Child Care

Join us for a relaxed, family friendly picnic at Fairfield Boathouse and Tea Gardens 🌿 This is a collaboration between NeuroSparks and Pawshare Club, bringing together people who value genuine connection, community, and time outdoors. Expect a casual, welcoming space to meet others, spend time with pets, and enjoy low pressure social connection by the river. Come solo, with family, as a carer, or with a pet. All ages are welcome 🐶 No structure, no pressure. Just good people, fresh air, and space to connect. **Date:** April 18 **Time:** 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM **Location:** Fairfield Park Boathouse and Tea Gardens 🎟️ **Free Event** No cost to attend. Just bring yourself. 🐕 **Guidelines** Dogs must remain on leash at all times Do not bring dogs with aggressive behaviour 🌧️ **Weather** If weather is poor, the event will be rescheduled and updated here ⚠️ **Liability** You attend at your own risk You are responsible for yourself and any pets you bring **Co Hosts** 🐾 Pawshare Club [https://pawshareclub.com](https://pawshareclub.com) ✨ NeuroSparks [https://www.meetup.com/neurodivergent-sparks/](https://www.meetup.com/neurodivergent-sparks/)

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

Join us for a family and pet-friendly Neurosparkles picnic at the Fairfield Boathouse and Tea Gardens. Come down, and make the most of the autumnal weather. Likely to be the last picnic for a few months *🥶* Come solo, with family, as a carer, or with a pet. All ages are welcome 🐶 No structure, no pressure. Just good people, fresh air, and space to connect. **When:** Saturday 18th April **Time:** 12:30pm to 4:30pm **(come and go anytime)** **Where:** Fairfield Park Boathouse and Tea Gardens, the closest street is Heidelberg Rd **Feel free to bring a picnic blanket, board/card or garden games, food/drinks to share - but this is entirely optional.** 🐕 **Guidelines** Dogs must remain on leash at all times Do not bring dogs with aggressive behaviour You are responsible for yourself and any pets you bring If you have issues finding us feel free to comment below or message an event host via Meetup or post in our WhatsApp community. Location is here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/NE8AEc9kjrc4aARF8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NE8AEc9kjrc4aARF8) What to bring (optional): * Picnic mats, foldable chairs, or blankets * Snacks or drinks to enjoy or share * Games or cards if you’d like to keep things lively Remember to stay hydrated, wear a hat and apply sunscreen and stay warm as it will be a cold day. If weather is poor, the event will be rescheduled and updated here Nearest transport: • Route 250 or 251 bus then short walk • Route 546 bus on Heidelberg Rd • 15 minute walk from Dennis Station **The event is open to all neurodivergent people, their families, carers and pets and anyone who values a friendly, inclusive space. Many attendees come on their own, so if you’re feeling a bit hesitant, know you’ll be in good company and warmly welcomed.** If at any point you have concerns or feel uncomfortable about any group member, please notify one of the organisers. Disclaimer & Safety Notice By attending this Meetup, you agree: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • Organisers are community volunteers, not medical or professional providers. • You are responsible for your own safety, choices, and belongings. • Organisers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage at any time. • If you have health or access needs, please make your own arrangements. • In an emergency, call 000 immediately. By joining, you accept full responsibility for your actions and well-being.

