Blogging Groups Melbourne

Writers & Creatives Social

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) The Wharf Hotel by the river. Southern Cross Station is closest. Ask at the bar to find us. Or call us 0403193785. Tonight's Social Evening Schedule: (Ideas welcome) 6pm to 6.45pm: Socializing​​ 6.45pm to 6.55pm: Introduction and overview of the evening by Jim including go-around introduction​​ 6.55pm to 7pm: A word from Mat our founder​​ 7pm to 7.10pm A paired connection question to get people talking with one another​​ 7.10pm to 7.30pm: Guest Topic: Heath Ryan, a Canadian-Australian is an ultra-endurance cyclist and father who rode 4000k from the UK to Kyiv in Ukraine in 2024 raising funds for a Ukrainian children's charity 'Voices of Children'. He has written and published a number of books focusing on human achievement and social justice. He will talk about his journey. 10 mins talk. 10 mins Q&A. 7.30pm to 8.15pm: Readings section open to all to read out something from their work up to 4 minutes. Feedback optional.​​ 8.15pm to 9.30pm: Socializing. Optional. Many of us love this as a chance to connect personally in a screen-addicted culture. • Come out and meet some like-minded folks who enjoy writing and other entertainment and creative outlets. We'll hang around until at least 8.30pm, but often later. All age ranges, all writing types (and entertainment types), all the way from never writing and up to published authors. • This night is about you. So chat to people, read out your work, give feed back, get to know everyone... Or, feel free to sit back and chill. It's your night, enjoy it how you see fit. **Please only RSVP if you can make it.** **We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming.** **We have added an attendee limit, so please update your RSVP if you can not make it.** Thank you, Melbourne Writers. The Wharf Hotel food menu: https://www.wharfhotel.com.au/eat-and-drink 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 getting in contact so you can add to these social pages and site - matclarke.author@gmail.com**

Biological Evidence for Reincarnation

**With 1000s of spontaneous cases with children** investigated and documented over the past 60+ years, the team at DOPS has accumulated a formidable body of evidence suggestive of reincarnation. The types of evidence include detailed memories of verified past lives, personal traits, skills, interests and phobias, etc. and among these the most compelling aspect is cases of birthmarks and birth defects that align with injuries sustained in the previous life, often at the time of death. **In this session, Russ Townsend** will lead a discussion around spontaneous past-life memories in children, how they are investigated and verified, common objections and refutations, and then a number of detailed case studies related to birthmarks and birth defects. At the conclusion, he will walk through the interpretations and theories about this phenomenon. **About Russ:** * Meetup Organiser * Lifelong interest in science, philosophy, and spirituality * Member of AIPR * Trainer / Facilitator * ex-radio show host * Wannabe Academic * Pretend intellectual, friends with some really smart PhD people * Author with permanent writers block **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** NOTE: TRYING OUT NEW LUNCH VENUE... Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at **Gopal's Restaurant** (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

All Write!

Melbourne Central Food Hall on Level 2. Far back corner near large windows to outside. Look for the colourful piano! See below for exact instructions on finding us. IMPORTANT: Please turn up if you RSVP. Other writers are counting on you being there with them so no one sits alone!!! Currently we have part-time hosts and regulars who will turn up and sit together. EVERYONE, please keep a look out for newly arriving people in the group and make them feel welcome, especially if they say: Are you with the writing group? If you arrive first and have an A4 piece of paper, it is a good idea to write on the paper: Writing Group. This way everyone will find each other. Bring your writing tools, and anything that you have written recently (optional). Remember your earphones if you like to listen to music while you write. There are no rules :) You can write. Or 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 public space.) Bring pen and paper as a backup. Melbourne Central wifi available. Who: People who write and/or want to write (more) What: An open group of writers who meetup in a stimulating space to write together, share writing and ideas and support each other’s writing goals Why: Inspiration, motivation and space to write. Where: Melbourne Central - see photo for our location. Red shaded area would be ideal if available when you arrive. Detailed instructions if you do not know the area: 1) Go to the Shot Tower (the old building inside Melbourne Central with the big cone glass roof above it). 2) Go up the the escalators (there’s only one set of up- escalators near the Shot Tower, you can’t miss it). 3) You are now on level 2, Dining Hall (there are signs to the right, just slightly, stating this). 4) Top Juice store is to your right. Turn right so you pass Top Juice and walk toward the food hall. 5) You are now in the food hall near a black piano. Go past this. Go to the seating at the far back corner where there are large windows facing outside. 6) Look for us writers. There should be a sign on the table. Call out your hosts name and ask if this is the writing group. We will say YES, here we are! Additional hosts wanted!!! Please contact Mat Clarke. Please only RSVP if you can make it. And also un-RSVP if you need to cancel. Thank You, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters What we have written so far: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

