Cognition

**Skeptics Cafe.** Vic Skeptics Pub Night - Third Monday of every month. Skeptics Café will be held in the Mahogany Room at [The Stolberg Hotel](https://stolberg.com.au/), 197 Plenty Road, Preston. Each month, Victorian Skeptics hosts a social night in the pub. We get together for dinner, drinks and good conversation with like-minded individuals. We have a different speaker each month. Topic: "***The Modern Minoans".*** Speaker: Prof. Peter Revesz. Professor Peter Z. Revesz is a Computer Science researcher who has published many academic articles in technology journals about the relationship between the Hungarian language and various ancient languages such as Hurrian, Sumerian and Minoan. But do his claims stand up to scrutiny in the fields of linguistics and information theory? **Start Time:** 6:00pm for dinner and a chat. 7:30pm for beginning of the talk. **[Vic Skeptics](https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events/)** \- \- **[Australian Skeptics](https://www.skeptics.com.au/)**

**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.

Welcome to the Melbourne 40+ gay men support group! My name is Steven Cabral and I am a trained group facilitator and counsellor. The idea for this support group was born out of a gap in community service that I observed where mature aged gay men could share and relate to each other in midlife. I found that most of the services seem geared towards the younger generation and rightly so, but I feel there is a particular experience in middle age and onwards that needs to be honoured, supported, and acknowledged. As we transition into a different phase of life, we are faced with a different set of challenges. It is my belief, from my own experience, that some of these are directly, but not exclusively, tied to our sexuality and that can influence self-actualisation later in life in various ways. Some of us may be carrying trauma from a time where we weren't as readily accepted. This may be seeping through other areas of our life and affecting our beliefs of self-worth and love, completely unbeknownst to us. Some of us may be feeling alone at this phase in our lives because we didn't follow the well worn societal map followed by the majority; such as having kids and partners. As a result, we may feel alone in a peer groups or especially within our own families. Some of us may simply be struggling to navigate this new phase and all that it entails ranging from dating in middle age to bigger questions of how to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Some of us may be dealing with grief. If any of this resonates with you, then I want you to know that you are not alone. My hope for the group is that you feel a sense of belonging and shared experience. That, in of itself, can be extremely healing. The group is not a substitute for therapy, but a safe space to share and connect with others on a similar journey and to find and give inspiration. The group is specifically targeted to gay men who are aged 40+ due to the topics covered. Due to the limitations of the space and the need to keep it intimate, there is a maximum of 10 attendees. Venue: Sussex Neighbourhood House Inc. 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale VIC 3044 Date/Times: Once a month on Mondays 7:30pm - 9:00pm \*\* Door will be closed 5 mins after group starts so as not to disrupt the group. Booking a spot in group: If it is fully booked, please ALWAYS go on Wait List - the app automatically gives you a spot as soon as someone drops out. I will reminding RSVP'd attendees to change their RSVPs to *Not Going* if they are no longer going, so that those on the Wait List get their place. If you regularly don't show up and don't let me know - I will be in contact to see if there are any issues. Fees: $10.00 This purely to cover the cost of the venue where group is held as well as Meetup subscription. Guidelines: An opening creed will be read at the beginning of each group session. It is paramount though that ALL attendees feel safe, welcomed and respected at ALL times. The group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and I'd also like to extend that acknowledgement to those with lived experience of mental health challenges. Thank you so much for reading this far - I look forward to meeting you in person. Remember, it only takes a baby step to start change. Please message me directly with any questions. Steven Cabral.

Join Queer Meditation Melbourne for an evening of self-exploration and mindfulness in a safe and inclusive space. Start the event with a guided meditation session focused on promoting wellness, positive thinking, and spiritual growth. Connect with like-minded individuals from the LGBT community and enjoy meaningful conversations that nurture self-empowerment and consciousness. After the meditation practice, we will engage in social activities, promoting healthy living and dining out experiences. This event is designed for gay men and gay and lesbian friends who are looking to nurture their spiritual journey while building connections within the community. Come together to foster a sense of belonging and support each other in a space that celebrates diversity and self-care.

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy. 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is specifically for games only (no training). There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing for 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points, with a cap at 18 points. These games are intended to be played at a high-intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level. Please see an explanation of skill levels on our website here: https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for Intermediate players. Players should be able to: * Have strong fundamentals for all volleyball techniques * Serve receive a majority of serves well & serve over the net consistently * Basic understanding of 5-1, and 6-2 systems (we do not play a pass middle 4-2 system in this session) * Have an understanding of base defense * Know all/most volleyball rules Players that are not of the intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level will be asked to leave as we want to ensure that all players have an enjoyable time playing. **[[HOW MUCH $$]]** $14 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked from 7 PM-9 PM weekly, every Monday. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. Last minute dropouts and no shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advanced if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted into the gymnasium.

