Civic Engagement Melbourne

International Day of Democracy Event : Panel Discussion

Hi everyone! Designing Open Democracy is hosting an event! In partnership with 888 cooperative causeway, join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking panel discussion celebrating the International Day of Democracy! Panel Lineup includes: Nicholas Gruen - CEO, Lateral economics Godfrey Moase -co founder of CoPower Anitra Nelson - Activist Academic Nicole Hunter - Deliberative community engagement specialist Please visit the link below to buy tickets - as a member of this group, you can gain access to the special Designing Open Democracy Member's price of $20! [https://events.humanitix.com/international-day-of-democracy](https://events.humanitix.com/international-day-of-democracy) Light snacks will be provided.

Secular Party Victorian Division Meeting

Monthly meeting for the Victorian Division of the Secular Party of Australia. We welcome anybody who is interested in a secular Australia. (The meeting officially starts at 7:30, with dinner prior from 6:30). http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/f/3/c/600_306312092.jpeg

🍜Asian Background Social: Lounge Asia Melbourne (Easy English) 6pm

Why People Love Lounge Asia 🍜 Asian-focused event 🤝 Many guests come alone 💬 No need for perfect English 🌏 No games or forced introductions — just enjoy the conversation Lounge Asia began within the Asian community, so people from Asia often feel comfortable and at home here. At the same time, everyone is welcome — locals, expats, travellers, students, returnees, digital nomads, and globally minded people. ━━━━━━━━━━ How to Join 1️⃣ Tap "RSVP" on this page 2️⃣ Show your Meetup QR code at reception 3️⃣ Collect your name tag and start meeting people ✅ Early RSVP is free ✅ RSVPs made within 24 hours of the event start time are $5 ✅ Limited capacity — please RSVP early Many people attend alone, so don't worry if it's your first time. ━━━━━━━━━━ How to Find Us 📍 Venue La Di Da 577 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 ⏰ Start Time — Melbourne Local Time 6:00 pm ⚠️ Important: This is the local time in Melbourne. Meetup may display Brisbane time or another time zone, so please follow the local time shown above. ━━━━━━━━━━ 🍺 Please Support the Venue This event is free or low-cost because the venue supports our community. Please purchase at least one drink during the event. Your support helps us keep organising events at great venues. ━━━━━━━━━━ 💚 Please Be Respectful Lounge Asia is a friendly social event where everyone should feel comfortable and welcome. 🚫 This is NOT a pickup or dating event. Anyone who makes others uncomfortable may be removed immediately. Not allowed: harassment, unwanted attention, MLM / crypto / religious recruitment, or anything that makes others uncomfortable. Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or ask anyone to leave. 🪪 A valid government-issued photo ID is strictly required for entry. No photo ID, no entry. Driver's licences must be issued by the government of the country where the event is held. 📸 Photos and short videos may be taken for community and promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear, please let an organiser know when you arrive. ━━━━━━━━━━ Lounge Asia is already growing in Australia and is now expanding across Asia — Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Our goal is simple: More friendship, more understanding, and more genuine connections across cultures. 📱 Join the Lounge Asia Australia WhatsApp Group Stay connected with the Lounge Asia community after the event. ✅ Hear about upcoming Lounge Asia events ✅ Meet local and international people ✅ Stay connected with people you meet ✅ Receive community news and event updates [👉 Join the WhatsApp group:](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJV5i6FQMc7DVXezkJUUib) 📱 Instagram: @_lounge_asia [🎥 Watch Event Video:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNak_cu9CXw) [👉 GET VIP ACCESS:](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ━━━━━━━━━━ 🌏 Come say hi! Hey, come hang out! 来一起玩吧！ 一起來聊天吧！ 気軽に遊びに来てね！ 편하게 놀러 와요! มาเจอกันนะ! Tới chơi nha! Tara, sali ka na! Yuk, gabung! လာပြီး အတူပျော်ကြရအောင်! មកលេងជាមួយគ្នាណា! ມາພົບກັນເດີ້! Хамтдаа цуглацгаая! Komm einfach vorbei! Jom join kita! See you at Lounge Asia!

Bentleigh Social Trivia Night

Trivia night at the Bentleigh social!

