Compassion

We invite you to come and practise your English with people from all over the world in a friendly environment. We are open to all levels from beginner to advanced. We have classes in small groups and you will be placed in one of these groups according to your level of English. Our free conversational English classes are every Thursday evening (except term breaks). If you are coming for the first time, please come on time for registration. Please note: English Corner is for non-native speakers. Our team of facilitators is really looking forward to having a wonderful time speaking English with you! **Please scan the QR code upon arrival to register your attendance.** If this is your first time, we recommend arriving a bit earlier to complete your initial registration. In case you aren't able to join us face to face we have an Online Alternate English Conversation Thursday class option too! Sign up for this on Meetup.

**Welcome to our Linguas Thursday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **Thursday — Asian Beer Café** **Level 3, Melbourne Central** **211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000** Follow us on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) We will be in the area called the Chairmans Lounge. It is roped off. We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3.5**. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

**2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA, BACHATA** **& RUEDA DE CASINO DANCE CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** **EVERY THURSDAY** *\* No dance experience necessary* *\* No partner required* *\* Open to all adult ages* At: **BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH HALL** 495-497 Centre Rd, Bentleigh (\* Located opposite the Bentleigh RSL) **\* HALL Entry** \- via the front entrance of the church \- Go past the glass panel doors \- We are at the far end\, in the back room on the right\. **2026 BENTLEIGH PROGRAM:** **6.15pm – 7.30pm** **#1: CUBAN SALSA BEGINNER** Starting with the **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS** An extra 15 minutes has been added, aimed specifically to assist new Beginners with a slower breakdown of the main basic steps. More experienced Beginners are recommended to come use this to strengthen their core steps. We found that by doing it this way, new students get a much better dance experience overall. This leads into the main Beginner Salsa lesson. **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA** (Main Beginner Class) *(Beginner to Improver Level)* *TOTAL CLASS TIME: **1 Hour & 15 Minutes***)\*\* **7.30PM – 8.30PM** **\*\* CLASS #2:** **CUBAN SALSA / RUED DE CASINO** **IMPROVER - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MAIN CLASS** *(Covering Rueda De Casino & Cuban Salsa)* \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner level steps and turns\. This Improver to Intermediate level class will concentrate on Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino to raise the level of the Beginners to Improver Level and higher\. **What is Rueda De Casino?** *Rueda De Casino*, also called just *'Rueda'*, in it's basic form means 'Casino wheel', where dance couples comes together to form a circle, with one main 'caller', who calls out the names of different Cuban Salsa figures made up of different sequences of fun dance moves, which are danced by the couples in synchronisation. As the level of the dancers improve, so does the figures performed become more elaborate and complicated and with the constant change of partner calls, make the dance fun and exciting for the dancers, as well as spectators who view the dance. **8.30pm – 9.30pm** **\*\*\* CLASS #3: BACHATA** *(Absolute Beginner to Improver Level)* \* No experience or partner necessary - all welcome \- Bachata is the second most popular Latin dance around the world after Salsa **CLASS COST:** Casual/Drop-in attendance: Any Main class - $20 per class Any 2 Classes on the night - $30 for both classes or Do ALL CLASSES on the night for only $35! ***\* Please note:*** We only accept **CASH** on this night **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes when starting are low or flat smooth sole shoes like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals & open toe shoes. Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor & can interfere with your 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 attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, please do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitize hands frequently **PRIVATE LESSONS:** We provide private lessons on a one-to-one basis, with or without a dance partner and for private groups at a time that suits you

Hi Radiant Ladies! “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” — Auguste Escoffier We’re having brunch at Food Republic this time — beautiful food and great coffee! ☕️ Plenty of parking around, so nice and easy to get to. Come hungry, come happy — let’s catch up, laugh a little (or a lot!) and enjoy every bite together! See you soon! Julie 😘