The Buddhist spiritual path centres on our own mind’s vast potential for peace, compassion and wisdom. True lasting happiness does not depend on external factors but comes from looking inwards to better know our own mind and heart. This course presents key insights from the Buddha’s life and teachings to show how, through meditation and shifting our focus inwards, we can find true, unending contentment. This course presents key Buddhist frameworks that guide our path, including: * The three vehicles of Buddhism, which progressively show how we can nurture our innate peace, compassion and wisdom. * The four seals, which encapsulate what is unique about the Buddha’s teachings and sets them apart from other religions and philosophies. * Including teachings from foremost Tibetan masters of our time, space for contemplation, reflection and discussion, and guided meditations, this course will give you practical tools to help you work with your mind and take charge of your spiritual path. **Details** **Where**: Attend in person at Rigpa Melbourne, 803 Nicholson Street Carlton North. **When**: Monday evenings, for 9 weeks, starting 27 April 2026, a break on 8 June 2026, and finishing 29 June 2026. **Time**: 7.00pm – 9.00pm AEDT. **Cost**: 9-week module: Full $180, Concession $90. **Register here:** [https://rigpa.org.au/event/this-life-the-buddhas-guide-to-inner-transformation-melbourne-april-june-2026/2026-04-27/](https://rigpa.org.au/event/this-life-the-buddhas-guide-to-inner-transformation-melbourne-april-june-2026/2026-04-27/)

**What if psychical abilities (psi) can be cultivated in earlier life?** What are the implications for modern society and our perception of the world? A new theory based on entropy and perception may hold the answers... After 70+ years of controlled studies into psychical phenomena, scholars still lack a cohesive theory of what makes them possible.... **In this presentation, Dr Alex De Foe** draws on his 15+ years of research to model psi as an emergent lifespan experience - understanding it in relation to neural development and entropy, experiences often reported by children. Drawing upon the "free energy model" in perception and social neuroscience, Alex will make the case for cultivation of psi in pivotal states of consciousness. Part 2 will focus on experiential analysis to support the argument, including case studies and a short practice task called 'Image Streaming' that engages aspects of the mind at the periphery of experience. **Image Streaming** is a technique that bridges the divide between the conscious, unconscious, and super-conscious mind, related to Michael Thalbourne's concept of 'transliminality', in which material flows between these dimensions of mind seamlessly. **Case studies will be presented from:** * Research into out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and lucid dreams * A new theory on archetypes and the collective unconscious * Speculative accounts at the bridge between spiritual emergence and spiritual 'emergency' **About Dr. Alexander De Foe (PhD, M Couns):** * Academic at Monash University (2021-2026). * Runs a research program on mindfulness/consciousness * At RMIT University (2016-2021), he managed a virtual reality lab focusing on embodied cognition and social neuroscience. * Published over 30 peer-reviewed studies/papers on consciousness, perception, and general psychology. * Chair of the Australian Centre for Consciousness Studies * Committee Member of the Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research * Associate Editor at the Anthropology of Consciousness Journal. **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** NOTE: TRYING OUT NEW LUNCH VENUE... Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at **Gopal's Restaurant** (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

## **SEA OF FAITH IN AUSTRALIA (SoFiA)** \- Melbourne\. In-Person Lecture/Discussion. ***"The Physics of Spirituality."*** Speaker: **[Dr. Kim Sawyer](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Findependentaustralia.net%2Fprofile-on%2Fkim-sawyer%2C628%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWGk4N0ZDVnZmd3NjMFpNZHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68MS2W6igTE1I4Y7Xh9V4uCluwuykX2lF5a6vM2vnRMYLRsaikT8tz0dtKig_aem_OY2dKBcfgrIf8ujZ5yqhWg&h=AUB8tK_kJDEaXi2Ie1rmwE_zIDXEYvFSSPd6au_7V6wXiV1NT1u4d-08Sq1mfOozX0MiBycY1_p4dOpr3OMOM_hsKhcbfW7IJVjlOse8gy8yTaHDFL4SmXBYUR_VE5gTa1dDSYdhxJAKzA&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AUBGVZoA7kb0gkt-rRu34rQKnZbM0tA5VLLch4k_4co5-HnsDc0BGgYbNZX4qD20r19piXZ0PqkiPy8uk4-Ac-kANW3RkUtzjqiWRW3hb-4rBKxJob6B4tRFS2MHNiLldSVKmT_r1dNSIlhJw4BDEywHuXLuwzRsC5f6556H&c[1]=AUBGVZoA7kb0gkt-rRu34rQKnZbM0tA5VLLch4k_4co5-HnsDc0BGgYbNZX4qD20r19piXZ0PqkiPy8uk4-Ac-kANW3RkUtzjqiWRW3hb-4rBKxJob6B4tRFS2MHNiLldSVKmT_r1dNSIlhJw4BDEywHuXLuwzRsC5f6556H)** \- \(Melbourne University\)\. *\~ SoFiA promotes the open exploration of religion, spirituality and the search for meaning. They welcome ALL viewpoints, including Atheism.\~* Enquiries: sofmelbourne@gmail.com **[SOFiA Website](http://www.sof-in-australia.org/).** **[Facebook: 'Sofiatalk'](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sofiatalk/)** \- Please join their ongoing discussions\.

