Disruptive innovation

[Merri-bek Tech](https://www.merri-bek.tech/), a group in the inner northern suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne), invites everyone involved interested in tinkering with grass-roots technologies in support of a **Sustainable**, **Resilient** and **Just** future - to join us for the **Naarm Solarpunk Meetup**. Following on from our workshop in March we will be doing some hands-on hacking as well as welcoming everyone who wants to talk further about getting involved in the group or finding out more about positive, grassroots tech futures. On the night we will be doing, * Merri-tek LoRes Node install and setup, support and general questions * Raspberry Pi setups * Linux OS installs * Your sustainable, resilient and/or just project :) MBT members will also be ready to talk further about what we do, what we hope to do and how you can join in. **About the Naarm Solarpunk group** Some of us are technologists, and will be showing off software or hardware projects, and others are more interested in community organizing, responding to the climate crisis, or building local resilience. Whatever your area of interest, or your level of skill, you're absolutely welcome to dive in. At the meetups we'll have a show-and-tell time for any projects that you're working on, as well as occasional short presentations. The space will be hosted by volunteers, and we'll actively work towards inclusion through applying a [code of conduct](https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/2/1/code_of_conduct/). Merri-bek Tech has some projects that you might be interested in updates from, including our attempt to build P2P mesh network based community hosting on Raspberry Pis, and our project to run a local fediverse social network. We aspire to keep this meetup **Solarpunk** as fuck. We support the hackers, tinkerers and makers and misfits. There are plenty of other spaces for big corporate green tech, so bring your hobby project, not your day job, unless that job is firmly rooted in the solidarity economy. We are not value neutral. We'll start with Merri-bek Tech's [values](https://www.merri-bek.tech/about/values/) and [principles](https://www.merri-bek.tech/about/principles/), and build from there together. In particular, in the context of ongoing genocide, we will ask you to leave if you're associated in any way with the weapons industry. This meetup will be hosted on the stolen, unceeded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. **Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.** Image alt text (honestly meetup, get your shit together): The image is a illustration of a future, sustainable city. There is human-scale, green tech, repair shops and urban gardens.

### ☕ Common Grounds Melbourne *Come for the coffee, stay for the connections.* **Common Grounds Melbourne** has become a true home for connection, and we’re thrilled to keep the coffee and conversations flowing at, **Mr Sister Café in Malvern East**. With its warm, welcoming vibe, consistently great coffee, and an incredibly supportive team, Mr Sister Café is the perfect setting for our community to gather, connect, and thrive. If you’ve joined us before, you already know the magic. If not, consider this your official invitation. Co-hosted by the fabulous **Sandra and Eva**, our **FREE monthly morning meetups** are your go-to mid-month energy boost — a chance to step away from the hustle and reconnect with women who truly *get it*. ### What to Expect ✨ Relaxed, genuine conversations with like-minded women ✨ No pitches, no pressure — just real connection ✨ Inspiring stories and shared experiences ✨ A supportive space to network, share, and grow together We believe the most powerful connections are made over coffee, not in boardrooms. Our meetups are about celebrating the journey, not just the milestones. You’ll leave feeling energised, supported, and part of something truly special. ⏰ *Event time is **9:30am start (Melbourne local time)** — please allow for time zone differences in the Meetup App.* If you would like to book this event in your Calendar - [Click Here](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/2?cid=Y184NWQ5YmM4NGVmZjlhNWRiNGE0YjgxOWY5NjMxOTgwN2I4NGNkZGY2NjRlMWRiZmRhZGExZDYyZDcyNTc1OWYzQGdyb3VwLmNhbGVuZGFyLmdvb2dsZS5jb20)

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

Hi everyone, Stella & Tarrant here 😃 It's board game and dinner time every 2nd Wednesdays! Everyone's welcome, new or experienced board gamer. Let's play board games together, meet new friends if you want, and also supporting local restaurant buying their food and drink, coz the event is free. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏, 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 Meetup will be in the separate room at the back of their venue! 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 6pm - 10pm (but the pub is open till later if you want to stay around) 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Meetup for dinner & drink while playing board games. Here's a one page PDF document explaining how it works - https://loom.ly/hTHo2cM. Basically, find some friends or make some new ones. 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bring your own games or play our growing board games library, teach others or join others games. We have flag system to help you find people to play with you. Here is the list of our growing games library, categories and with short description - https://loom.ly/fOKuaM4 𝗙𝗘𝗘: Zero. Nada. It's a casual get together, we're helping facilitating the meetup. All I asked is to please order food & drink from the venue, don't bring your own food and eat there, as the venue is a pub, they are providing the venue for free So please help local business 😃 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗘: Feel free to post in the comment if you have games you want to bring and teach others, try to organise people to play. Or if you want to join other people's game. We have a group via Aftergame (app/website) where you can organise a game as well here - https://aftergame.app/groups/we-play-board-games-melbourne-meetup-by-meeple-university-1386 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: Melbourne Central, level 3. Melbourne Central station underneath. There are various public carpark Wilson 300 LaTrobe and Secure Parking in the city. Or the Wilson carpark under Melbourne Central, entry is a set price after 5pm (at the time of writing). And then plenty of public transport in the city 🙂 To connect more to fellow board gamers, you can join the Facebook group that started the event here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames Thank you and hope to see you all then! Stella & Tarrant

