Blues

Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® meetup on **June 24th from 5:30pm**, hosted by Ippon in Melbourne! The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there! **📍Venue**: Ippon Australia Collab Hub Level 8, 607 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 IMPORTANT: Please note that for security purposes, all attendees are required to sign in at the lobby to get into the building. \*\*\* 🗓 Agenda: * 5:30pm: Doors open * 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking * 6:00pm - 6:45pm: Usman Khan, Technical Support Engineer, Confluent * 6:45pm - 7:30pm: Additional Q&A & Networking \*\*\* 💡 Speaker: Usman Khan, Technical Support Engineer, Confluent Talk: Kafka Connect On-Prem Troubleshooting Playbook Abstract: When a Kafka Connect sink stops writing, the failure can be hiding in one of several layers, Database, the connector config, the Connect worker, the schema, or the topic itself. In this session, Usman walks through a live Oracle JDBC Sink troubleshooting demo built on the kafka-docker-playground, showing a repeatable classify → fix → verify approach. We cover how to check connector and task state via the REST API and internal Kafka topics, navigate worker logs efficiently, use the Connect admin logging API for dynamic trace logging without restarts, Grafana metrics, manipulate sink offsets for replay. Bio: Usman Khan is a Technical Support Engineer on Confluent's Global Support team, based in Melbourne and covering the APAC region. He specialises in Kafka Connect, working daily with engineering teams to diagnose and resolve connector and framework issues across both on-premises deployments and Confluent Cloud. \*\*\* ***DISCLAIMER*** BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT IN PERSON, you acknowledge that risk includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including COVID-19, and accept responsibility for this, if it occurs. NOTE: We are unable to cater for any attendees under the age of 18. \*\*\* If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)

**2026 BRUNSWICK FREE SALSA CLASS,** **CUBAN SALSA & RUEDA DE CASINO CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** with **BACHATA** included in a **shared MONTHLY program** **EVERY WEDNESDAY** at: **BRUNSWICK UNITING CHURCH HALL** 214 Sydney Rd, Brunswick **\* Church Hall entrance is on Merri Street,** Walk up the car driveway on the left side of the church, Enter through the metal fence gate The Hall is directly ahead **EVERY WEDNESDAY** **6.30PM - LEARN SALSA for FREE!** **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA CLASS** \- This session is a full class & have been opened to the community\, to give anyone interested in learning Salsa to come try for **FREE**! \* This is a complete class. \- Learn the Salsa basics for free with no pressure to stay on to do the pay lesson\. \- Once you have learnt the main basics\, we partner you up and show both ladies and men how to dance their steps together\, with the men how to lead and the ladies how to follow\. \- By the end of the 6\.30PM Free Salsa Session\, you will already be able to Salsa! **This Free Salsa class is open to anyone wishing to give Salsa a try!** ***with:*** \* Easy to follow, step by step breakdown of the main basics \* Learn at your own pace \* Come as often as you like to make your Salsa basics strong \* No pressure to stay on to do any of the pay lessons \* No partner or dance experience required! \* All welcome - bring your friends & enjoy a fun night of learning to Salsa! **AFTER THE FREE CLASS?** If you enjoyed the Free class & wish to take your dancing to the next level, the free class is followed by the main Cuban Salsa Beginner class (Beginner to improver level). **2026 BRUNSWICK** **WEDNESDAY PROGRAM:** **\* 6.30PM - INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS (Free Session)** \- GET STARTED WITH LEARNING THE SALSA BASICS\! \* This is a complete class \* Easy to follow, step by step breakdown of the main basics \- This session prepares you for the main Cuban Salsa Beginner lesson that follows after. **\- INTERVAL** - **REGISTRATION** with **Dance Practice** **\*\* 7.30PM - 8.30PM** **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA (Main Class)** *Cuban Salsa (Beginner to Improver Level)* \- ALL students joining this part of the Beginner class are expected to know their Salsa basic steps **Total Beginner Class with free class: 1 hour & 30 Minutes)** followed by the **NEW SHARED MONTHLY PROGRAM:** =============================== **\*\* CUBAN SALSA NIGHTS ONLY \*\*** **HELD every 1ST & 3RD WEEK of every MONTH** **\- ON 5 WEEK MONTHS – this is on the 1ST\, 3RD & 4TH weeks** (\* No Bachata on these days) **8.30PM - 10.00PM** **CUBAN SALSA INTERMEDIATE** (Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino) \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner steps and turns. This level will extend your Salsa dancing to the next level. =============================== **\*\*\* BACHATA & CUBAN SALSA NIGHTS \*\*\*** **\- Held** on the **2ND** & **LAST WEEK** of every **MONTH** **8.30PM – 9.30PM** **BACHATA** *(Beginner to Improver)* followed by **9.30PM – 10.30PM** **INTERMEDIATE** **CUBAN SALSA & RUEDA DE CASINO** (\* Normal 1 HOUR CLASS) \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner steps and turns. This level will extend your dancing to the next level. **CLASS COST:** **CASUAL/DROP-IN ATTENDANCE:** **\*\* CUBAN SALSA ONLY NIGHTS\*\*** – Intermediate Salsa (1.5hrs) - $25/class \* Beginner Salsa Class – $20 **\* DO BOTH** Beginner Salsa Class & Intermediate Cuban Salsa (1.5hr) Class – Only $35 **\*\* BACHATA & CUBAN SALSA NIGHTS\*\*** \- On 2nd & last Week of every month ANY MAIN 1 HR CLASS – $20 **\* DO ANY 2 MAIN CLASSES** – Only $30 **\* DO ALL 3 MAIN CLASSES** on the night – $35 (Beginner Salsa, Bachata & Intermediate Salsa) **PAYMENT OPTIONS:** \* **CASH** recommended to avoid Eftpos sees \* **EFTPOS** \- Visa or Mastercard accepted – Please note – there is a 1.9% surcharge when using Visa or MC credit cards \* Please note: We do not accept Diners & American Express cards **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes are low or flat smooth sole shoes when starting, like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals, open toe shoes. Avoid high heels when starting to avoid injury Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor and can interfere with your stepping and turns **MEDICAL:** Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes. **COVID PROTOCOLS:** \* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not any attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, pls do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitise hands frequently *We look forward to having you join us!*