(Co-hosts required) 🎨 Street Art Photo Walk & Conversation - Fitzroy

***\*\*Interested in co-hosting this event? Message Sarah Rus to learn more\*\*\**** Join us at 4:30pm for a relaxed street art walk through Fitzroy, exploring laneways, murals and hidden creative spots while conversation unfolds naturally along the way. **Where to meet:** out the back of 322 Brusbwick Street - look for the group on the footpath. We start walking at 4:45pm sharp. If you love photography, bring your camera or smartphone (charged) to snap some fun photos along the way. We often pose in front of our favourite artworks. Be prepared to be silly with us 🤪 (optional, of course.) This event is about moving at a comfortable pace, noticing what's around us, and letting conversation unfold organically as we walk. There's no need for art knowledge - curiosity is more than enough. The walk has a light structure to help things flow, but nothing rigid. You're welcome to chat as much or as little as you like, and enjoy the experience your own way. Running late? Use the map in the photos to catch us up, and keep an eye on the group as we move between laneways. **Recommended:** download the [Street Art Cities](https://streetartcities.com/) app, which we'll use to hunt down the art. After the walk (around 6pm) you're welcome to stay on for dinner nearby - completely optional. Head back to where we started and choose between: * Hecho En Mexico, 326 Brunswick Street * Yeshi Ethiopian Restaurant, 328 Brunswick Street * Tawooq Fitzroy Lebanese, 329 Brunswick Street Have a chat on the walk and decide together where you'd like to eat. Best suited to adults who are **young-at-heart** and enjoy exploring the city, being outdoors and connecting through shared experiences. Most of our members are somewhere between 25 and 50. Strictly 18+. Sometimes the day doesn't go entirely to plan - a laneway is closed, the group spreads out, the weather turns. That's part of it. Come as you are, keep an eye on the plan, and enjoy what's in front of you. Conversation's an invitation here, never an obligation. Can't wait to see who shows up. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **HOST RESOURCES:** [https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf](https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf) Print double sided. Cut up cards. Hand out at start of event. Guide people to introduce themselves to other guests eg eg talk to someone wearing the same colour or someone who is similar height.