## **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\.

*‘Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die, so let us all be thankful.’* **Buddha** We experience pain in life but we are also given bad advice to forget about it. We are told time will heal. Well what if we understood how to heal ourselves by knowing the potential of gratitude? Can we do an alchemical conversion of our emotions back into joy? Based on her own book - ***The Alchemy of Gratitude,*** Amruta will take us through the ways we can find healing through energy transformation. **Amruta Joshi** is a Gratitude Coach and a Meditation teacher. She started Gratitude for Earth with her husband in 2020 during covid to help spread the awareness of gratitude as a mental health self-help tool. They conducted sessions on Meetups and in communities. They saw how instantly people's faces were lifted up by this simple practice. It led them to deep dive and create a whole community out of this. Inspiration drawn from so many people led to Amruta writing her very first book - The Alchemy of Gratitude which was published in June last year. The book contains simple techniques for a daily habit of gratitude along with the alchemical process of transforming our lower emotions into higher joy. **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

🐉🪷 Dragon Boat Festival Special Event at Hai Hui Shan 🪷🐉 Join us for a joyful and meaningful day of traditional culture, mindfulness, community, and Buddhist practice as we celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival together at Hai Hui Shan Amitabha Vihara. This special event offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with others through Nianfo (Amitabha recitation), traditional festival activities, vegetarian food, and Dharma teachings inspired by compassion and wisdom. ✨ Event Schedule 🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Purification Ceremony at Amitabha Vihara Begin the day with a traditional purification ceremony to cultivate clarity, peace, and wholesome intentions. 🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Nianfo (Amitabha Recitation) Group Practice + Offering of Lunch Join in a peaceful group recitation practice dedicated to mindfulness, gratitude, and inner calm. 🕛 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Zongzi Making + Vegetarian BBQ Experience the festive tradition of making zongzi (traditional Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings) and enjoy a delicious vegetarian BBQ lunch together. 🕜 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Dharma Talk: “The Sutra of Ksitigarbha and Daily Life” Explore practical Buddhist wisdom and how the teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva can support compassion, mindfulness, and everyday living. 📍 Location Hai Hui Shan Amitabha Vihara 10 Boroda Ct, St Albans VIC 3021 🚆 Public Transport: About an 8-minute walk from Ginifer Station. 🚗 Parking: If driving, please park at Ginifer Station parking area. 🌿 Everyone is welcome — whether you are new to Buddhism, interested in meditation and mindfulness, or simply looking to experience a warm cultural celebration with community. We look forward to celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with you through traditional culture and Buddhist wisdom. 🪷 Namo Amitabha Buddha 🪷

A painting that brings a person to tears. A banana worth 6.4 million dollars. A photograph ending a war. What is behind these phenomena? Please join us this Sunday to discuss the Philosophy of Art, where it comes from, what makes it powerful and why it is a universal across time and cultures. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Philosophy Circle group. We will explore the topic through a range of questions, including: **What is Art?** * What comes to mind when we use the word ‘Art’? What are the categories of objects or activities that you would consider to be art? * Which of these are art?: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_1nl2_GKbGzzSbXsRRsnAZlkmNVqWPjm **Emotion** * Is art a luxury or necessity in life? Is it essential to happiness? * Why is art so effective at making us feel powerful emotions, even when we know it doesn’t represent reality? Are these ‘true’ emotions, or somehow different / simulated? * Why do we sometimes seek our art that makes us feel sad? **Objectivity** * Is there such a thing as objectively bad art? * Are there intrinsic properties that make something aesthetic (beautiful)? Are they universal? * Are there objective standards of ‘taste’? Can one person be said to have better taste than another? If so, on what basis or criteria? **Value** * What gives art its value? Why do we consider replicas differently? Is naturally occurring beauty different to art? * What compels humans towards art? Is there an evolutionary / biological explanation for the seemingly wasteful expenditure of resources on outputs that have no practical function? **Creativity** * Are only humans able to appreciate art? * Are only humans creative? * Is there such a thing as something truly new, or is every idea or expression a recombination of existing inputs into a different configuration of outputs? * Can a machine be creative? If not, what is the constraint? * Could we ever regard AI-creativity in the same way as that of a human? Hope to see you there!

