CCIE Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

Speaking in public is not easy for most people, nor is running a workshop, writing a speech, thinking on your feet, or even speaking up amongst friends. At POWERtalk you will learn how to gain the confidence to step up to speak up. We've seen it many times over. We help you with simple techniques to look confident as a speaker even when you feel like crumbling. **You'll be giving presentations before you know it and loving it!!!** **\>\>\>** We believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to growing as a person and can tailor a plan to help you grow as an individual. **<<<** **Join us at a meeting soon to learn how to build your confidence as a speaker, effectively communicate, get creative, and have lots of fun doing so.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- POWERtalk Australia is a not-for-profit organisation training in public speaking and leadership skills. Guests are free of charge for the first 3 meetings. Full membership is surprisingly very affordable. Please ask if you would like more information or become a member. We look forward to meeting you for a night of POWERtalk (1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month) *PS. If you have symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever or are unwell, we wish you a speedy recovery and please ask that you stay away until you are well again. Thanks :)* We meet every 1st & 3rd Tuesday. Address: Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue Ashwood Vic 7.45 pm start. 2-hour duration. Come along and enjoy the fun. We look forward to meeting you.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

**Struggling with study or learning? You’re not alone.** This meetup suits people at all levels of study skill. Too many children, teenagers, and adults find studying difficult—not because they lack ability, but because they were never taught **how to learn**. This meetup introduces the basics of **Study Technology**—a practical, proven approach that shows how learning really works and how to overcome common study barriers. It applies to children, teens (and parents), teachers, and adults alike. You’ll discover simple, effective methods to improve understanding, confidence, and performance—whether at school, work, or online. Teachers and parents often see rapid improvements in both behaviour and results. Yes, it *is* possible to improve study performance—in just **five easy steps**. If you can’t attend in person, online options are available. **Join us and learn how to study effectively—once and for all.** See you at the meetup, **Pam** When learning clicks, confidence follows.

Visitors and newcomers are very welcome, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/newcomer-faq/ for more details. COVIDSafe restrictions are also in place, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/covid-19-restrictions/ for the latest. Short walk from Glenferrie train station. Car parking at Hawthorn town hall. Bring a laptop and a project you are working on. There is also a number of group projects that you are welcome to join in. We have starter kits for Arduino, a couple of 3D printers, various tools and equipment available for use. Typically our sessions run from 6:45pm till later in the evening (depending on our members' availability to close) but if you're new please come early.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**A panel discussion with clinicians, builders, and lived experience on reducing admin burden without losing clinical integrity.** ​Allied health clinicians are under increasing pressure. ​NDIS reporting requirements, documentation demands, and fragmented digital platforms are consuming more time than ever — often at the expense of clinical work, personal wellbeing, and sustainable practice. ​**Reclaiming Time in Allied Health** is a focused, in-person panel discussion designed to cut through the noise around AI, automation, and digital tools in healthcare. Rather than theory or product pitches, this session brings together clinicians, technology builders, and lived experience to have an honest conversation about what actually works in real-world allied health settings. ​*Attendees will leave with clearer insight into how to evaluate tools, avoid unnecessary complexity, and make informed decisions about technology adoption that genuinely supports clinical work.* ​ **Moderated by** ​[Nadine “Noodles” Groves](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-groves/) **Co-Founder at Natural Velocity** and a technology leader with 20+ years’ experience across **Optus, Vocus and Google**. She’s also the founder of **Stand Tall And Own It** and a **Director on the AIIA National Board**. Bringing a bubbly, collaborative style, Noodles will guide a grounded conversation focused on what genuinely reduces admin load—without compromising care. ​The panel will explore: * ​Where administrative burden truly comes from in allied health and NDIS contexts * ​Which AI and digital tools are genuinely saving clinicians time today * ​What solutions look promising but fail in day-to-day practice * ​How clinicians can adopt technology without compromising clinical integrity or care quality ​**Panel Perspectives** ​[Jess Francis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-francis), **Clinical & Systems Perspective** Occupational therapist, founder and systems strategist working at the intersection of allied health practice, operations and emerging technologies. She supports clinicians and organisations to implement practical AI and workflow improvements that genuinely reclaim time while navigating NDIS realities, governance and day-to-day constraints. ​[Mari Robert](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marirobert), **Patient Zero & Founder Perspective** Founder of InflaMed and long-term patient navigating chronic care systems. Mari brings the patient, caregiver, and builder lens, connecting lived experience with why clinician time loss has downstream consequences for patient outcomes. ​[Ravijeet Dang](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravijeet), **Technology Builder Perspective** CTO at InflaMed, leading platform & regulatory strategy. Ravi will unpack how AI is being built in healthtech behind the scenes, what is realistic today, and what clinicians should be cautious of when evaluating tools. ​ ​**Key Discussion Themes** NDIS reporting and where time is truly being lost The difference between “AI-powered” marketing and real workflow impact How clinicians can evaluate tools without becoming unpaid testers What early adopters are doing differently Designing technology that supports clinicians instead of overwhelming them ​ ​**Who This Event Is For** Speech Pathologists Occupational Therapists Allied Health clinicians working with NDIS participants Practice owners and clinical leads Healthtech builders who want clinician-led insight Anyone interested in practical, ethical AI in healthcare ​**Who It Is Not For** Sales-heavy demos Theory-only AI discussions Generic healthtech hype ​ **​Agenda** 17:00 – 17:30: Arrival, drinks, informal networking 17:30 – 18:30: Panel discussion 18:30 – 19:00: Audience Q&A 19:00 – 20:00: Open networking and follow-up conversations ​This is a grounded discussion based on lived experience, clinical training, and platform-building from the inside — not a sales presentation or demo session. Register via this luma link- [https://luma.com/nk4a2i7h](https://luma.com/nk4a2i7h)

