Contractors

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!

Jewellers can hire a desk in our workshop to make or finish off their own pieces. This workshop is self run, you need to attend a health and safety induction before working daily unattended. Basic jewellery making tools are provided and some consumables such as flux, borax, tumbling polish, lathe polish and some drill bits. Aprons and safety glasses are provided, tie up loose hair, wear enclosed shoes. Please email claw.creative.studios@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries. Clara Carija, Director CLAW CREATIVE.

Ever had an idea? Do you look at things and say "I can do that better"? If this is you then you will find our monthly inventor's meetings a great place to visit. For just $20 payable at the door you can attend a meeting from 7:15pm to 9:30pm at Mount Waverley Youth Centre, 45 Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley. See someone present their invention and learn how they did it, listen to an interesting guest speaker and pick up tips for your own inventions. Join 35+ other inventors for an interesting and informative meeting. Ends with great finger food and coffee. Members enjoy other services including invention evaluation, mentoring, Free patent searching tool, YouTube video of their product, product showcase webpage, "Inventor" name badge, inventing guide and more. Cost of membership is $200 with renewal each year of $80 and meeting evening cost of $5. Discount for country and tertiary student members. Need patenting information? Before each meeting there is a patent attorney answering questions from 6.30pm to 7.20pm (pay your visitor fee at the door first) who will help you understand patenting and other intellectual property options. Ask any question, learn about patenting costs, pitfalls, advantages. This also covers registered designs.

Hello Melbourne, We’re excited to host our next BrowserStack QA meetup in Melbourne. an evening of practical insights on how AI is reshaping software quality, security, and developer workflows at scale. ​Come for sharp talks from industry leaders, stay for dinner and networking with the local QA, security, and engineering community. Agenda: **6:00 PM**: Open doors and introduction **6:30 PM - 7:10 PM**: Will be Updated soon **7:30 PM:** Dinner and networking **Few notes:** **🔹 This will be an In-Person event** **Mark your calendars and reserve your spot now! We can't wait to see you there!** **Note- RSVP doesn't confirm your seat, We will be sending the confirmation email one day prior to the Meetup to confirm your seat.**

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-03-04](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-03-04) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * Missed **75%** off [LF / CNCF](https://lf.ksug.ai/)? [Get Notified](https://ksug.ai/?notify&ref=meetup) for next BIG drop! * **20%** off [KubeCon Europe](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) 2026 using code **KSAI20** * Up to **30%** off popular [Books](https://ksug.ai/books/?ref=meet) and [Events](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) We're excited to welcome you to the upcoming **KSUG.AI Australia Meetup** — happening both in-person at at Amazon and online via [Zoom](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai)! 🎉 We're actively seeking more awesome AI topic speakers! 👉 [https://speaker.ksug.ai](https://speaker.ksug.ai) **Agenda and topics preview:** * Food, drinks and Socializing * Welcome / Introductions by the Organizers @**[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** * **Topic 1:** Beyond Patching: Why Distroless is Your Last Line of Defense Against 0-Days by **[Andrew Dean](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ad7/)**, Enterprise SE @**[Chainguard](https://www.chainguard.dev/)** * **Topic 2:** Managing Kubernetes at scale with ClusterAPI, GitOps, and NKP by **[Chris Porter](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchrisporter/)**, Principal SA @**[Nutanix](https://www.nutanix.com/)** * **Topic 3:** Era of Resource Efficient AI Models by **[Om Subrato Dey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/om-subrato-dey/)**, Incoming Master of IT with AI @**UoM** * **Quiz time:** nice swags giveaways Food and drinks will be provided between **5.30 and 6 pm** on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a great opportunity to learn and network with our peers. Thanks to our sponsors @**[Amazon](https://aws.com/)**, @**[KodeKloud](https://ksug.ai/kk/?ref=meet)**, **[Nutanix](https://www.nutanix.com/)** and **[Chainguard](https://www.chainguard.dev/)**! **[Register here](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-03-04) to secure your spot!** See you all there! **Location:** Amazon MEL12, Level 13.304 [555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kbi13GZqj2zDqDz2A) 👉 Join our [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) and [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D9a9IDiCS7U4cqQ0Sh60cz?mode=gi_t) for latest update! 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ 30% OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Certs - Code: **30K8SUG** ☸ 37% OFF **[KodeKloud](https://ksug.ai/kk/?ref=meet)** Plans - Code: **K8SUGKK** 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬: ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 𝟏𝟖𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** 🔥 [linktr.ee/ksug.ai](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