Artificial intelligence and data centres are reshaping how we live, work, and use energy. Right now, the Federal Government is asking for input to influence how this important technology shapes our future. This is a real opportunity for community voices to reach the people making decisions about our collective future. The problem is that formal consultation processes can feel inaccessible; full of technical jargon, unclear on process, and easy to scroll past. That's exactly why we're running this community assembly. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or just venting into the void, come and do something about it. This is a free, volunteer-run, in-person session designed to give you: * Context — a plain-English overview of the inquiry and what's at stake for our communities, environment, and economy * Space — a safe, welcoming environment for open discussion, whatever your background or level of expertise * Support — practical guidance to help you formulate and submit your own perspective directly to the inquiry.
No technical expertise required. Just curiosity and a willingness to have your say. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to richer outcomes, and on something as consequential as AI and data centres, we need as many of them as possible! Come and help shape a future we can all look forward to. Register here for a free ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/community-assembly-ai-and-data-centres

**F IS FOR FITZROY** (Some context if you're new. At the start of 2026, I floated the idea of using A-Z as inspiration for our monthly activities, and members have been enthusiastic and supportive.) **ITINERARY** 11am - Meet outside Blackcat Fitzroy (252 Brunswick St). Say hi, grab your caffeine fix. 11.15am - 12.30pm - Meander along Brunswick St. This is the unhurried part: we will stop in on bookstores, an art gallery, an artists' market, take photos of interesting street art (there are quite a few side streets notable for street art). **Stops (in no particular order):** The Brunswick Street Bookstore (305 Brunswick St) Through the Looking Glass (341 Fitzroy St) Brunswick Street Gallery (Level 1 and 2/322 Fitzroy St) Rose Street Artists' Market (60 Rose St) If your social battery is still holding up, we'll have lunch nearby. Otherwise, feel free to say you've had enough for the day. Always listen to your body! **Lunch Suggestions:** Tora Dumplings [Our Menu - Tora Dumplings](https://toradumplings.com/menu/) Naked for Satan (very popular and has a great rooftop space with views of Fitzroy and surrounds - if we can get a table!). [Naked For Satan - Naked Upstairs](https://nakedforsatan.com.au/upstairs) Mario's [Menu | Marios Cafe](https://marioscafe.com.au/menu/) P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 for this event. Feel free to bring cash on the day or PayID to 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). Food and drinks are at your own expense.

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!

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family! * **Step-off:** 10:30AM * **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking. You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp! Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207 If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436

**Men of Unity** is a safe, welcoming space for men to connect, share, and grow together. In this circle, we explore what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual awareness in today’s world. Through open dialogue, reflection, and mutual support, we learn to balance strength with compassion, confidence with humility, and action with mindfulness. Whether you’re seeking deeper spiritual connection, personal clarity, or simply a supportive brotherhood, this group invites you to bring your authentic self and grow in community. This week the Men's of Group will meet at Scrambler's - the North Hamilton Road location: 5729 North Hamilton Road Columbus, 43230

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Come chat about Atlassian tools and best practices at the Reynoldsburg Sunny Street Cafe and Breakfast is on Atlassian! Let's get the day started off with breakfast with your ACE Leaders! We're always excited to talk about Atlassian Products, share our knowledge and hand out swag! Come chat with us about new product news and anything you are working on within the Atlassian product stack. This is a great opportunity to come see what we are all about, hear new business news and share with other Atlassian users your questions and experiences. We'd love to see new and old friends come out to chat and learn about Atlassian! Agenda --- Moderators Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Greg Sprowls - Columbus Atlassian Community Leader Hosted By Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead --- Global Partner Atlassian (http://atlassian.com) Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality. Partner Atlassian --- For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-rise-and-shine-with-atlassian-reynoldsburg-5/.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/