Bipolar Life Victoria - Bentleigh Support Group

Inner City Politics -What Next -Barrie Cassidy with Peggy O'Neal

Olinda Creek Social

[👉🏻 GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE) 👈🏻](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1998922585262?aff=oddtdtcreator) **🗓️ Date:** Saturday, 12 September 2026 📍 **Location:** Olinda Creek Track and Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail Loop (Approximately 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD on weekends) **🚙 Need a lift?** Carpooling available. 📏 **Hike Distance:** Around 5 km total. 🕙 **Start Time:** 9:45 AM. Please arrive 15 minutes early at the hike/parking location (shared via a private Instagram group chat). This gives time for a quick check-in, icebreaker and, if available, a toilet break before we kick off at 10:00 AM. 🕔 **End Time:** 12:00 PM. 🚶‍♂️ **Pace/Difficulty:** Friendly and social / Easy (Medium). ⌛️ **Average Hike Duration:** Depending on the group’s pace + including breaks to admire nature and a lunch break along the trail. ***This is a free, one-off social hike designed to be a shorter walk, leaving plenty of time to continue the day together afterwards. The main focus is meeting new people, socialising and heading out for some activities after the hike. Details for the post-hike plans will be discussed in the group chat.*** 👉Please ensure you follow us on Instagram [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") before booking, as Instagram does not allow us to add non-followers to group chats. After purchasing your ticket, you'll receive a WhatsApp message with the group chat link within approximately 1 hour. If you do not have WhatsApp, DM us on [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") or reach out via SMS (info at the end). **Please note:** The start / Assembly location on Eventbrite may not be accurate (due to their software mapping limitations) - the exact location will be shared in the IG group chat. If you do not have Instagram or WhatsApp, it's your responsibility to reach out to us via the contact number below. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- *Looking to meet new people, explore nature, and have a good laugh along the way?* This is your perfect Sunday plan! 🎉 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Melbourne Social Hike. A welcoming day out focused on fun, friendships, and fresh air. Whether you come solo or bring a mate, you’ll leave with new connections and memories! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🚙 Carpooling Makes It Happen** At Social Hikes Australia, carpooling is a big part of what makes our hikes possible. Every extra seat means another person gets to join. Fewer cars, easier logistics and a more social, fun start to the day. Carpooling is also a great way to meet people before the hike even begins, share a few laughs, get to know each other, and arrive together. It’s simple, social, and one of the best parts of the experience 🌿 💡 Carpool tickets are offered at a discounted price to encourage drivers to offer seats and make the hikes accessible for everyone. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 👉 **For Drivers** If you’ve got spare seats, offering a lift makes a big difference. It helps others join, reduces parking stress and makes the ride more enjoyable from the start. 👉 **For Passengers** Passengers are to contact drivers directly using the details provided in the carpool sheet (linked at the top of the description). The sheet shows information from carpooler tickets (Drivers Offering Seats). ✨ **Best practice:** Try to organise your ride before purchasing a ticket to avoid last-minute stress. 🚽Use the toilet before arriving, as there may not be toilet facilities at the meeting point or along the hike. **Please note:** Drivers and passengers should stick to the arrangements they make. We do not recommend swapping drivers or cars after you’ve agreed on a ride. If you do decide to change, please make sure all parties are clearly informed and agree to avoid confusion. If a driver forgets, gets mixed up, or doesn’t pick you up, Social Hikes Australia (and your driver) are **not liable** for any inconvenience caused. For this reason, it is best to keep things simple with the driver you first arranged with. ⚠️ **Important Notes** * Please stick with the carpool arrangement you agree on. * Avoid swapping drivers unless everyone is clearly informed and agrees. * Petrol, parking, and other costs are not included in the ticket price. These should be agreed upon directly between the driver and passengers. * Social Hikes Australia is not responsible for any issues with private carpool arrangements. 📍 **Pick-Up Info** Drivers will share their preferred pick-up locations, such as major CBD train stations like Parliament, Richmond, South Yarra, Southern Cross, or North Melbourne. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🤩 Why Join?** 🌟 Make new friends in a relaxed, casual way. 🌟Enjoy nature and fresh air while meeting like-minded people your age 🌟Friendly vibes full of laughs, chats and good times guaranteed 🌟You never know. Today’s hiking buddy could be tomorrow’s uni mate, housemate, or travel buddy! 🌟Your safety is our priority. Equipped with a first aid kit on hand. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎟️ **Tickets:** **All tickets are $20 per person.** This helps cover: * Public liability insurance * A $2.40 contribution per ticket directly to Parks Victoria * Experienced guides with a tour operator license who know the trails well * First aid kit and safety equipment for the group 🚗 **Carpoolers Discount** If you’re driving and offer seats to passengers, your ticket is only **$5** 🙌. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🥾 What to Bring:** 👟 Comfy hiking shoes 💧 2–3L of water 🥪 Snacks/lunch ☀️ Sun protection (hat, sunnies, sunscreen) 🦟 Bug spray (always a good idea) 🎒 Optional: hiking poles, wet weather gear/raincoat \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📌 **How It Works:** After purchasing your ticket, you’ll receive a link to our private Instagram group chat. All final details will be shared there: Hike route, meet-up location and any last-minute updates. Friendly pace, friendly faces! This hike is intentionally slow–medium so everyone can enjoy and chat along the way. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Why Join Us?** 🌱 Make new friends in a relaxed, casual way. 🌱 Enjoy nature while meeting people your age. 🌱 No pressure, just good vibes and real connections. 🌱 You never know. Today’s hiking buddy could be tomorrow’s uni mate, flatmate, or travel buddy! 🌱 Your safety is our priority. Equipped with a first aid kit on hand. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍽️ **Food Arrangement** After our hike, we love keeping the good vibes rolling with a meal together. We’ll suggest a café or restaurant that’s usually on the way back toward the city, so it’s easy for everyone and avoids extra driving. It’s always a highlight of the day swapping stories from the trail, sharing laughs and getting to know your fellow hikers even better over some good food. Joining is optional, but most people stick around because it’s such a fun way to finish the adventure. Everyone just covers their own meal, and we’ll confirm the spot in the Instagram group chat on the day. When booking, you’ll be asked if you’d like to join: Yes / No / Not Sure. The organisers will confirm the restaurant or bar on the day, based on feedback. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **⚠️ Important:** Must be 18+ years old to attend. Hike at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. Respectful, kind behaviour is a must. We are a positive and welcoming community. Zero tolerance for any unwelcome behaviour. We’re here to have fun, together! For this hike, we recommend that all participants download the AllTrails app before the event. This will help you: * View the trail map in advance * Track your progress during the hike * Stay on course in case you get separated from the group Having AllTrails ensures everyone can enjoy the hike safely and confidently. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📜 Liability & Waiver** By joining this hike, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Social Hikes Australia is not liable for accidents, injuries, illnesses, theft, or transport-related issues. 🚑 If you have previous injuries, medical conditions, or health concerns, discuss with the organiser before purchasing your ticket. Transport/carpooling is a community initiative only, not a service. 👉 Please make sure to read our [Terms & Conditions (click here)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUzOL94hk5Uk5c7FOjiPRHXZz--5H9p5/view?usp=share_link "https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUzOL94hk5Uk5c7FOjiPRHXZz--5H9p5/view?usp=share_link") before purchasing your ticket. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Refund Policy:** Tickets are non-refundable unless the hike is cancelled or rescheduled. Tickets cannot be transferred to another hike unless agreed with the organisers. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🚭 NO Smoking & Vaping Policy** To keep the experience enjoyable for everyone, smoking and vaping are not permitted during the hike or while walking with the group. We want everyone to enjoy the fresh air and nature without smoke or vapour and to reduce fire risk, especially during summer. Hikers who ignore this policy may be asked to leave the event and may not be permitted to attend future hikes. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌧 Rain Policy** If the forecast shows over 15 mm in 6 hours or 20+ mm during the day, we may postpone or adjust the hike to keep things safe and enjoyable. Slippery trails, flooding, and poor visibility are no fun or safe. We’ll also reschedule for thunderstorms or if trails are still soaked from heavy rain the days before. Light rain (under 5 mm/hour) is usually fine. We’ll check each hike case-by-case. Safety first 🌿 If it changes and gets heavier, we’ll reschedule for the following event instead. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌿 About Social Hikes Australia** Social Hikes Australia started in 2023 with one simple goal: bringing people together through nature. Since then, we've completed over 45 hikes, exploring everything from coastal walks to mountain peaks and hidden trails. Along the way, we've met hundreds of amazing people, created lifelong friendships, and built a community that keeps growing. We're excited to now be expanding across Australia, with regular hikes becoming part of our schedule. Every event is a chance to explore somewhere new, meet like-minded people, and spend a day outdoors surrounded by good company. Whether you're an experienced hiker or it's your very first hike, everyone is welcome. Come for the hike, stay for the friendships. 👉 Follow us on Instagram [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") for upcoming hikes and updates. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💸 Where Your Contribution Goes:** Advertising and outreach – helping us bring in new people to every event. $2.40 per person – paid directly to Parks Victoria as part of the per-day use fee. Public liability insurance – so we’re covered for safety and compliance. First aid kit supplies – keeping our hikes safe and prepared. Tour Operator Licence. Every ticket makes it possible to cover the essentials and keep creating safe, social, and welcoming outdoor adventures. 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📞 Organiser Contact:** We highly encourage you to text our organiser team before purchasing your ticket if you have any concerns about transport: Jacob 📱 [0404 870 123]() l Sebas 📱 [0435 993 237]() 🥳 Ready to make friends, explore Melbourne’s beautiful nature, and have a blast? Spots are limited, so grab your ticket now and let's hike, laugh and connect! 🌿🎉

