Community Engagement

Hi all, us at NeuroSparks are having another fortnightly meeting and we'd love to see you there! When: Sunday 7th June from 12:30-3:30PM. Where: we will be meeting at the Majorca Room at the City Library. Access to the room is via a lift or steps in the foyer. The City Library is located at 253 Flinders Lane, right next to Flinders Street/Town Hall Station. This social gathering will be for those looking to connect with others in the community. It'll be a very casual setting, where everyone can be themselves and can and go when they feel like it. For anyone wanting to continue socialising after the room booking ends, we encourage you to get out and hit the town together! **People are welcome to bring food/drinks to the event. Conveniently for us, there is a cafe on the library's ground floor and there are many cafes also nearby on Degraves Street! But for the sake of continuing to use the venue, please tidy up after yourself.** This event is open to all neurodivergent people and anyone who values a friendly, inclusive space. Many attendees come on their own, so if you’re feeling a bit hesitant, know you’ll be in good company and warmly welcomed. If the group/noise feels too overwhelming at any point, there is a silent study room next door to decompress in. If at any point you have concerns or feel uncomfortable about any group member, please notify one of the organisers. **For the purposes of not overwhelming attendees, we will be capping RSVPs at 50 people maximum. If you have RSVP’d and can no longer attend, please cancel your booking, to allow others to attend. If you sign up for the waitlist and Meetup prompts you to pay, please ignore this, as this event is not intended to be paid for.** Looking forward to seeing all of you there! Disclaimer & Safety Notice By attending this Meetup, you agree: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • Organisers are community volunteers, not medical or professional providers. • You are responsible for your own safety, choices, and belongings. • Organisers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage at any time. • If you have health or access needs, please make your own arrangements. • In an emergency, call 000 immediately. By joining, you accept full responsibility for your actions and well-being.

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

**About this event:** Have you been dreaming of going tiny? Are you curious about minimal living, off-grid setups, or just downsizing your life in Victoria? You are not alone! We are launching a new community for enthusiasts to connect, share stories, and support one another. Imagine a life with less clutter, less debt, and more freedom. We are building a community in Victoria for those who want to step away from the traditional housing market and embrace tiny homes and minimal living. For our first-ever meetup, we are keeping it simple. We’ll meet in the park to introduce ourselves and discuss what we want to create together. Whether you want to talk about the technical side (trailers, solar, regulations) or the lifestyle side (downsizing, remote work), this is the place to start. Come along, make new friends, and let’s talk about how to make big dreams happen in tiny spaces. **What to expect:** This is a strictly casual, unstructured meetup. No presentations, no sales pitches, and no pressure. Just a relaxed afternoon in the park with like-minded people. We’re simply gathering to discuss: * Who is already living the tiny life? * Who is dreaming/planning? * What are the local hurdles (council rules, finding land, etc.)? * How can we support each other? **Who should come:** Whether you have your tiny house plans drawn up, you're already living in one, or you just watched a documentary and thought "I could do that"—you are welcome here. **About Your Host** Hi, I’m Karen. After exploring over 50 countries, I’ve chosen Melbourne as my home. As an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize that we don't need much to be truly happy. In fact, nature provides us with so many "free luxuries"—from sunlight to green spaces—that we often overlook in the modern world. I am channeling this philosophy into building my own tiny home in Victoria this year. I started this group because I realized that while the tiny house movement is growing, the journey can feel a bit lonely. I want to build a supportive local community where we can share resources, untangle the regulations, and help each other turn these small dreams into reality.

Join me at the historic Abbotsford Convent for a relaxed walk following the Yarra Trail to the traditional crossing point at Dights Falls. We'll have time to take in the cultural significance of this meeting place on the River, enjoy quiet conversation together and make new friends. Heading upstream we'll cross the Merri Creek where it flows into the Yarra and make our way to Deep Rock with its sheer granite backdrop. Further along the trail we'll have fun together crossing the Kane's suspension bridge. The riverbank return takes us beside the Collingwood Children's Farm and into the tranquil gardens surrounding the Abbotsford Convent. We'll finish up at the Convent Bakery to socialise and enjoy a coffee and our lunch together. **Agenda** I will meet you at 10am just inside the front gate of the Abbotsford Convent on St Heliers Street. We'll head off at 10.15am to join the Yarra Trail and walk beside the Yarra to Dights Falls. From there we will follow the trail to Kane's Bridge before making our way back through the Abbotsford Convent gardens to the bakery. We can take time to socialise and enjoy coffee and lunch together. This is an easy to moderate walk along a gravel path. The distance is about 7km all up and will take us around 1hr 45mins. **Location** If coming by public transport you can catch the Mernda or Hurstbridge line train to Victoria Park Station. The train station is a 10-15 minute walk to the Convent. Or you can catch the 200 or 207 bus down Johnston Street to the Clarke Street stop. The bus stop is a 3-5 minute walk to the Convent. The Abbotsford Convent car parking fee on the weekend is $7.50 for the first hour and $2 per hour after that. When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

