Stay-at-Home Dads

Speaking in public is not easy for most people, nor is running a workshop, writing a speech, thinking on your feet, or even speaking up amongst friends. At POWERtalk you will learn how to gain the confidence to step up to speak up. We've seen it many times over. We help you with simple techniques to look confident as a speaker even when you feel like crumbling. **You'll be giving presentations before you know it and loving it!!!** **\>\>\>** We believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to growing as a person and can tailor a plan to help you grow as an individual. **<<<** **Join us at a meeting soon to learn how to build your confidence as a speaker, effectively communicate, get creative, and have lots of fun doing so.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- POWERtalk Australia is a not-for-profit organisation training in public speaking and leadership skills. Guests are free of charge for the first 3 meetings. Full membership is surprisingly very affordable. Please ask if you would like more information or become a member. We look forward to meeting you for a night of POWERtalk (1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month) *PS. If you have symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever or are unwell, we wish you a speedy recovery and please ask that you stay away until you are well again. Thanks :)* We meet every 1st & 3rd Tuesday. Address: Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue Ashwood Vic 7.45 pm start. 2-hour duration. Come along and enjoy the fun. We look forward to meeting you.

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.

DATE CHANGE DUE TO OTHER'S BUSY SCHEDULES . DATE TBC THIS SHD BE A GREAT LAUGH. pay $5 at the door (special SideQuest discount so mention Sidequest) MEET OUT FRONT BEFOREHAND AT OR BEFORE 7.15PM SHARP SO WE CAN SEAT TOGETHER. if late you may be seated elswhere A night of laughs are 10 comedians try out their new material - special deal $5 cover charge for SideQuest (instead of $20 !) **Pls don't bring bags bigger than A4 size** [https://www.thecomicslounge.com.au/index.php/events/cl25_tues25nov-detail](https://www.thecomicslounge.com.au/index.php/events/cl25_tues25nov-detail) **Show Timing:** * If you’re only attending the show (not the full dinner package which we are not) , we recommend arriving by **7:15 PM**. * The venue seats guests from front to back as they arrive. * The show will finish at approximately **10:30 PM**. * VENUE The Comic's Lounge 1/26 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia * **Parking –** Plenty of street parking around the Venue.

**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.")

Do you live in the Southern suburbs? Want to explore what the Southern suburbs has to offer? Or are you just interested to catch-up with like-minded people? Once a month Steph hosts our Southern socials. It is a great opportunity to meet others. Our emphasis is on fun whilst helping and supporting each other. The socials include drinks and chats, casual coffees, dinners and other activities suggested by members from time to time. Our socials are informal and open to all. We pay for own food and drinks individually and there is no charge for the organisation of the events. We hope to see you!

We have joined forces with the Statistical Society of Australia to broadcast their "Di Cook Award Seminar". **When:** Wednesday 8th of April, 6:30-8:15pm **Where:** 750 Collins St, Room 853, Level 8 (Studio Room) **What:** Free food & drinks while watching the Di Cook Award Seminar! The [Statistical Computing and Visualisation](https://www.statsoc.org.au/Statistical-Computing-and-Visualisation-Section) section of the Statistical Society of Australia proudly presents the Di Cook Award webinar, promoting open-source statistical software development. This event will showcase outstanding work submitted to the [2025 Di Cook Award](https://statsocaus.github.io/dicook-award/). The award winner will present their winning project in a 30-minute talk, highlighting the motivation, methods, and key insights behind their work. Two highly commended applicants will also share their submissions, each delivering a 15-minute presentation that outlines the ideas, approaches, and contributions of their projects. Together, these talks will provide an engaging overview of innovative software development represented in this year’s award submissions, offering attendees the opportunity to learn from and discuss exemplary work in the field. For more information about the award and the event, see the [SSA website](https://www.statsoc.org.au/event-6618285).

\#\# 🍷✨ **Let’s Do Lunch at Solana – New, Italian, and a Little Bit Fancy** ✨🍷 Ladies rescheduled from 4th April- didn't realise it was Easter Saturday! *Melbourne Women’s Over 50 Friendship Group – Northern Branch* Ladies, there’s a *new kid on the pasta block* and we’re going to check it out in style. 💃 Join us at **Solana Italian Restaurant** for an indulgent Saturday lunch with **divine food, excellent company**, and just the right amount of mischief. 📅 Saturday 11**th April** 🕧 **12:30 PM** 📍 **Solana Italian Restaurant** (*New! Sparkling! Worthy of a long lunch and maybe a little lipstick reapplication*) Expect: 🍝 Pasta made with love (and maybe a little drama) 🥗 Salads that flirt with your waistline 🍷 Wine that says, “I’m only having one” (until you don’t) 😂 Conversation that would make your Pilates instructor blush We’ll eat, laugh, and review this new gem with all the power of women who know what good Italian *should* taste like. If they nail the tiramisu, we’ll crown them queens. 👉 RSVP promptly — it’s a new venue and they’ll be watching us like nonnas with wooden spoons. Let’s dazzle. MENU: [https://solanarestaurant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Solana-Menu.pdf](https://solanarestaurant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Solana-Menu.pdf)💕

Our monthly Northern social is held at Moon Dog World in Preston. Moon Dog World is a brewery, restaurant and bar with a lagoon, waterfall, hidden tiki bar and much more! Atmosphere is on the family restaurant side (dogs and kids a plenty!) but still a fun tropical style environment. Food is better than standard pub fare with exotic flavours and generous serves. Fun for pretty much everyone, so come along and enjoy it with us. Do you live in the Northern or perhaps even the Western suburbs and are interested in catching-up with like minded people? Come along for dinner and meet some friendly people. Our group is informal and open to all. We pay for own food and drinks individually and there is no charge for the organisation of the events. It is a great opportunity to meet others with an emphasis on fun and supporting each other. So whether you choose to come at the start for dinner or later on for drinks, we hope to see you. If something comes up and you can no longer make it, then you can easy change your RSVP to not going. I am looking forward to catching up with those who can make it, Chris

**🥰 Online Speed Dating via Zoom – Connect with Columbus Singles Tonight!** The point of this online speed dating event is not just the content. It is the room, the host, and the feeling that people are joining something they can return to. Meet Columbus singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Columbus singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Heads up — RSVPing here isn't enough.** Register through your age group link below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- 🎯 **Great fit for:** - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - Singles in Columbus who want to meet people from home - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience ⭐ *"Ideal for introverts. Felt at ease the entire time."* – Columbus attendee 🛠 **What the flow looks like** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Columbus locals. 🗂 **Quick details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - ✨ **Host:** Friendly host guiding every round 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. --- ✨ One Zoom call, genuine conversations, real matches. See you there. ❤️‍🔥 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Fast to read, easy to act on. 🤝 **Community angle** - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly It is meant to feel like the start of ongoing relationships, not just a single session on the calendar.

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/

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!