**Trainscendence Comedy Club - Comedy.. on a Rooftop... in a Train** Come join us for a night of laughter at **Trainscendence**! Each show so far has sold out!! Have you ever been to a stand-up comedy show in a train carriage in the sky? oh, you have? nice.. Our comedy club features hilarious stand-up comedians ready to tickle your funny bone. Get ready for a night of non-stop jokes and good times. Trainscendence Comedy Club in the newest and most unique Comedy Club in the Melbourne scene, this burgeoning new venue will have you lost in curiousity and imagination. Come along and have a drink at the bar or hang out in the trainscendental lounge while you wait for your show! Grab your tickets now and get ready to laugh until your sides hurt! Only $10 [Book tickets here](https://momence.com/l/b8h1b9D2)

We’re excited to kick off 2026 with our first **Melbourne MLOps Community Meetup** of the year! This event is extra special! For the first time, we’re featuring a married duo, Mr. and Mrs. Badawy. And what better day to announce it than Valentine’s Day? 🚀✨ **🎤 Speakers** We’re thrilled to introduce: **\- Luke Badawy**, Generative AI Engineering Manager *at* Commonwealth Bank. Luke is a seasoned Software Engineer and self-proclaimed AI nerd with years of industry experience. In his talk, *Generating Games Using Only Gen AI*, Luke will explore a fascinating and often overlooked frontier in Generative AI — game generation. **\- Natalie Badawy**, Talent Acquisition Specialist *at* Andromeda. Described by Mr. Badawy as “Initiative Lord 9000,” Natalie is the co-founder of "What the Heck is Tech (?)" and co-organiser of "Melbourne Talent Meetup"*.* With deep experience in the tech recruitment landscape, she’ll share a recruiter’s-eye view of how the job market is evolving in the age of AI and ML in her talk: *How to Get Hired in the AI/ML Era*. **Networking** The Melbourne MLOps Community is committed to fostering a space where AI/ML engineers and practitioners can connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. Come ready to discuss: * The tools you’re experimenting with * Trends you’re seeing in ML and MLOps * Challenges you’re tackling * Ways to find peer support We’ll have food, drinks, and the perfect space for great conversations — so feel free to bring along anyone interested in ML, MLOps, or AI more broadly. **Agenda** 🍕 **5:30pm** – Networking, drinks & food 🙋 **6:00pm** – Welcome 🎤 **6:10pm** – Presentation by Luke ❓ **6:30pm** – Questions for Luke 🎤 **6:40pm** – Presentation by Natalie ❓ **7:00pm** – Questions for Natalie 🍻 **7:10pm onwards** – Networking, drinks & food We’re looking forward to seeing you there! **P.S.** If you can’t make it in person, we’ll be streaming the event via Google Meet. Google Meet link: [https://meet.google.com/fxh-hpsg-ryt](https://meet.google.com/fxh-hpsg-ryt)