Numerology, Jungian Psychology & Self-actualization

In his final presentation on Numerology, Allan Meers takes us on a journey through the 10 energy numbers which form the basis of our psycho-spiritual energy system. Allan’s approach integrates Numerology with the numerical systems of the Chakras, the Enneagram, the Tarot and the Great Rays to provide a holistic approach that assists in answering two key questions: Who am I, and Why am I here? The presentation follows on from previous presentations in May and November 2025 and addresses how the energy of numbers can be used to recognize unhealthy ways of being and doing which limit our ability to connect with the true self. The approach explains how energies can be devalued, disowned and relegated to the shadows, or taken to extremes and adopted as a persona to help us thrive and survive in a challenging world. This presentation will provide an understanding of how we can each move towards a state of energetic health. The starting point for this journey lies in recognizing our current reality and awakening to what it means to become healthy, healed and whole as a spiritual being having a human experience. Much of the presentation is from Allan’s latest book - Living your Numbers – which will be available at the presentation. The session is interactive and designed to provide practical information that can be applied to everyday life.

The Monthly Reset: Walk, Reflect, Connect

Instagram: @findyourtribemelb Take a pause from the hustle and join us for **The Monthly Reset** \- a space for driven and ambitious people to reflect on the past month\, set fresh goals\, and connect with other growth\-minded individuals\. There’s something powerful about sharing your reflections and intentions with other growth-minded individuals. When you're surrounded by people who value progress, purpose, and self-awareness, it creates a natural sounding board for ideas, clarity, and encouragement. These kinds of conversations can help you see things differently, feel more supported, and stay aligned with the goals that truly matter to you. 🌿**MEETING POINT** Let's meet outside Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 2:00pm. Anyone who would like to grab a coffee can do so, then at 2:15pm, we'll take a walk around the Tan. 🤝**CONNECTION ACTIVITY** During the walk, you’ll be invited to participate in structured conversations with different partners as we rotate every 15ish minutes. We’ll provide reflection prompts to guide your discussions on: * What worked well this past month * What challenged you or stretched your limits * Intentions or goals for the month ahead * What success and balance look like for you This is a space to connect authentically, think intentionally, and feel supported by others who care about growth and alignment - both professionally and personally. 👋**NEW HERE?** Welcome! Find Your Tribe Melbourne is a community mostly around 25-40s who are passionate about connection, purpose, and personal development. We’re open-minded, respectful, and always excited to welcome new faces. Whether you come solo or with a friend, we’ll make sure you feel included and supported. Pushing outside your comfort zone can be tough, but it's where growth and friendship begin. 🌱 If you have any questions or just want to say hi before the event, feel free to message me! ⚠️**LIABILITY DISCLAIMER** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the walk and any related activities. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **PHOTO AND VIDEO DISCLAIMER** Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event. Instagram: @findyourtribemelb