People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls.” — C G Jung, CW 12 ¶ 126. Please click link below to book your lecture.. https://www.jungsocietymelbourne.com/june-2026 Allow yourself to Feel into this situation). You are a teenage boy in a Rite of Passage Circle, sitting around a camp fire with 45 other boys. The facilitator asks you to answer the simple question “How are you actually going? Would you prefer to be hunting a lion on the Savannah?!?” … How do you respond? Based on first hand practical experience with this group work, Andrew’s talk will propose ‘The Feeling Body as the organ of Initiation’. He will explore essential questions of our time: “How can we offer modern boys and men of all ages impeccably held Rites, that are able to move them meaningfully beyond performance and disconnection?” What is possible when young boys and men are supported to powerfully inhabit their feeling body? From a larger perspective, how can we support men into becoming agents of meaningful change, and invite them to step up to the huge challenges facing us in this chaotic (individual and collective) moment? The world is calling out for our “lost” boys and men to do so, begging them to step up to the lion, to offer themselves back. Andrew Levitas-Cameron holds a Batchelor of Health & Exercise Science from UNSW, as well as a Batchelor of Paramedicine from UTAS Rozelle. His first “huge” personal initiation occurred in Mexico in 2009 and launched him on his current path...drawing him through 15 years exploring Initiatory Rites the world over. This extensive background places him at a unique axis to offer wisdom on this nuanced and contentious space, in a way few others can. During the last four years, he has facilitated more than 140 Rites of Passage coming into deep contact with nearly 5,000 teenagers! Andrew is well positioned for this vocational work, regarding emotional truth-telling as the modern “ordeal” and “gateway to authentic adulthood.” He is passionate about nestling individuals into a relational system that allows for meaningful thresholds of transformation…at any and all stages of life!

Would you like to enhance your creativity, confidence and increase your awareness? We’d love you to join us to Thoughtstorm® the topic International Day of Play in the warm, friendly environment of the Yarraville Community Centre. How Thoughtstorm came about Thoughtstorm is a technique developed from a seed of speculation: are there more effective (rational, cooperative, compassionate) ways of thinking? Methods whose long-term consequences will not lead to oblivion. This is the genesis of Thoughtstorm. What is it? For anyone with an interest in leadership, deeper conversations or creative problem solving, something much more than a group discussion occurs. What is experienced in Thoughtstorm is a forgotten sensory ability - mind-linking. An evolution in human thinking and learning. The direction moves from a narrow range of possibility into discovering corecepts, when individual minds merge into a much more powerful collective awareness and experience a deeper, more compassionate comprehension of reality. Corecepts trigger intuitive recognition and agreement by the group, a ‘Why, of course!’ reaction. New insights guaranteed! Because this process taps into abilities already present in the human mind and into aggregates of consciousness straining to express themselves, very little practice is required. Would you like to see and understand things in a way that is new for all of us? Would you like to develop your consciousness and your creative intelligence? Would you like to be inspired to create positive change? Then come and join us to Thoughtstorm together. If it’s your first time to Thoughtstorm, please RSVP early to give plenty of time to arrange a brief prep call on Zoom to go over the Thoughtstorm procedures so we can all get started on time together. **Agenda:** 2pm - Arrive, meet and greet, read over Thoughtstorm instructions 2.15pm - Begin the Thoughtstorm 3.15pm - Finish When you RSVP we will be in touch with the details. We look forward to seeing you there! Thoughtstorm® is a registered trademark of Star's Edge, Inc. All rights reserved.