Join us for the Mangala Sutta Lecture Series -a journey into wisdom, blessings, and practical teachings for everyday life. Guided by Shifu Shengchi, this 8-week series explores the timeless teachings of the Mangal Sutta, offering insight into how to cultivate true happiness, harmony and well-being. Starting: April 12,2026 (Every Sunday) Location: 10 Boroda Court St. Albans VIC Weekly Schedule: 10:30 - 11:00 Baduanjin Qigong (Eight Brocades) 11:00-12:00 Nianfo Meditatio 12:00-13:00 Vegetarian Lunch 13:00-14:00 Mangala Sutta Dharma Talk Whether you are new to Buddhist teachings or looking to deepen your practice, allare welcome.

**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** EVERY SUNDAY AT 11AM 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 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. FREE ADMISSION Reserve your spot today. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up.

Let’s catch up over coffee and food and play with the Art of Conversation cards! For those new to the Art of Conversation cards, they serve as an invitation to more in depth and meaningful conversation. Often going deeper than small talk, but how deep you want to go is up to you. An example of some questions you’ll find on the cards includes: ⭐️ Who is a person from your past that taught you something you still use today? ⭐️ What is a belief you held five years ago that you disagree with now? ⭐️ You can go to the past or the future, which one would you choose and why? I like to keep the group small (about six people) to allow for genuine connection to emerge. See you there!

**🍸 Eat Drink Dance Melbourne: Sunday Social at Transport Public Bar, Federation Square** *Sunday 7 June - 3:00pm – 7:00pm *Transport Public Bar, Federation Square - Live band from 4:00pm *Live band information: - [https://www.transporthotel.com.au/events/2026-06-07-lauren-tatyana-duo](https://www.transporthotel.com.au/events/2026-06-07-lauren-tatyana-duo) - If you're going to be hungry have a bite to eat:[Transport bar menu](https://assets.transporthotel.com.au/TRANSPORT-PUBLIC-MENU.pdf?_gl=1*19qkv2l*_gcl_au*ODQ2MjkyMzk0LjE3NzkyNDQwOTM) 💘 **The** **Vibe** A winter‑sun Sunday session with that classic Eat Drink Dance Melbourne flavour — relaxed, social, a little flirty, and perfectly positioned for people‑watching at Fed Square. Think: warm indoor energy, clinking glasses, new faces, familiar smiles, and a band kicking off just as the afternoon hits its golden stride. 🎶 **The** **Plan** We gather from 3pm at the Public Bar inside the Transport Hotel — the big glass‑fronted corner overlooking the square. It’s easy to find, easy to mingle, and easy to settle in.At 4pm, the band fires up and the room shifts gears: more rhythm, more movement, more excuses to drift between groups and strike up conversations.Stay for one drink or settle in for the whole arc — the space is perfect for both. ✨ **Who** **This** **Is** **For** The social butterfliesThe “I want to meet new people without the chaos of a nightclub” crowdThe flirty-but-friendly Sunday adventurersAnyone who loves a live band and a good laughPeople who enjoy a curated vibe rather than a free‑for‑all 🍹 **Bring Your** **best** **Sunday** **energy** A friend or come solo — both work beautifullyCuriosity, warmth, and your signature Eat Drink Dance sparkle 🌆 **Why** **This** **Works** Transport Public Bar gives us the perfect mix of atmosphere, space, and music. It’s central, easy to reach, and ideal for a winter afternoon that turns into a social evening without any pressure.If you want,

✨ Melbourne x Adelaide friendship crossover incoming ✨ Social Threads is teaming up with an Adelaide social group (Be Social Adelaide) who are visiting Melbourne for a special night of fun connection games, laughs, and meeting genuinely good people. No awkward small talk. No standing around pretending to check your phone. Just fun activities designed to make conversations happen naturally. If you've ever thought: "I wish making friends as an adult was easier..." this is for you. Expect: 🤝 Fun connection games 😄 Chill, low-pressure vibes 🌏 Meet both Melbourne and Adelaide legends ✨ Potential new friendships (or at the very least, a really wholesome time) 😋A few nibbles We’ve booked a private space just for us, so numbers are limited. 📍 Boyd Community Hub - Assembly Hall 💲 $5 (covers venue + meetup costs + snacks) Payment details: Account name: Social Threads BSB: 063106 Account number: 10989323 **Payment confirms your spot.** Questions or can’t find the group on the day? Call Arjun: 0448 474 277 📞 Come solo, bring a friend, or take a tiny leap outside your comfort zone. Some of the best friendships start that way!