Blochaus Bouldering indoor rock climbing

Bouldering again! There is a groupon link for cheap day passes Lateisha is leading this event Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect. If something comes up and you can no longer go please UnRSVP and let us know. Make sure to get your tickets ASAP upon RSVPing Location: Port Melbourne https://www.groupon.com.au/deals/blochaus-bouldering?reco_item=&utm_content=enjoy-bouldering-at-multiple-locations-with-shoe-hire-includ&utm_term=deal_1&utm_source=bloom-multi_channel&utm_campaign=bloom-retargetp2_niche&utm_medium=email&CID=AU&uu=1837f1f3-2cd8-49f5-b3a8-22f2597a3f21&sid=68cc70ef-cdf0-cd71-5490-e28610200000_0_20260406&t_division=melbourne&date=20260406&sender=bloomreach&utm_id=68cc70ef-cdf0-cd71-5490-e28610200000&utm_sendid=68cc70ef-cdf0-cd71-5490-e28610200000_0_20260406&action_id=102&xnpe_cmp=.eJzj4smcvPPO_M3aVso_vRiFFLpOPl46501wYs2nvznydtuOvFK4EGfUq9MXsSjg74r73J-1WFPz4hNLDd8mpT7hK73lGJWtr5-Un1KpX5KYlJOqX1KkX5ICYyPEo41ikaWiDWNRVRaBFaSgKQYzkIxNzOLJWDt5oXNFMLPrImnWBiYmACwBSp8.-tKjn0yICTjb9g What to do before you arrive? Make sure you have bought ur ticket on Groupon before RSVPIng do not leave it too late Have fun and ask in the comments if lost on where to find everybody

Wednesday Coffee & AI Afternoon @ Chido Bar Mercure Doncaster 3108 🌸

Hi Radiant Ladies, Technology is growing so fast. Do you sometimes feel a little left behind? Or wonder what your grandkids are talking about when they mention AI? 😄 Come and join me for a relaxed Coffee & AI Afternoon at Mercure Hotel. I’ll show you a few simple, practical, and creative ways you can use AI in everyday life — to save time, spark ideas, and even have some fun. No technical skills needed. Just curiosity. Please bring your phone (fully charged!) and your beautiful self. We’ll enjoy coffee, learn together, laugh a little… and stay for dinner at Mercure afterwards for those who would like to. Let’s explore something new — together. 🌸 🅿️ Parking Info: If you’re coming from Doncaster Rd, take the third exit at the first roundabout to find the hotel car park. You’ll get 3 hours of free parking.

Milkyway in Premium Location - One Solo Photo

Please note that **this event is not open for photographers** (no option to bring Camera/GoPro or tripod). I will be taking photos of people with the Milkyway. Cameras and tripods aren’t allowed due to past accidents that led to damaged cameras/lenses and injuries in the dark. We have done over 200 Milkyway events. Please read the group rules before signing up. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your ticket on Trybooking ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular): [https://www.trybooking.com/DLMZV](https://www.trybooking.com/DLMZV) We will scan Trybooking tickets at the meeting point. Please note that Trybooking tickets will only be refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. Trybooking Tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to also transfer the ticket to a new date. Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid" status on your RSVP**. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 6:10 PM and head to one of the **premium locations** (100km away from Melbourne). Driving to the destination is not an option for any of our stargazing events. We should be back in the CBD around 11:30 PM. **Meeting Point Photo**: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2) Please carry a warm jacket as the temperature is expected to be around 12-13°C. Please carry takeaway dinner as there are no food options at the destination. **Cost:** Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular Public Transport: Free for the month of April Taxi/Uber: $50 (In an unlikely event where Vline services are cancelled ) Photos: All the images will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) and meetup. I take one solo photo for everyone with the Milkyway. These events are not aimed at photographers. Location: For the safety of people attending the event and flexibility to change location at the last minute based on the weather forecast, we will only share the location details with people at the meeting point. For the safety of people attending future events, please do not share the Milkyway location with anyone. Also, please do not tag the location when sharing photos on Social Media. The Milky Way Galaxy is one of the most interesting naked eye sights in the night sky. We live under light-polluted skies, and to see a glimpse of the Milkyway, we need to travel outside the city. We run Milkyway events near Melbourne (40-50km away) and events in premium locations (over 80-100km from Melbourne CBD). We will mention premium events on the title of the event. Many Solo and some group photos from previous events: [https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3](https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3) Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have seven simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience. ❌ **Not a dating group!** – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please! 📵 **No phone numbers**, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please **don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups**. 🔞 Our events are only **open to people aged 18 and older**. 📢 Please **do not advertise other events or groups**. 😅 **Don’t be a social octopus!** – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy. 🚗 We **don't allow carpooling** due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents. 💰 **No sales pitches!** – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free. By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. Let’s keep it fun, friendly, and drama-free! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Melbourne Serverless Meetup Group event for April 2026