Enjoy brunch with the sat crew at our fav

If you’ve strolled down Hopkins Street recently and spotted a rooftop cactus garden or heard the sounds of a mechanical bull revving into action, yep, you’ve found it. Welcome to Moon Dog Wild West, a larger-than-life, three-storey bar and brewery that’s brought a touch of the wild, wild west to the heart of Footscray. Housed in the old Franco Cozzo building, this place is impossible to miss — and even harder to leave. Moon Dog has always done things a bit differently, and this outpost might just be their most over-the-top yet. Think neon lights, pool tables, Tex-Mex eats, and an actual *saloon-style* mechanical bull. Yes, really. ## **Inside the (Wild) West** The moment you walk in, it’s clear this isn’t just a regular bar. The ground floor opens into a lively saloon packed with booths, beer taps, and a mechanical bull for the brave-hearted. Head upstairs and you’ll find pinball machines, arcade games, and pool tables. Keep climbing and you’ll reach the rooftop, dog-friendly, cactus-filled, and perfect for sipping beers as the sun goes down. There’s something a bit Disneyland-meets-Dolly-Parton about the whole thing, in the best possible way. It’s playful, immersive, and full of little details that make you want to explore every level. ## **Brews, Cocktails & Good Times** With over 100 taps across the venue, drinks are definitely not an afterthought here. You’ll find Moon Dog’s signature beers and seltzers on rotation, plus a cocktail list that’s pure fun. We’re talking slushies layered like a tequila sunrise, and barrel-aged old fashioneds served up for sharing (perfect for your mates or, let’s be honest, just yourself). Hit up happy hour from 4–6pm Monday to Thursday for $8 schooners and $12 cocktails, a solid reason to clock off early if you ask us. ## **Tex-Mex, But Make It Moon Dog** The food menu is all about bold flavours and crowd-pleasing comfort. Expect buffalo chicken ribs, double-decker tacos, and Western BBQ bacon burgers. Got a vego in the group? The roasted pumpkin mole is a standout. They also roll out weekday specials that are hard to pass up. Mondays come with $25 porterhouse steaks (plus free pinball and pool), and Tuesdays are parma night, paired with trivia upstairs from 7:30pm. If you’re the competitive type, you’ll want to book ahead. **Something Always On** There’s no such thing as a dull night at Moon Dog Wild West. Whether it’s live music, DJs, themed events or a chaotic round of line dancing on Sundays, they keep things fresh every week. Trivia Tuesdays are a crowd favourite, and if you’re planning a birthday or work event, the venue’s function spaces can cater to pretty much anything, with cowboy hats optional but encouraged. Table for optional dinner booked under Andrew Goodwin (Ph: 0424453134) at 7PM. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61b6d92d7a524833b4ad7d12/t/68eed5391a196107e7dae1c1/1760482617982/MD3740_MDWW_Menu_Food_A3.pdf](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61b6d92d7a524833b4ad7d12/t/68eed5391a196107e7dae1c1/1760482617982/MD3740_MDWW_Menu_Food_A3.pdf) Then after dinner you can hang around for the optional band. Event cohosted by Martin Carr. So here the easier option is to just walk 5 minutes from Footscray Station to get here. The other option is parking although that's not that easy here. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

**What's going to happen?** There are 4 activities to choose from: **Connection Carousel** (structured conversations), a **Board Game Table**, a **Choose Your Own Adventure** hangout area, and a **Quiet Retreat Space**. Refer to the [detailed plan here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nVbe9zl_dzniTTEavz97LWCWiHfefDZZILYXjVxrAMs/edit?usp=sharing). **Where is it?** It's in the Sandringham Library event space, a short walk from Sandringham railway station. Refer to the [visual directions here to find it](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nVbe9zl_dzniTTEavz97LWCWiHfefDZZILYXjVxrAMs/edit?usp=sharing). **Who's it for?** Whether you have Adult ADD/ADHD, ADHD, Autism, or identify with any other neurodivergent traits, this event is a safe space for open discussions and support. Connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from each other's unique perspectives on living with neurodivergence. Our goal is to foster a community where everyone feels accepted, understood, and empowered. Come spice up your neurodivergent journey with us!

Please join us this Sunday. It is an open social session where we will discuss any topics attendees are keen to discuss. I will also prepare some philosophical prompts for us. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Socrates Cafe group. Hope to see you there!

Fellas, Come along, grab a coffee, and connect with other dads who understand life after separation. Chat if you feel like it, and enjoy a good coffee. I’ll be sitting with my push bike helmet on the table — just come up, say hello, and grab a seat. Cheers, Paul

Hi Radiant Ladies, After our Saturday walk, join us at Windchimes Café for coffee, friendly vibes, and a relaxed catch-up. 🅿️ 2-hour parking out front. See you there! Lyn 😀

**Comedy Night + Open Mic + Freestyle**: Tristan Shae and friends return to entertain us and to warm the group up for our open mic session. February's Open Mic / Comedy Night was a smash hit and it's worth a second night. We'll start with Tristan Shae and a couple of his friends. Tristan is an alternative comic from Columbus, Ohio. A counselor by day, Tristan explores how comedy can improve mental health by telling jokes and stories that muse on how absurd life can be from squeaky clean topics to not so clean ones. Tristan produces the variety show Cheaper Than Therapy, hosts the weekly Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic at The Attic, and can be found engaging in all sorts of silliness around the city from stand up shows at The Nest Theater, The Attic, or The Funny Bone, to improv and sketch shows with various groups at various venues such as The Hashtag Comedy Club. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Please join us. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*