Join us for the next **Men Unplugged** dinner. A monthly catch-up for separated dads who want to connect, reflect, and just be themselves. Whether you're navigating the early days of separation or further along the journey, this is a relaxed space to meet other men who get what you're going through. No pressure, no expectations. Just real conversation, good food, and the chance to connect with other guys who understand the ups and downs of fatherhood after separation. Each dinner has a theme to guide the conversation, but sharing is completely optional. You can talk, listen, or just enjoy the company. **Spots are limited to 15 men**, so booking is essential. **📅 Date:** Wednesday, 24th of June 2026 **🕢 Time:** 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM **📍 Location:** Hardimans Hotel, 521 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC. We'll be upstairs. **🎟️ Cost:** Pay as you go: Steak, chicken parma, burger or pizza ($20-25). Drinks at bar prices. There is ample free parking in the area. Getting there with public transport: Getting There by Train: Take the Craigieburn Line and get off at Kensington Station. From there, it’s a short 3-minute walk to Hardimans Hotel.

**Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba Beginner Classes in Prahran** 💃🏼🕺🏻 Always wanted to try? Now is the time! Learn to dance with our friendly beginner classes for Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba. You’ll always walk away with a smile after dancing! **Get Fit. Have Fun. Meet new people.** Every Wednesday night Prahran RSL \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Timetable** 👉 **6.30pm** **FREE Intro to Cuban Salsa** (30mn) 👉 7.00pm Beginner 1 Cuban Salsa & Bachata 👉 8.10pm Beginner 1 Kizomba 🔸Privates lessons also available if you can’t make group classes! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Location:** Prahran RSL 301 High Street Prahran Looking forward to seeing you all! 💃🕺🏻 \*\*\* **Cost:** Try our Free Intro class and after if you want to increase your dance level, feel free to enjoy our special deal for new students below! 📣 **Beginner Welcome Pack** 📣 4 weeks Beginner Classes + 30 min Private Lesson Just $65!! (value $165) 👉For more information 🔸You can contact us directly : 0411 572 822 ✅ David Smile Dance https://www.davidsmiledance.com

