AI and Society

The discussion topic for this meetup will be identity and whether or not history is a necessary condition for consciousness as Dretske proposed. James

Join us this month for a panel with PMs who have experience shipping and working daily with Ai. Bring your stories and questions as there will be plenty of time for Q&A. **Our Panel** * [Daragh Kan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daraghkan/) \- Head of Product at Cuttable * [Dave Slutzkin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveslutzkin/)\- Co\-founder and CEO at Cadence * [Melissa Cupples](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcupples/) \- Head of Product \(AI & Automation\) Doors 6pm Start 630pm Thanks to our fabulous hosts for our location **InvestorHub.** [InvestorHub](https://www.linkedin.com/company/invhub/) is a Melbourne-based scale-up with the mission to make being listed a superpower. Our software allows listed companies in Australia and the UK to manage their end-to-end investor relationships, from their investor-facing website, a detailed investor CRM, analytics, and more. We're [hiring](https://investorhub.pinpointhq.com/) for Product Managers, Product Designers, Engineers and more right now! If you're interested in co-sponsorship please let us know. Some beverages will be provided but right now it's BYO food.

**Welcome to our Thursday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **La Di Da — 577 Little Bourke Street (Melbourne CBD).** We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3 at entry** to support the venue. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### 📲 Join our WhatsApp Community Stay connected before and after the event, meet people, and find language partners: 👉 **Join here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ) *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

Join the Melbourne TED Talk Community for an engaging session and meet people who like being an ideator, who want to bring their voice to a larger community. In contrast to a typical public speaking training event, where you receive feedback on your amms and aas and the way you present, this goes beyond that. **The objective of this community is to get inspired by some of the best ideas serving humanity, find your own calling and voice, be an ideator, and share your ideas clearly and persuasively.** The talk we will play is one of the amazing talks from the TED Library. In this session, we will delve deeper into the topic and gain perspective, and learn from each other. Be prepared to network, engage in meaningful conversations, and embark on a journey of professional development and leadership growth. **Mark your calendars and don't miss this opportunity to refine your public speaking abilities with the Melbourne TED Talk Community!** **TED Talk link to watch together:** **TBA** **Agenda (as a guide)** 6.00 PM Registration 6.10 PM Introduction by Attendees 6.20 PM 10 min talk on screen (optional) 6.30 PM Breakout session (Group / Individual) based on topic 6.45 PM Individual / Group shares their takeaways 7.00 PM Practice the Art of Public Speaking - 2-3 talks of 2.5 minutes 7.10 PM Feedback to the Presenters and overall session 7.20 PM Event Concludes & floor opens for Networking **Fees: The event has a $5 contribution towards hiring the hall and Audiovisual. This can be paid through PayPal at the time of registration.** Looking forward to seeing you there. The Organisers Raj

We will meet at the starting point and take a round trip around the Albert Park lake. BYO a water bottle. Dress for comfort and outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the host(s) to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoyed the conversation, you're welcome to continue on afterwards. The South Melbourne market is just one tram stop away. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30mins in advance. We will wait up to 15mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** If you change your plan or decide not to attend. Please update your RSVP. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos to Friends….Expand Your Social Circle Meetup group is a community of individuals who prefer to take it slow to get to know people overtime in Melbourne. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, chilling, cultural exchange, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- Heylo App \-\-\-** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

We are meeting in the board-room of the 55th floor of 318 Russel Street (The Abode). When you arrive call me on 0447 591 141 and I'll come down and get you. ## **🛠️ Meetup Format (2 hours)** **⚡ Project Intros (5 minutes total)** Each participant gets **1 minute (hard stop)** to briefly share: * What they’re building * What they want to focus on today **🚀 Build Sprints (90 minutes total)** We’ll run **three focused build cycles**: * **25 minutes** of deep, uninterrupted building * **5 minutes** of casual chatting, sharing progress, and asking questions **🎤 Demos & Wrap-up (10 minutes total)** Each participant gets **1 minute (hard stop)** to: * Demo what they built * Share learnings or next steps This format balances **deep focus**, **collaboration**, and **show-and-tell**, while keeping things lightweight and fun.

