains, we will move to a cafe close by.")

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) This is the time to write whatever it is you want to write. \-\-\-\-\-\> IMPORTANT <\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We ask for the Nook which is to your left as you go in, but it is not always available. Ask for the table under "Mat Clarke". Sometimes we do not have an official host, so please say hi to people as they arrive and make everyone feel welcome. Thanks. No limitations. Come along and bring your laptop or pen and paper and work on whatever you want. There are no rules :) You can write. You can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a cafe/bar.) Coffee, hot chocolate, etc., available to buy. Also food and drink. Please buy something to show our thanks for the space they give us free of charge. There are some people that will want to chat, but most will be writing. So bear that in mind. See you there :) \-\-\-\-\-\-Please only RSVP if you can make it\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-Un\-RSVP if you need to cancel\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming. Thanks. Thank you, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!