**Get ready for a heart-warming afternoon of readings in a cool, historic cellar - and guess what? It will cost you less than a cup of coffee (well, almost!)** NOTE: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT Cost: $25, strictly limited to 25 seats Your ticket includes a $20 food and drinks credit voucher ($5 goes to the venue to support costs). [CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SEAT](https://MelbournePoets.eventbrite.com.au) Budding poets, writers and lyricists join Melbourne Poets for our monthly Poetry & Prose Meetup! This is a true open mic event (usually without the need for a microphone). There'll be an opportunity to read your work (if you're brave enough) and listen to others over a drink or two. You don't need to be published; you just need to be passionate about your craft. So grab a support buddy and come along to our luxe loungeroom hidden away in the 170-year-old bluestone cellars in East Melbourne's Tribeca precinct. We've got great cocktails, back-vintage wines, craft brews, amazing food, and good vibes in a chilled and supportive safe space. RULES: This is a ticketed event due to limited seating capacity. $20 of your ticket price is offset against any bar drinks and food ordered through the venue on the day. Please ensure each piece is less than 5 minutes for those wanting to read. Depending on attendance and number of readers, there may be multiple opportunities to read. Please no "clicking" or trauma porn, and no self-promotion allowed during the readings but networking after the event is absolutely OK. GETTING THERE: We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. UNABLE TO ATTEND? Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another day or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473. #poetry #readings #poets #writers #prose #lyricists #melbournepoets #melbournepoet #melbournepoetry #melbournewriter #melbournewriters #melbournetodo #poetryandprose #poetrylovers #openmic

🍕 **Topolino’s** **Singles Pizza Night** + **St** **Kilda** **After**‑**Dark** **Adventure** **Date**: Saturday 27 June **Time**: 6pm to 8pm (Pizza), optional nightlife voyage until late **Ages** 35–55 | Singles only | No married people | New couples maybe… if they’re very new **Cost**: $0 Lucky you. It's an experiment so I'm looking for beta testers 😀 Pizza and Drinks are on you. **Numbers**: 12 people, maybe more, depends on flaky people and no shows of course **Menu: [https://www.topolinos.com.au/](https://www.topolinos.com.au/)** 💫 **The** **Vibe** Think of this as a lightly flirty, gently mischievous IRL dating night — the kind where the pizza is hot, the banter is warm, and the chemistry is… well, that’s up to you. **Note**: This will be a light curated event, I won't pre organise anything so it will be a highly organic adventure, Expect some minor chaos. If Topolinos is busy we'll try another venue. Topolinos has a max of 12 people anyway without paying a ridiculous booking fee. But damn it's bloody good pizza. But if enough people are interested I'm sure we can sneakily get in a larger group if we split ourselves up and accidentally coalesce lol. I prefer doing things this way anyway and leaving some things to chance....serendipity is my middle name of course! **#####** **Just so you know** ================= Saying that I do have some basic rules to govern how this event operates, Curated chaos anyone???. **Note:** This event is waitlisted to allow an even mix of genders, there is a creep code and rules especially around no shows. Read on for how this works. Decisions are made at the discretion of the organiser. We’re taking over Topolino’s Pizza on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda’s iconic pre‑nightlife launchpad, for a cosy two‑hour dinner with 12 singles who know how to talk, laugh, and maybe flirt over a slice. Singles only. No married people. New couples allowed only if they still have that “are we… something?” energy. 🍕 6pm–8pm — Topolino’s Pizza Social A relaxed, social dinner with 12 self hand‑picked singles Flirty but friendly, cheeky but respectful Perfect for people who prefer IRL slow‑dating over app fatigue Expect conversation that flows easier than the house red Dress warm — it’s winter, but the vibe won’t be Waitlist is active to keep gender proportions balanced. Regulars get preference (you know who you are). Organiser discretion applies — always. **🙀🌙 8pm onwards —Choose** **Your** **Own** **St Kilda** **Adventure** For those who want to keep the night rolling, we’ll drift down Fitzroy Street like a charmingly disorganised flotilla of hopeful romantics. Possible ports of call: **The** **Espy** — iconic, loud, social, perfect for “accidental” shoulder brushes **The** **Vineyard** — mellow, intimate, ideal for deeper chats **Dogs** **Bar** — artsy, dimly lit, excellent for eye contact **Prince** **Bandroom** — for the brave, the nostalgic, and the 90s‑alt tragics (cover charge applies) Stay for one drink, stay for five, or stay until someone suggests karaoke — the night is yours. 💘 **Flirtation** **Guidelines** This is a social event, not a pressure cooker.Don’t be pushy about phone numbers — let the moment offer itself If the vibe is mutual, go for it Become a regular — I’ll be testing this format over 3–4 events You’ll likely see the same lovely humans again at future singles nights/events or Eat Drink Dance “open” events The goal is to build a small, recurring ecosystem where people feel comfortable, familiar, and relaxed enough to be themselves. **👥Waitlist & Gender Ratios** To keep things balanced and comfortable: Event capped at max 12 people to test interest unless I decide to be sneaky, Generally guys admitted only after a woman registers (to maintain ratios) at my discretion until the format matures. If you become a regular I'm not so discriminating as long as you behave yourself. Women can be a little flaky (we love them anyway), so I may accept 1–2 extra **🧭The Creep Code** **A** refined social compass keeps the vibe safe, fun, and drama‑free. So: No married individuals or those already coupled up (generally) No Tinder Swindler‑style minglers **Guys**: **Please** **Take** **Special** **Note** Must have a clear face photo (no sunglasses, no blurry shadows, no “mysterious man in witness protection”) No wide shots taken from a distance where you can't be identified. No yacht/car/jet flexing — if your profile screams “crypto‑adjacent”, you will be gently declined. If you are declined, update your profile photo to something less creepy and more classy. **Girls**: No restrictions — privacy and safety first” ⚠️ **SMALL EVENT EXPECTATIONS ⚠️** **👻** **No**‑**Shows** No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events. Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event. No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group. Last‑minute cancellations (“flaking”) may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist. 👀 **Attending** **Without** **Being** **on** **the** **Going** **List** This is a security issue. **Do** **NOT** **turn** **up** **unannounced**. If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed. **🌱Why** **This** **Event** **Exists** A few people have asked me to run something for singles, and Meetup is already full of solo attendees. Dating apps feel like a minefield, and IRL conversations tend to be and are rare and sometimes awkward. So this is an experiment — a soft‑launch into a more human, more organic way of meeting people for singles..