Practice speaking at SmashSpeak. Obtain copious stage time. No formalities and technicalities, just speaking! Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

**\*\*\*RSVP PROCESS - CRITICAL INFO\*\*\*** Please be aware, we don't use the Meetup website to take RSVPs, so you will need to register on this link to lock in your place (bookings essential) - [https://propdev.info/uMKh](https://propdev.info/uMKh) We run events most weekends around Australia so you can attend either physically in your local area, or live-stream to any event around the country. **In-Person:** 1:30pm (Melbourne time) to 'Mingle With The Expert' **Virtual:** 2pm (Melbourne time) **INTRODUCING THE INDUSTRY EXPERT:** *Getting Roads Right in Property Development! DPM Consulting Group (John Mathios)* Your feasibility looks solid until road construction, sewer, stormwater, soil conditions and council bonds start blowing the budget. This is where many mum-and-dad developers get caught out. Road networks cost more than expected. Sewer and stormwater requirements change mid-process. Soil conditions add scope and dollars. Then come the bonds, tying up large chunks of cash for far longer than planned. Miss any of this, and your profit margin quietly disappears. That’s why you need to hear from **John Mathios** of **DPM Consulting Group.** John works directly with councils and developers on real-world road construction and infrastructure delivery. He’ll break down the actual costs behind: • Road construction and RD networks • Sewer and stormwater infrastructure • Soil risks that impact construction budgets • Council bonds what they really cost, when they’re paid, and when you get your money back If you want to budget accurately, protect cash flow, and avoid nasty surprises, this is a session every serious small-scale developer needs to attend. **INTRODUCING THE REAL DEAL:** *5 Townhouses (Sunny Katyal)* *1040m2, GZ, Frankston, Victoria* You’ve found a block online, zoned for development and the numbers look great. You think it’ll be smooth sailing until reality hits. **Sunny Katyal** this month’s Real deal presenter knows exactly what that feels like when he secured a site in a general residential zone, planning a 5-townhouse project, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Lender delays, a builder going bankrupt, and the challenges of managing a project from a distance. Margins squeezed. Stress levels skyrocketed. What should have been a simple townhouse development turned into a real-world lesson in resilience and problem-solving. At our next Property Developer Network Meetup, Sunny will share the real, unfiltered story of this 5-townhouse project from purchase in 2020 to completion in 2026. You’ll learn: • How he navigated lender issues without derailing his project • How he managed builders and contractors to avoid costly setbacks • How he handled managing his site from a distance • The hard lessons and practical strategies he learned to keep the townhouse deal profitable If you’re a mum-and-dad developer wanting to see the reality behind the numbers, avoid rookie mistakes, and learn strategies that actually work, Sunny’s story is not one to be missed. ***This is your chance to talk property with other enthusiasts!*** See you all soon!