The MLAI Meetup is a community for AI researchers and professionals which hosts monthly talks on exciting research. Our format is: * 6:00 - 6:20: Socializing * 6:20 - 6:40: Announcements and AI news * 6:40 - 7:40: Talk(s) and Q&A * 7:40 - 8:00 Networking * 8:00: Head to the nearest pub for dinner **Elena Tartaglia: "Do initial attack models work for triage?"** **Talk description:** Initial attack refers to the first set of firefighting actions undertaken at a newly reported fire, with the aim to control the fire’s spread. When multiple fires are reported and resources constrained, decisions need to be made about triaging fires for an escalated response. We developed empirical initial attack models for grass and forest fires for the specific purpose of triaging fires. Using a recently developed dataset of spreading fires, we tested three statistical modelling techniques to estimate the probability of unsuccessful initial attack. We assessed the models' performance and how practical it would be to use them in an operational setting using statistical techniques and case studies. In this talk, we will discuss how the models have limited skill overall and are unable to distinguish fires where bottlenecks affect the initial attack suppression. We will highlight the importance of taking an application specific approach to developing and validating initial attack models. A preprint of this work can be found on [bioRxiv](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.668020v2). **Speaker bio:** Dr Elena Tartaglia is a Principal Data Scientist at the Victorian government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, where she has worked for the past three years in Bushfire and Forest Services (BFS). BFS works to keep Victorians and the things they care about safe from bushfires, through land management actions and by responding to bushfires on public land. Elena and her team use statistics and machine learning to support data-driven decision-making in BFS. Elena is also the current President of the Victorian and Tasmanian Branch of the Statistical Society of Australia. **Ping Siriamnat: "Impact of fire suppressant drops on fire severity"** **Talk description:** One of the common suppression methods of bushfires is aerial drops, but there is limited research on its effectiveness. Aerial drops refer to aircraft flying over a fire and droping water or fire suppressant to slow or stop the spread of the fire. Through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, aircraft attending to bushfires in Australia are tracked, so we have data on when and where drops were done, along with what type of suppressant was used and how much. In this project, we investigated the impact of drops on fire severity by measuring the association between drops and fire severity level, as calculated by the Arthur Rylah Institute, accounting for the influence of terrain steepness and land cover characteristics. **Speaker bio:** Ping Siriamnat is a Master of Business Analytics graduate (Monash University) and previously interned at DEECA in the DAIS Data Science team. Across his projects, he applies statistical methods and machine learning models, alongside his business acumen, to transform data into actionable insights. He has a strong interest in market analytics, business strategy, and applying data science to uncover opportunities and improve the performance of strategic decisions.

A session on using Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding agent, in real Unity development. We'll cover what coding agents are, where Claude Code fits, and how to apply it to an actual game project. The format is presentation-style, with live demos and time for questions throughout. After brief scene-setting on coding agents and what makes Claude Code distinct, we'll go problem-driven: demoing it live on a released Unity game and introducing each feature as a solution to a problem we hit. What to Expect: * An intro to coding agents and where Claude Code fits * A live demo on a real Unity project * Key features as solutions to real problems: 𝖢𝖫𝖠𝖴𝖣𝖤.𝗆𝖽, context management, hooks, skills, subagents, and MCP * Unity-specific pain points, including Domain Reload and MCP caveats * Putting it together All experience levels welcome. Food and drinks provided. *Note: meetup topics may change — check back for the latest details.*

Over a billion documents processed. Millions of Veterans impacted. Hundreds of thousands of employee hours saved. Faster decisions. Greater accuracy. More benefits in the hands of our disabled Veterans. We created Smart Search, the world’s largest consumer of Amazon Textract, right when GenAI began reshaping what’s possible. Since then, we’ve built a suite of AI‑driven solutions that transform this data into real, measurable outcomes—accelerating benefits decisions for our Nation’s Veterans. Join us for a focused conversation on how an outcome‑driven approach to AI is helping us boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and deliver faster results for those who have served. This is a follow up to the AWS re:Invent 2023 "Intelligent Document Processing with Gen AI for Public Sector" presentation. About Speaker: Cameron Williams is a Senior Technical Project Manager and cross-functional technical leader at Booz Allen Hamilton with 15+ years of experience architecting and evolving scalable, cloud-native systems, from greenfield development to complex enterprise modernization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronw711/ **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

Join us every 3rd Sunday of the month right after the Sunday Service for our Potluck Fellowship — a warm and welcoming time to connect, share, and celebrate community together! Bring your favorite dish to share (homemade or store-bought — all are welcome) and enjoy a delicious meal with friends old and new. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, laugh, and deepen your connections. Come hungry for good food, uplifting conversation, and heartfelt fellowship!

Join the Columbus AI community for a special event. **Battle of the Personal Agents** is your chance to see what people are actually building with AI agents and personal automation systems. Whether you’re running OpenClaw, Hermes, or a completely custom solution, bring your agent and show the community how it works. We’re interested in real-world implementations: the problems your agent solves, how you use it day-to-day, how it’s hosted and managed, how you built it, and why you’ve chosen to keep using it. Live demonstrations are encouraged, so be prepared to show your code, architecture, workflows, and your agent performing real tasks. This is less about polished presentations and more about sharing practical experience, comparing approaches, and learning from one another. If you’d like to present, please contact Chris Slee (via meetup) before the event so we can allocate enough time for everyone’s demonstrations. Come ready to show what you’ve built, discover what others are doing, and maybe find a few ideas worth taking home. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

## 🤝 Host Information A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus 💡 About the Workshop AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge. This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow. Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required. 🛠️ What to Bring Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go. AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!) 🍕 Logistics & Perks Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided! Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site. ###