CFA

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!

**At Happy Hour Toastmasters - We make public speaking** **FUN!** **Do you want to get better at speaking in front of people?** Maybe for that important presentation at work, or that big wedding speech you've been asked to give? Do you want to have fun and make a bunch of great new friends while doing it? Then **our club is the place for you!** Our club is a diverse and supportive group of people, from beginners to world championship finalist-level speakers, who meet regularly to practice and improve our public speaking skills. **You'll also** **learn:** * **leadership skills** * **networking and 'soft skills'** * **how to provide constructive feedback** * **how to control your 'ums' and 'ahs'** * **how to think quickly and creatively while speaking on your feet** * **and much more!** **Guests are welcome** to come to any of our meetings, and we are also to chat with you about questions you might have, so please get in touch! **Please note - Bookings are essential**, as we need to let you into the building when you arrive!

## Business Owners Networking – Casual Catch-Up (2026 Kick-Off) We’re kicking off our Business Owners Networking events for 2026 with a relaxed and informal catch-up at **Riverland Bar**, right next to Federation Square. This is **not a formal networking event** and there are **no presentations**. The idea is simple — bring business owners together for genuine conversations, connections, and a casual discussion around growth for the year ahead. This event is ideal for business owners who: * Want to grow their business through **networking and referrals** * Are planning ahead for **2026 business growth** * Prefer relaxed, real conversations over structured pitches * Are open to collaboration and long-term relationships ### What to Expect * Easy, no-pressure networking in a casual setting * Conversations around referral marketing and relationship-based growth * An opportunity to share ideas and help shape how future monthly catch-ups will run * A chance to meet like-minded business owners in Melbourne Grab a drink, meet new people, and be part of shaping a business networking community that actually works. ### Who Should Attend * Small business owners * Solo operators and consultants * Entrepreneurs looking to grow through referrals and partnerships ### Contact If you have any questions or want to check if this event is right for you, feel free to reach out: **Rakesh Singh** Business Coach 📞 0423 804 123

Want to be able to articulate your thoughts with clarity and precision? Want to overcome your public speaking anxiety and become a confident presenter? Want to develop leadership skills and become a better communicator? Join Chadstone Oaks ToastMasters Club! Toastermasters is a not-for-profit organisation that is run by volunteers. We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We have meetings regularly, each meeting has a range of activities for you to participate in, such as impromptu speaking, prepared speech, etc. You will also receive constructive feedback which helps you improve your performance. Guests are welcome! We offer three meetings for free to our guests before joining as a member, so you can get a taste of how ToastMasters works and decide if it's right for you. When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7.30pm-9.30pm Where: 22 Rob Roy Rd, Malvern East, VIC 3145 Visit our website to find out more: https://chadstoneoaks.org.au/ Send us a contact form through our website to reserve your spot if you'd like to attend our meeting as a guest.

Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at Marché Board Games Cafe in the CBD for a casual night of mahjong - Right in the CBD. We'll start around 6:00pm till we all need to go home :) Our typical session concludes usually around 10:00pm. Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend, 24 hours prior the event. For those that have a record of non attendance without communicating, you will be moved to the waiting list for future events and be contacted directly to confirm that you indeed intend to turn up, at which you will be allotted a spot subject to availability. For more details on the rules of the game, please refer to: http://mahjongtime.com/hong-kong-mahjong-rules.html Marche has been kind enough to offer us a deal to play in their cafe. **⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Cost ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆** Attendees who have registered for the event on Meetup can play at discounted rates, with the following payments to be made: * **$6 in total per session” to cover cafe costs. Payment of $6 should be made to Marche at the front counter upon notification to the staff member that you are here for the scheduled meetup. There is now no minimum spend on items at the cafe as there were before. The cafes menu can be found here https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf .

**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!*

This session is an invitation to people who would like to continue this meetup. The event will be a face to face, mainly social event with a view to Craig handing off stewardship to a new team of facilitators and contributors. \*\* Note; Venue change to Lanes Edge bar - beer garden part\*\*

📚 #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.*

Let's make the most of daylight savings to do more of what we love. Bring your own book, read in silence, and we'll gather afterwards for a chat about what we enjoyed. **ITINERARY** 11am: Meet at the lawn outside Kere Kere Green Cafe next to the visitor information centre at Fitzroy Gardens. Find a cosy spot to read. You might want to take your book for a meander around the park. 12.15pm: Meet back on the lawn to chat about your book. 1pm: End of event. **Note:** Feel free to bring your deck chair / picnic mat, whatever you need to feel comfy. Coffee and lunch can be purchased from the cafe. If you're running late, look for us at 12.15pm on the lawn outside Kere Kere Green Cafe. There is an organizer fee of $5 for this event. You can bring cash on the day or PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **Getting there:** The closest train stations are Jolimont (2 min across the road) and Parliament (10 min walk).

Practice speaking at SmashSpeak. Obtain copious stage time. No agenda, technicalities, etc - Just come along, have some fun & speak! Be on time, as entry door automatically locks close to start time. BONUS - SmashSpeak is not a Toastmasters Club Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

**Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking with Southbank Toastmasters!** Ready to transform nerves into confidence? Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to: ✨ Conquer your fear of speaking 💡 Learn pro tips from experienced mentors 📈 Boost your business and career through powerful communication Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned speaker, this is your chance to grow, connect, and shine! 🌟 Don’t miss out—step up to the mic and join us! 🎤

After some great discussions using these cards, we just had to continue! "It isn't easy to get into a good conversation. Many of our best ones seem to have happened by chance. Far from it - we believe a great conversation always starts with someone asking a great question.” The School of Life cards contain questions designed to get a group of people into entertaining and meaningful conversations. This is a casual, social and fun event where we share our thoughts and experiences with a group. We can cover topics like: Personality & Emotions, Work & Money, Family & Friendship, Travel, Culture & Taste, depending on the questions that end up being asked on the day. Please arrive hungry/thirsty for us to keep up a good relationship with the venue that allows us to host our events. \*\*\* Meaningful Discussions events take place in 11 countries and this will be our 147th event in Melbourne! :) Please be try to arrive on time if you can. This event will allow a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion. So if you're looking for open-minded, friendly and intelligent people, you've come to the right place!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php Rob will lead this month's meeting in my absence. Mark Vonder Haar

**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)

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

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!

This is not just a money class. This is a restoration space. The I AM Worthy of Ownership™ Path is a 12-step, sister-centered journey for women who are ready to build financial stability without shame, fear, or pressure—and to do it in a way that honors both wisdom and the spirit. Many women don’t struggle with money because they lack discipline or intelligence. They struggle because of unhealed experiences, survival patterns, and the quiet belief that they are “behind” or “disqualified.” This series gently challenges those beliefs while offering practical tools for peace, clarity, and long-term planning. Together, we will talk honestly about: Releasing shame and money anxiety Building stability as a form of self-respect and spiritual discipline Understanding money as a tool, not a source of worth Managing debt with clarity instead of condemnation Preparing for life’s unexpected moments without fear Laying a calm foundation for future ownership and legacy Each session blends practical financial education with reflection, conversation, and encouragement. There is no pressure to share personal numbers or experiences. You are welcome to speak, journal quietly, or simply listen. This is not about hustle. This is not about perfection. This is about alignment, wisdom, and peace. Who this series is for: Women who are starting over or rebuilding Women who want stability without stress Women preparing for future ownership or housing decisions Women who want their financial lives to reflect wholeness, not fear No prior financial knowledge is required. Come as you are. Bring a notebook. Leave a little lighter than you arrived. Light refreshments will be served along with 30 minutes of networking.

If you would like to participate in a fun gift exchange please bring a wrapped $5 sweet treat 😋

Join the Columbus Ski Club for a First Friday Happy Hour! If you're new in town or just looking to socialize, this is the event for you. Connect with fellow sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers while sharing travel stories and tips for the best ski slopes or hiking trails. Contact: Herb Beidel, 614 -619-7808 [Dec_2025_CSC_Track Newsletter.pdf]() CSC Membership not required for happy hour!