🚀 **Join event** **with** **The Web Meetup – First Event of 2026!** 📅 **5 February 2026 - 5:30pm start** 📍 **Rooftop, The Metropolitan Hotel (Melbourne CBD)** 🎟 **Free – Registration essential** We’re kicking off 2026 very differently. Instead of the usual panel or long-form talks, this time we’ve locked in 10+ speakers, standout thinkers, and innovators who will go head-to-head in fast, fiery, and fun mini-debates on topics like: * You can create a healthy team in a dysfunctional company * Returning to the office is amazing * AI changed my life in 2025 … and many more Expect short, sharp opinions, plenty of laughs, and a few takes that might flip your perspective. Come hang out on the rooftop, grab a drink, meet new folks, reconnect with that ex-colleague you secretly miss, and start 2026 in a community that’s curious, collaborative and inclusive. Register now, tickets are free, but spots are limited!

## Details **Details:** Beginner/Intermediate level social tennis session. Run by the Albert Park Tennis and Hockey Centre Cost: $22 per person (EFT payment) for 2 hours of tennis. Free for members. Please check into the hut prior to joining a court. This session is designed for all levels of players, for the opportunity to meet other players, improve their tennis skills, and have enjoy some friendly, competitive tennis matches. This is the perfect time to test your in-game skills without having to enter a proper competition. Tennis balls are provided. Please try and bring your own racquet if possible. **Rules:** * Team up with another player to form a doubles team. Doubles only games. * 2 teams (a group of 4 players), play a **best of 8 games**.' * Each person serves twice * Deuce = one point only, ie. Sudden death point. * The receivers can choose which player on their team receives. * If the score is 4-4, both teams play a singular 'golden point' to determine the winner.. **Rotation:** * Winners remain on the same court. Losers move to the next court up * Court 1 onto Court 2 onto Court 3 etc..

Join us at Preston Library and boost your public speaking skills! ## Speak with Confidence at Northern Exposure Toastmasters Join us in person at Preston Library for a fun and friendly Toastmasters meeting! Whether you're looking to sharpen your public speaking skills or just want to meet like-minded folks, this is the place to be. Share your stories, get useful feedback, and boost your confidence in a supportive atmosphere. ### **Set Your 2026 Challenge** Maybe this is the year you want to: * Improve your public speaking and presentation skills * Build confidence in meetings or high-pressure situations * Become a more influential leader * Sharpen your thinking on your feet * Strengthen your communication for career advancement * Expand your personal and professional network Whatever your 2026 challenge looks like, Toastmasters meets you where you are, and helps you grow from there. There is so much to learn from presenting speeches to become a Leader in the Club. * 1\. Personal & professional development * 2\. Improved communication & listening skills * 3\. Increased confidence * 4\. Develop & enhance leadership skills * 5\. Affiliation with an internationally renowned organisation Don't miss out on this chance to speak up and stand out!

**Details:** Beginner/Intermediate level social tennis session. Run by the Albert Park Tennis and Hockey Centre Cost: $22 per person (EFT payment) for 2 hours of tennis. Free for members. Please check into the hut prior to joining a court. This session is designed for all levels of players, for the opportunity to meet other players, improve their tennis skills, and have enjoy some friendly, competitive tennis matches. This is the perfect time to test your in-game skills without having to enter a proper competition. Tennis balls are provided. Please try and bring your own racquet if possible. **Rules:** * Team up with another player to form a doubles team. Doubles only games. * 2 teams (a group of 4 players), play a **best of 8 games**. * Each person serves twice * Deuce = one point only, ie. Sudden death point. * The receivers can choose which player on their team receives. * If the score is 4-4, both teams play a singular 'golden point' to determine the winner.. **Rotation:** * Winners remain on the same court. Losers move to the next court up * Court 1 onto Court 2 onto Court 3 etc..