**Note - NEW location for this month only at the AWS Builder Studio!** IMPORTANT - the list of attendees will be provided the day before to security. Just go up the stairs / escalator to level 1 and check with your Photo ID to security. Please get in touch ASAP if you would like to talk at a future event, send us an email at Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au for more info! First time speakers are more than welcome and we can provide you assistance if you need with your presentation beforehand. Please reach out Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au. It can be a regular talk, lightning talk, demo, workshop, whatever is your thing our community will love it - as long as it is serverless related! Venue: AWS Builder Studio, Level 1, 555 Collins St. Melbourne 📅 Agenda 📅 5:30 PM - Doors Open! 6:00 PM - Welcome from the organizers / housekeeping 6:05 PM - **"Changing the engine mid-flight: A startup data pivot" - By Susan Brander, CTO Kaleida** What happens when your startup’s data model is held together with duct tape, but you still have to fly the plane, ship features, and act cool about it? Startups move fast, and sometimes that means making the best architecture decisions you can, and being utterly wrong because you don’t yet fully understand the domain you’re building for. At Kaleida, we chose DynamoDB as the cheapest way to get our product off the ground quickly, pushing relational logic into separate tables and thinking we’d gotten it right and assuming if we hadn’t that we’d clean it up later (if we survived). SPOILER! We survived and thrived! Later came around fast, and it looked like: \- bloated documents * Relational logic spread across tables * Queries dragging us down We knew we’d modelled it wrong, and that not changing it soon would only multiply the difficulties in the future. So, mid-flight, we changed engines. This talk is a candid case study of what it takes to evolve your architecture under pressure: * found our real data inside our current data * Pivoted to a One Table design * Pulled off a zero-downtime migration * Did it all while shipping features and pretending we weren’t panicking. If your team is battling tech debt, scaling pains, a data model that no longer reflects reality, (or you just want to hear about someone else’s war wounds) then come along. 6:35 PM - Pizza & Networking 7:00 PM - "**Let the Agent Read the Boring Reports: AI-Powered Database Auditing for PROTECTED Compliance on AWS**" - **By Christina Chen, Senior DevOps Engineer, Mantel Group** Nobody reads CSV audit reports. But under Australia's IRAP PROTECTED framework, organisations must continuously monitor and evidence database user activity — and assessors want proof. This talk builds a two-stage event-driven pipeline: Lambda extracts MySQL RDS user activity to S3, then a Strands Agent on Bedrock autonomously assesses findings against ISM controls, and generates assessor-ready output 7:30 PM - Networking and finish the Pizza! 8:00 PM - Doors Close, see you next time!

Thursday Coffee & Cake with Julie @ Nikos Cakes Oakleigh 3166 🍰☕️💓

Hi Radiant Ladies, Let’s catch up over coffee, sweet treats, and good vibes at this popular Oakleigh spot! Julie 💞

The Rainbow Hotel.

The Twenty-first Page

Join us for the Twenty-first Page! Theme: awards This month we're reading books that have won a prize or award. It can be any prize or award anywhere around the world. Feel free to bring along any discussion questions you can think of or theme suggestions. Happy reading :) See you there!