Community Conversations: Nurturing the Spiritual Being

**Nurturing the Spiritual Being: A Mindful Watercolour Experience** With the demands of everyday life, how often do we pause to nurture the deepest part of ourselves, our spiritual nature? Our thoughts and emotions influence how we feel, the choices we make, and how we respond to stress and anxiety. Yet are they the deepest reality of who we are? Join us for an immersive experience that invites you to slow down, reconnect with your inner self, and explore where lasting happiness comes from. Through the simple practice of mindful watercolour, and meaningful conversation, we'll cultivate a sense of calm and deeper connection with ourselves, others, or the Divine. Community Conversations provides a warm and inclusive space where people from all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome. Each session includes a short presentation, shared conversation and light refreshments. No previous experience with watercolour or mindfulness is needed, just a willingness to pause and reflect. It is a free community event, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope you can be a part of it!

Personal Values & Integrity, The Importance Of.

If you are honest with yourself and with others, you can't help but do well in life. A relationship exists between your own self-respect - how you look at your own personal values - and how successful you are. A person who is honest, outspoken and respects himself will get more done and accomplish his goals far easier than someone who is dishonest, introverted and withdrawn. Now you will learn the underlying reasons why people withdraw from others and life or feel a loss of personal integrity.

⚖️ The Jury Experience + Optional Grill'd Dinner 🍔

Yum cha and share learning of the week

Yum cha, let's chat and plan something fun yet bring our curious minds. **What's this about?** Melbourne-based education and capacity-building practice working with families, young people, and support those needing extra help. We're exploring how to scale thoughtful, neuro-inclusive facilitation—and we want to talk with people who get it. Whether you're: * A tutor or educator looking for meaningful collaboration * An diverse learning practitioner thinking about sustainability + purpose * A trainer or facilitator interested in program design * Someone navigating the gap between compliance and genuine learning …this is for you. **The agenda:** * Brief intro * Facilitated conversation: *What's actually hard about this work? What gets you up in the morning?* * Informal mingling + coffee * Optional: One-on-one chats if you'd like to explore working together **Questions?** Please leave a comment.