To celebrate ***International Women’s Day***, we’re bringing our community together for a special evening featuring two inspiring women in tech. This event is all about sharing experiences, learning from real journeys, and creating space for honest conversations about building a career in cloud and technology. Whether you’re just starting out, making a transition, or already deep in the industry, you’ll find stories, insights, and perspectives that resonate. **And some exciting news** — thanks to our friends from [Programmable](https://www.programmable.tech/), attendees on the day will get a chance to win a ticket to the Programmable conference (valued at $449!). Expect practical lessons, personal reflections, and the kind of discussions that remind us why community matters. See you then! **Topics** **1\. One Platform\, Infinite Connections** An API Platform is not simply a layer for routing traffic; it is an operating model for how organisations design, secure, and monetise digital capabilities. This session opens by defining what an enterprise API Platform looks like in practical terms and why it’s becoming a core part of modern engineering and business strategy. Using a real implementation as context, the discussion examines how Apigee enables structured governance, streamlined developer onboarding, intelligent traffic control, and deep observability. It also addresses how the platform supports emerging AI, LLM, and MCP patterns, outlining its security architecture in production environments and demonstrating how APIs can be bundled into consumable products to create commercial value. Particular attention is given to advanced protection strategies for managing both conventional API workloads and AI-driven traffic. Attendees will leave with a concrete, experience-backed framework for turning an API platform into a measurable driver of innovation, resilience, and revenue. **About the speaker** Neha is an Engineering Manager at MYOB, leading the API Platform capability. With nearly two decades of experience in the IT industry, she has built deep expertise across cloud infrastructure, platform engineering, and large-scale technology transformations. **2\. Stateful Secrets in a Stateless World: Navigating the Azure Serverless Landscape** Serverless is more than just a buzzword; it represents a fundamental shift from managing infrastructure to focusing entirely on code. In this session, we’ll begin by comparing serverless with traditional server-based models to unpack the true differences in cost, maintenance, and scalability. From there, we’ll walk through a real-world application architecture to see how Azure Functions can be used to solve practical engineering problems that conventional servers often struggle to handle efficiently. Drawing on lessons learned from hands-on experience, we’ll also explore common pitfalls, optimisation strategies, and cost-saving techniques. Whether you’re new to serverless or already working with cloud-native systems, this talk will leave you with a clearer, more practical blueprint for designing and building modern applications. **About the speaker** Archana is a Master’s in Data Science candidate with a foundation in Computer Science and Engineering. She brings hands-on experience from her background as a Full Stack Developer, where she focused on building web applications powered by Azure serverless backends. By blending her software engineering roots with her current work in data science, Archana designs cloud-native solutions that are both scalable and data-driven. She is passionate about sharing practical lessons and helping the community understand how to effectively bridge the gap between web development and serverless technology. **Agenda** 5:30pm – Food and networking 6:00pm – Presentation 1 6:40pm – Presentation 2 7:20pm – Networking Thanks to our sponsors: [HAL systems](https://www.halsystems.com.au/), [Mantel](https://mantelgroup.com.au/) and [REA group](https://www.rea-group.com/)! Join us for an evening of learning, conversations, and great company!

Our Contradition Band will be featured at the next Family Bush/Contra Dance organized by VFMC (the Victorian Folk Music Club). No partner needed and all dances called. Entry $15, but kids are free. Info Bill 0417-300682. Website www.vfmc.org.au

Welcome to Elixir Melbourne's monthly meetup. Where we go over Elixir ecosystem news, listen to great talks, and socialise with other Elixir developers of all levels. We’re rebooting the meetup after a hiatus with new (and old) organisers, a new venue and emphasis on more time to socialise. There are still speaking spots open. If you want to talk about anything Elixir related, get in touch. **Agenda** * 6:00pm - Arrive, socialise * 6:30pm - Welcome; introduction; “who’s hiring” pitches. * 6:45pm - Talk 1 (speaking spot open!) * 7:15pm - Food, socialise * 7:45pm - Maybe another talk (speaking spot open!) * 8:15pm - Finish up and head to Saint & Rogue (down the street from SuperAPI at 582 Little Collins St, Melbourne) **Sponsor** Huge thanks to [SuperAPI](https://superapi.com.au/) for catering and venue.

**Please note:** We meet at 11am and start walking towards Elwood soon after. Please be on time or message us. Thanks! :) Walk and talk with us. Meet on St Kilda Beach in front of Republica near the Rhinocerous statue, Walk to Ormond Point Elwood 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️ We practice English conversation plus our first and second languages on the way. Bring a friend, dog and perhaps a ✍🏽 and notepad to remember new words and phrases. Meet new people. We look forward to chatting with you!🤗 ***Please note:*** *For attendance at this beach walk read the disclaimer below:* *By signing up and participating in this **Language Practice and Walking on the Beach** today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazard• Bites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