📚 #InPursuit is a book club for entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious minds who know personal growth fuels business growth. **See a lot of RSPVPs and wonder how it works? We'll break up into groups of 6-8 to share our insights, then swap groups after 30-45min so you can maximise learning from everybody!** *Note: this even is not organised by or affiliated with The State Library of Victoria* **That's what #InPursuit is all about** It’s not a traditional book club, it’s a space for people who are actively designing a better life through the pursuit of business, creativity, and personal growth. This event is for anyone #InPursuit of better business, life and relationships. Instead of reading the same book, we each come prepared to share one powerful insight from something we’ve read in the past 3-months. Anything non-fiction that’s moved us forward. Whether it’s a mindset shift, a productivity system, a new philosophy, or just a truth that punched us in the gut. This is a place to unpack it together and hear what others are learning too. We’re not just here to *read*. We’re here to *integrate*. Because when we grow, our business and our lives grow too. **🔍 Why Join? You'll leave with:** * 5–10 fresh insights from books you may never have picked up * Deeper awareness of how others think, lead, and evolve * New connections with people walking a similar path toward purpose, results, and impact This isn’t a lecture. It’s a room full of people building themselves while they build the thing. **📖 How It Works** First time? No pressure to share, just come curious. We'll break up into groups of 6-8 and share our insights, then swap groups so you can maximise the learning! Returning? Bring one idea you’ve read about in the last 3-months and be ready to speak on: 1. What did you learn? 2. How did it shift your perspective about the world or yourself? 3. How has it changed the way you show up or behave? We keep it structured, but flexible. After sharing, we open up to Q&A, personal stories, challenges, and deep dives. Some of the best insights come from the conversations *after* the share. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Entrepreneurs or side-hustlers finding their footing * Business owners, and doers building toward better * Curious minds who love ideas but care more about action * People tired of shallow conversations and hungry for growth If you’re working on something—or becoming someone—this space is for you. It’s a practice ground for people who want to grow forward. We’re all #InPursuit of mastery, momentum, and the kind of success that starts from within. **Map on how to get there** We're in the Create Quarter on the ground level (back right of the Quad as you enter from Swanson St). We'll likely be on a long table together. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/SLV-EnglishMap_Jan25.pdf *If there is no room at a table I'll post on the event page that we'll be going to Mr. Tulk Cafe, which is on the corner of the library at Swanson St and La Trobe St.*

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life Sunday, 23 February at 2pm. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

### Tools in your AI's Toolbox : An introduction to MCP Servers The generative AI revolution has unlocked unprecedented capabilities, but the next frontier is agency: empowering models to interact with, query, and act upon the world. The current challenge is the “N x M integration problem,” where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesn’t scale. How can we give an AI access to our sales leads, code repositories, or IoT devices in a standardized, secure, and reusable way? This session introduces Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connector—the USB-C port—for AI. MCP standardizes how AI models discover and use external tools, moving beyond simple function-calling to a robust, client-server architecture. We will dive into how this open protocol is creating a new ecosystem for building powerful, context-aware AI agents. Join this session for a developer-focused introduction where you will learn how to: Understand the core concepts of the open-source Model Context Protocol and its architecture. Utilize pre-built, open-source MCP servers to instantly connect AI to tools like Git, Slack, and databases. Build a custom MCP server to securely expose your own proprietary data and APIs as tools for any compliant AI. Move beyond bespoke integrations and contribute to a standardized, collaborative, and open ecosystem. Stop building one-off connectors and start building intelligent agents. This session will give you the practical knowledge to leverage MCP and create the next generation of AI that doesn’t just talk, but does. Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! [https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/](https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/)

We’re hosting a Super Bowl Party. We’ll have a taco bar, drinks flowing, plenty of laughs, and a relaxed vibe. Come for the game, stay for the people. Whether you love football or just enjoy great conversation, good food, and good company, come join us.✌️.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!