Welcome to Respawn’s Gamers Citadel! 🛡️ Come hang out, meet fellow gamers, and enjoy a chill vibe with great food and drinks. 🥤 Entry is $3 or buy yourself a drink or food. 🍲 At the “Gamers Citadel”, we provide the consoles for you and have two multiplayer (2-4 player) game stations (A, B, C and D). For our board games area you are allowed to BYO! 😯 ♟️ Currently available are: Switch, PS1, PS2, SNES, N64, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more! If you’re bringing anything, please DM us so we can accommodate. ❤️ Conditions of entry are to either purchase any food or drink of your choice and we will provide you a reusable badge to show that you’re one of us! ✌️ Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the fun! 🤩 Our games list is below! 👇 Game Station A - PS2: 1st Game: Smash Tennis 2nd Game: Tekken 5 - Story Assist Game Station B - PS1 + Steam - Dean: 1st Game: Crash Team Racing - 4 player 2nd Game: Halo 3 - 4 player Game Station C - Switch - Michael 1st Game: Super Smash Bros 2nd Game: Super Mario Kart Game Station D - TCG + Board Games: Pokémon TCG YU-Gi-OH! TCG UNO JENGA BYO available! You can bring your own board games, controllers, equipment etc. 👍 Follow us on Instagram: @respawn.social 📱 Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/phscMtBqpW 🎧 Find Respawn on Facebook: https://facebook.com/events/s/respawn-gaming-social-club-lau/940165205164472/ 🔗 Visit our website for all info: https://intermingle.au/respawn/ 👩‍💻

* **What We’re About** You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so join us — and be part of a community that rises above circumstances and creates opportunities. Inspire and be inspired by those who make things happen. It's a relaxed, organic space to connect with like-minded people and network—genuinely talking, learning from each other, and connecting over shared interests. * **What to Expect** Casual Meetups: We gather semi-regularly at a local café to chat about everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to business ideas, creative projects, and building a life aligned with your purpose. It’s relaxed, easy, and welcoming—no need to have anything “figured out.” An Easy-Going Space: We keep things simple and low-pressure. Once everyone arrives, we ease in with some light conversation and naturally break into smaller groups. Networking: Feel free to introduce yourself or let people know what you're working on if you feel like it. And if anyone wants to quickly shout out what they’re working on or looking for before we settle in, go for it—it’s a great way to spark new conversations. * **Host Support** If you’d like a one-on-one chat with me about your business, just tap me on the shoulder. I’ll be floating around and happy to make time for you. **Quick note for the day:** Depending on the weather, we might go for a walk too. Just remember to wear comfy shoes 🌞 👟 🥾:) ❗If you're running late, drop me a quick message as we might leave the cafe for a walk within the last 30-45 minutes. 🏃 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

Granville Land Lab 2025 Burg Street | Granville MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS PROJECT Learning Landscapes Tour + Community Science at the Land Lab Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch *meet at shelter house near Granville Intermediate School playground* Free. Registration Required so we know to expect you,[ click here https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour](https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour) Want to make your own wildflower meadow? Residents of licking county can sign up for this free program to receive free seed and training https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/meadows **ABOUT THE EVENT** Join Pollinator Pathway for a morning at the Land Lab, a ~100-acre prairie and outdoor learning space just steps from Granville Intermediate School. This event explores how schools and other campuses can create living classrooms and contribute to community science. * **Tour the Land Lab:** Award-winning environmental science educator Jim Reding will lead guided tours through prairie, wetlands and other restored habitat, sharing the story behind this nationally-recognized space and the students and partnerships who helped make it happen. * **Contribute to Community Science with iNaturalist App:** Learn to identify and document plants, pollinators and other wildlife using iNaturalist. Dr. Karen Goodell, professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University at Newark and one of Ohio's foremost experts on native bees will share how to use this powerful tool to learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research. * **Connect & Collaborate:** The morning program concludes with an optional BYO picnic lunch and networking at the Land Lab shelter house, overlooking the prairie. **🌸Anyone passionate about conservation and outdoor learning is welcome🌸** **WHAT TO BRING, WEAR & PREPARE** * **Download the iNaturalist app (the new one vs. the "classic" one) & create an account prior to the event if you don't have one already.** * **Sunscreen** * **Water bottle** * **Insect repellent** * **Hat** * **Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain** * **Light-colored clothing.** * **Long pants and socks are encouraged.** * **Please bring a reusable water bottle** * **Packed/picnic lunch.** **Picnic table seating will be available at the shelter house overlooking the Land Lab**

Hosted by OSU Extension Summer 2026 Food Preservation Workshops Join Shari Gallup from Ohio State University Extension, for a summer food preservation series at the Bryn Du Mansion. Discover how to safely preserve food at home. Learn basic food preservation methods including pressure canning, water bath canning and drying. June 4 - Water Bath Canning July 9 - Pressure Canning August 6 - Drying Fruits and Vegetables We're excited to once again welcome Shari Gallup from The Ohio State University Extension Office to lead a series of Life Local food preservation workshops. These hands-on sessions are designed to help participants learn practical, time-tested techniques for preserving seasonal foods at home. Registration is not yet open but will be available soon. Stay tuned for details on this wonderful series. Time 5:00 p.m. Location Bryn Du Mansion 587 Jones Road, Granville https://www.bryndu.com/public-events

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life 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