When people think of shamanic journeying, psychedelics are often the first association. Yet in most traditions, altered states of consciousness are more commonly entered through other methods. These practices shift awareness away from linear and rational thinking into symbolic and imaginal ways of experiencing the world. A central focus of this talk is the role of mythology and symbolism as a map and compass for navigating these inner states. Mythology is not treated as abstract story or merely superstition, but as a living framework that helps organise experience, guide inner journeys, and support processes of healing and transformation. Archetypes, symbols, and mythic narratives form a structured language for making sense of what is encountered in altered states, both for individuals and communities. The talk also explores how these traditional mythological maps overlap with modern psychology. Contemporary approaches to the mind increasingly recognise symbolic processes, layered identity, trauma patterns, and the need for integration - areas long addressed within myth-based systems of understanding. We will look at how altered states are safely accessed and navigated, and how myth and symbolism provides orientation within them. Finally, the talk considers the relevance of these approaches in the modern world, particularly in contemporary Australia - offering ways of engaging meaning, psychological insight, and connection to self, others, and place through direct experience. **Guy** is a traditionally trained and initiated sangoma. A sangoma is a traditional healer of Southern Africa, effectively a shaman of the Zulu and related Nguni cultures. Born and raised in South Africa, he is one of only a handful of westerners that have undergone the long and intense ordeal of thwasa (the formal traditional training and initiation process) in order to become initiated into the traditions of the Southern African traditional healers. Guy is also a Ceremonial Leader and initiated shaman in the Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society (SOTEMS), a non-profit Australian organisation which is dedicated to developing new forms of Australian Spirituality and healing based on traditional healing (shamanic) methods for contemporary Australians. **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Happy Hour on the Green ⛳ Join Black Love & Friends for a laid-back evening at Topgolf as we celebrate the fathers, father figures, brothers, uncles, mentors, friends, and positive male role models who enrich our lives and communities. This isn't a golf tournament—it's a social gathering designed to bring great people together for conversation, connection, laughter, food, drinks, and a little friendly competition. Whether you're a father, celebrating a father, bringing your brother, cousin, friend, or simply looking for a fun Saturday evening, you're welcome to join us. No golf experience is necessary. Come for the happy hour, stay for the company. Expect: • Topgolf games for all skill levels • Food and drinks available for purchase • Networking and socializing • Great music and positive vibes • A welcoming atmosphere for singles, couples, and friends Bring someone special or come solo and meet new people. Let's raise a glass to the men who lead, support, inspire, and show up for the people they love.

🛒 **AI Store on Autopilot – eCommerce Blueprint** Let AI handle product research, ads, and fulfilment while you scale. ⚠️ RSVP won't hold your spot. Complete registration via the link below. ### [🔗 REGISTER NOW](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AIEcommerce?city=Columbus&groupurlname=network-of-book-lovers-and-discussion-meetups&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-30T22:00:00Z) --- What you'll build: - A store setup strategy that cuts setup time in half - Passive income streams you can scale fast - A repeatable blueprint that works from day one *Your automated store. Running 24/7.* 🛒

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).