👉🏻[ GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE)](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1987188822261?aff=oddtdtcreator)[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1977564736361?aff=oddtdtcreator)👈🏻 **🗓️ Date:** Sunday, 26 April 2026 📍 **Location:** Warrandyte State Park (Approximately 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD on Sundays) **🚙 Need a lift?** Tap here to see the carpool drivers and organise your ride. 📏 **Hike Distance:** Around 15 km total. 🔗 **Trail Map:** [Warrandyte State Park](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/mount-lofty-loop?sh=gu0gil&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality "https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/mount-lofty-loop?sh=gu0gil&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality") 🕙 **Start Time:** 9:45 AM. Please arrive at the hike/parking location (shared via the private Instagram group chat). This allows time for a quick ice breaker and, if available, a toilet break at the car park before we set off. The hike will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. 🕔 **End Time:** 3:00 PM. 🚶‍♂️ **Pace/Difficulty:** Friendly and social / Easy. ⌛️ **Average Hike Duration:** 4–6 hours, depending on the group’s pace + including breaks to admire nature and a lunch break along the trail. 💬 **Community Chat Access:** You'll be added to our private Instagram group chat after booking! This is where we share final hike details, updates, and a fun space to connect before and after the hike. 👉 To make it easy for us to add you, please follow us on Instagram [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") prior to booking. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- *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 where the focus is all about 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. **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 discussed and 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. For this hike, **the nearest station to the trail is** [Eltham](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BeoyuUhX5PnsoYS39?g_st=ic "https://maps.app.goo.gl/BeoyuUhX5PnsoYS39?g_st=ic") or [Lilydale](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2iWmcrhKx7d6msxh7?g_st=ic "https://maps.app.goo.gl/2iWmcrhKx7d6msxh7?g_st=ic"), though drivers choose whichever spot is most convenient for them. Passengers can then join from those locations. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🤩 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. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍽️ **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. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌧 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 Sunday, 26 April 2026, instead. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌿 About Social Hikes Australia:** Social Hikes Australia was founded in 2023 with a simple mission: to bring people together through the beauty of nature. Since then, we’ve completed over 45 incredible hikes across Victoria. From coastal trails to mountain summits, we have explored the diverse landscapes Victoria has to offer, fostering connection, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the wild. 🥾🌿 We're excited to announce that fortnightly hikes have officially become part of our schedule! 🚀 Every two weeks, we'll be exploring new locations, creating more opportunities for you to connect, adventure, and be part of a growing, supportive community. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting into the outdoors, Social Hikes Australia is a place where everyone is welcome. Come for the adventure, stay for the friendships. 🤝✨ 👉 Follow us on Instagram for updates and upcoming hikes: [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💸 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! 🌿🎉

Ready to ride the vibe? Join us for **Vibe Hack** – a free workshop where you'll learn to build real, practical apps using AI-powered vibe coding tools. **No experience needed**, just curiosity and good energy. Whether you're a small business owner, creative professional, or lifelong learner, this **hands-on session** will help you turn your ideas into digital solutions. Come discover that "I can do this!" feeling in a welcoming, energetic space where everyone belongs. Bring your laptop, build something awesome, and connect with the Vibe Club community.

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.** 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 Philosophy Circle group. Hope to see you there!

The optimum computing machine is a subject many of us have studied. If you were building one how would you design it? First the computer should be able to compute with perfect accuracy on any problem in the universe and produce answers which were always and invariably right. Second the computer would have to be swift, working much more quickly than the problem and process could be vocally articulated. Third the computer would have to be able to handle large numbers of variables and large numbers of problems simultaneously. Forth, the computer would have to be able to evaluate its own data and there would have to remain available within it not only a record of its former conclusions but the evaluations leading to those conclusions. Fifth, the computer would have to be served by a memory bank of nearly infinite capacity and would have to be available to the analytical portion of the computer in the smallest fractions of a second. Sixth, the computer would have to be able to rearrange former conclusions or alter them in the light of new experience. Seventh, the computer would need no exterior director, but would be entirely self determined about its programing guided only by the necessity –value of the solution which it itself would determine. Eight the computer should be self servicing and self arming against present and future damage and would be able to estimate future damage. Ninth the computer should be served by perception by which it could determine necessity –value. Tenth ,the memory bank should store perceptions as perceived ,consecutive with time received with the smallest possible time divisions between perception .It would then store in color-Visio (moving),tone audio (flowing),odor ,tactile and self sensation ,all of them cross –coordinated . Eleventh, for the purposes of solutions, it would have to be able to create new situations and imagine new perceptions hitherto not perceived and should be able to conceive these to itself in terms of tone –audio ,color-visio ,odor, tactile, and self sensation –and should be able to file anything so conceived as imagined ,labeled “memories” Twelfth, the entire machine should be portable. It might be somewhat astonishing at first to conceive such a computer .But the fact is, the machine is in existence .There are billions of them in use today and many ,many more billions have been made and used in the past . In fact you’ve got one .for we are dealing with the human mind. L.RON .HUBBARD Do you want to learn how the mind works?Then do not miss this meetup. RSVP now !!