**\*\*\*RSVP PROCESS - CRITICAL INFO\*\*\*** Please be aware, we don't use the Meetup website to take RSVPs, so you will need to register on this link to lock in your place (bookings essential) - [https://propdev.info/uMKh](https://propdev.info/uMKh) We run events most weekends around Australia so you can attend either physically in your local area, or live-stream to any event around the country. **In-Person:** 1:30pm (Melbourne time) to 'Mingle With The Expert' **Virtual:** 2pm (Melbourne time) **INTRODUCING THE INDUSTRY EXPERT:** *Turn Victoria’s New Codes Into Better Yield! JESSE ANT Architects (𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘓𝘢𝘶 & Jessica Wang)* Are You Missing Out on Victoria’s New Untapped Development Potential? Victoria quietly rewrote the rulebook for multi-unit developments, and most mum-and-dad developers haven’t caught on yet. New planning codes. Clearer standards. Faster pathways. Less discretion. Less guesswork. More certainty. And here’s the kicker If you’re still designing projects the old way, you could be leaving yield, time and profit on the table without even realising it. That’s why this month’s Industry Expert, **Jessica Wang** from **JESSE ANT Architects**, is a must-see. Jessica is working daily with the new Victorian Townhouse & Low-Rise Code, the changes that are unlocking approvals for duplexes, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit projects that previously would’ve struggled. At this session, Jessica will show you: • How the new deemed-to-comply standards can actually work in your favour • Where extra yield and smarter layouts are now possible under the updated rules • How to design multi-unit projects that councils must approve if you hit the benchmarks • What savvy developers are doing right now to turn planning reform into real opportunity This isn’t about fighting council. It’s about understanding the new rules and using them to your advantage. If you’re developing (or planning to develop) in Victoria, this session could completely change how you look at your next site. Because the opportunity is there. The question is… are you set up to take advantage of it? **INTRODUCING THE REAL DEAL:** *3 Townhouses (Xavier Rigney)* *820m2,GRZ, Bendigo, Victoria* Turning Challenges into Multi-Unit Success You’ve found a promising development site. Numbers look good. The dream of building townhouses or duplexes seems achievable. Then reality hits. Permits drag. Engineering submissions take months. Banks and utilities slow the process. And suddenly, what should have been a smooth journey becomes a minefield of delays, extra costs, and last-minute hurdles. This is exactly the type of challenge **Xavier Rigney** faced on his latest multi-unit development and he’s coming to the next Property Developer Network Meetup to share the inside story. From keeping the existing dwelling tenanted throughout construction to navigating stormwater setbacks, Section 173 Agreements, and even last-minute easement oversights, Xavier’s project had it all. There were lessons in timing, sequencing, negotiation, and patience. Yes, a few expensive “oops” moments along the way. But here’s the good news: despite every obstacle, the project succeeded, showing exactly how mum-and-dad developers can turn complex hurdles into profitable outcomes. At this session, Xavier will reveal: • How to generate income during construction by keeping existing dwellings tenanted • The importance of early engineering coordination to avoid costly delays • How to manage banks, utilities, and councils when timing isn’t on your side • Real-life lessons from subdivision, civil works, and construction, and how to prevent the mistakes he made If you’re developing or planning a multi-unit project in Victoria, this session will give you the practical insight, hard-earned strategies, and confidence to avoid the pitfalls that derail so many deals. Because in property development, it’s not about luck. It’s about knowing the process, navigating the hurdles, and getting the job done right on time and on budget. ***This is your chance to talk property with other enthusiasts!*** See you all soon!

Jewellers can hire a desk in our workshop to make or finish off their own pieces. This workshop is self run, you need to attend a health and safety induction before working daily unattended. Basic jewellery making tools are provided and some consumables such as flux, borax, tumbling polish, lathe polish and some drill bits. Aprons and safety glasses are provided, tie up loose hair, wear enclosed shoes. Please email claw.creative.studios@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries. Clara Carija, Director CLAW CREATIVE.

Damian Clark facilitates a ‘North Fitzroy Men’s walk and talk group’ for men in the inner city and northern suburbs interested in connecting with other men to develop meaningful and supportive connections, with the added health benefits of a walk in nature. The walks are supported by Holden Street Neighbourhood House - contact (03) 9489 9929 or admin@holdenstreet.org.au for queries. The walks are run FREE of charge on the 1st Saturday of each of month at 8.am. The walk will commence at the Holden Street Neighbourhood House then proceed to take in Park Street and Rushall Reserves in Fitzroy North. The group is for men of all ages. The benefits from participating in the men’s walk and talk group are: 1. A safe space to connect with other men. 2. Opportunity to be genuinely listened to. 3. Chance to express your feelings and thoughts free from judgement and criticism. 4. Make valuable and lasting friendships.

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

We will show a variety of methods for building agents that run in Microsoft Foundry. This covers the different types of agents: Prompt, Multi, and Hosted, as well as the development lifecycle using evals and traces.

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!

# **Band and caller TBA** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Window functions have nothing to do with the Windows operating system but provide a “window” to a result set when used in SQL queries. They are powerful, set-based methods to view data in unexpected ways. Window functions provide easy, set-based solutions to solve some common problems: * Using running totals * Performing operations in intervals * Identifying data gaps and islands * Performing aggregates without losing detail Many people are confused by window functions and do not know how to use them properly. This session will explore window functions, how they work, and how to use them. Demonstrations with several examples will solidify how window functions can simplify queries and make them more powerful.