Stay-at-Home Wives

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.

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.

**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.")

\#\# 🍷✨ **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)💕

Enjoy brunch in or out at the quaint cafe in Pascoe vale

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).

**Cloud to Career** **Proudly presented by AWS Cloud Club @ University of Melbourne & Quantum Club** **Sponsored by CareerXlerate** **Turn your cloud knowledge into real-world impact—and your passion into a career.** In today’s world, knowing the cloud is just the beginning. The real question is: **How do you turn those skills into meaningful, real-world AI and industry solutions?** **Cloud to Career** is a high-impact, immersive evening designed to bridge that exact gap — bringing together students, industry leaders, and innovators into one powerful space. Whether you're exploring cloud, diving into AI, or preparing for your first role in tech, this event will give you something far more valuable than theory: **insight, exposure, and real connection with the people already doing it.** **Event Details** * **Date:** April 8th * **Time:** 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM * **Audience:** \~100 students, engineers, and aspiring tech professionals **What to Expect** Industry Panel: Real Stories, Real Insights. Kick off the evening with a high-value panel featuring leading professionals from the industry. Learn how they transitioned from learning cloud to building impactful solutions in AI, engineering, and beyond. **We’ll dive into:** * Breaking into the tech industry * Real-world applications of cloud + AI * Skills that actually matter (beyond coursework) * Mistakes, lessons, and career-defining moments **Live Q&A — Ask Anything** An open Q&A session where you drive the conversation. Ask your questions — whether you're unsure about career paths, technical skills, or industry expectations. Includes both: * In-person audience questions * Online audience participation **Networking + Buffet** Move into a relaxed networking session with food and meaningful conversations. This is your chance to: * Speak directly with industry professionals * Build genuine connections * Explore opportunities, mentorship, and ideas **Live Case Challenge (Student × Industry Collaboration)** This is where things get exciting. During networking, 2 students and 2 industry professionals will be randomly selected to take part in a live architecture challenge. **What happens:** * A real-world case scenario is presented * Collaborate for 40 minutes * They design and discuss a solution architecture * Present their thinking to a panel of judges **Then:** * Judges break down the solution * Highlight what worked and what didn’t * Share how they would approach the problem Meanwhile, the rest of the room continues networking — making this a dynamic, interactive, and high-energy environment. Why You Should Attend * Go beyond theory and see how cloud + AI is applied in the real world * Learn directly from industry leaders * Build meaningful connections that could shape your career * Experience a live problem-solving environment * Be part of one of the most engaging student-industry tech events at UniMelb **Final Note** This isn’t just another tech event. It’s a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. If you're serious about turning your skills into a career — *this* is where it starts.

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!

**🥰 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.

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.

Join us for an in-depth workshop on Agentic AI through AWS, where we’ll explore foundational concepts, real-world use cases, key AWS services, and how to get started building your own intelligent systems. Led by AWS Solutions Architect and Dev Advocate Fabricio Flores. Hosted at Pomerene Hall 250!