Hi Architects, Welcome to our next AWS Melbourne Well-Architected User Group Meetup for 2026, including more exceptional speakers and topics! :-D At each meetup we covered off various pillars in detail, best-practices and insights from industry leaders that specialise in the Well-Architected Framework. And giving away drones, of course. Lots of drones. **Please also note that AWS Security now requests a company name and company email where it is available. If you are a student, please list your institution and your student email address at that institution 👍** We’ll be updating throughout the month with more speakers and our speakers so far this month include: * **Hazra Ali \| Senior Business Analyst \| AWS Community Builder** **Business Analysis in AWS IAM Access Analyzer.** Hazra will define what is business analysis and how to utilise this skills using AWS IAM Access Analyzer to make organisations user access secure and effective, preventing compliance risk and regulatory challenges. * **Mystery Speaker** **An Agentic AI Journey (Part 2); The live feature request demo!** In this case study talk, we'll go through all the highs and lows of architecting and building https://well-architected.me using all your favourite tools and perform a live feature request in real-time! Strap in… This month's menu will include: * Pizzas * Beer: Nastro Azzurro * Wine: Big and red 🤤 NB: Please check in up the stairs from the ground floor to the Mezzanine Level. So come join us at 5:30 for a 6pm **SHARP** start, followed by beer, wine, pizza and friendly networking after our talks :-)

You’re not overwhelmed because you’re doing too little. You’re overwhelmed because your attention is under attack. In a world of constant pings, shifting priorities, and endless context switching, burnout doesn’t arrive all at once—it creeps in quietly, disguising itself as “just another busy week.” This session with Nosh cuts through the noise. Blending human-centred design and real-world experience along simple practical tools, Nosh will help us recognise the early signals of cognitive overload and how we can manage it. It’s about working with your mind and not against it. Nosh is a purpose-driven service designer with international experience, working at the intersection of technology and human-centred experience. He embraces complexity to create more human systems, beyond work, he is a seeker of stillness. If you want to thrive rather than just survive in the age of infinite distraction… this session is for you.

A casual Bible study for anyone where we go through Revelation 1. Any thought or idea is welcome at the table. We'd love to have you!

📚 #InPursuit is a book club for entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious minds who know personal growth fuels business growth. **See a lot of RSPVPs and wonder how it works? We'll break up into groups of 6-8 to share our insights, then swap groups after 30-45min so you can maximise learning from everybody!** *Note: this even is not organised by or affiliated with The State Library of Victoria* **That's what #InPursuit is all about** It’s not a traditional book club, it’s a space for people who are actively designing a better life through the pursuit of business, creativity, and personal growth. This event is for anyone #InPursuit of better business, life and relationships. Instead of reading the same book, we each come prepared to share one powerful insight from something we’ve read in the past 3-months. Anything non-fiction that’s moved us forward. Whether it’s a mindset shift, a productivity system, a new philosophy, or just a truth that punched us in the gut. This is a place to unpack it together and hear what others are learning too. We’re not just here to *read*. We’re here to *integrate*. Because when we grow, our business and our lives grow too. **🔍 Why Join? You'll leave with:** * 5–10 fresh insights from books you may never have picked up * Deeper awareness of how others think, lead, and evolve * New connections with people walking a similar path toward purpose, results, and impact This isn’t a lecture. It’s a room full of people building themselves while they build the thing. **📖 How It Works** First time? No pressure to share, just come curious. We'll break up into groups of 6-8 and share our insights, then swap groups so you can maximise the learning! Returning? Bring one idea you’ve read about in the last 3-months and be ready to speak on: 1. What did you learn? 2. How did it shift your perspective about the world or yourself? 3. How has it changed the way you show up or behave? We keep it structured, but flexible. After sharing, we open up to Q&A, personal stories, challenges, and deep dives. Some of the best insights come from the conversations *after* the share. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Entrepreneurs or side-hustlers finding their footing * Business owners, and doers building toward better * Curious minds who love ideas but care more about action * People tired of shallow conversations and hungry for growth If you’re working on something—or becoming someone—this space is for you. It’s a practice ground for people who want to grow forward. We’re all #InPursuit of mastery, momentum, and the kind of success that starts from within. **Map on how to get there** We're in the Create Quarter on the ground level (back right of the Quad as you enter from Swanson St). We'll likely be on a long table together. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/SLV-EnglishMap_Jan25.pdf

Are you looking for something different, if so, I would like to invite you to come on a healing journey to discover peace and harmony within yourself and life. If this is of interest to you, the first class is free, as it's an introduction to the explorations of mindfulness/meditation with a spiritual flavour. If you choose to return (no obligation), then a small amount is asked of $5 per class. What a wonderful opportunity to explore your physical, emotional, mental and soul bodies and how they are all inter-related and all can be greatly affected with the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Through engaging with an energetic hygiene process that I facilitate, you will be able to cleanse your energy field on a daily basis. With the event/class there is a variety being presented each week, always a guided meditation, followed by either reflection on self-care through working with a variety of gentle approach resources (which will be given to you to take, if you choose), as well as, listening to different short mindfulness cds. All you need to bring is yourself and a crystal, if you like.

[Cloudtech ](https://www.cloudtechgroup.com.au/ "https://www.cloudtechgroup.com.au/")Group has launched its newest Block Club in Melbourne and is proud to host this free event to celebrate the Builders in Blockchain and AI. ### Who is building in Blockchain and AI and what are they building, you will hear from: * [Karen Cohen ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacohen/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacohen/")aka “blockmum” is the [Founder and Director of Emerging Tech HUB](https://emergingtechhub.io/ "https://emergingtechhub.io/"), MC * [Effie Dimitropoulos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edimitropoulos/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/edimitropoulos/"), CEO [AUDD](https://www.audd.digital/ "https://www.audd.digital/"), Stablecoin * [Dan Voyce](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvoyce/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvoyce/"), Founder, [Certant.AI](https://www.certant.ai/ "https://www.certant.ai/") * [Donna McConnell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iswys-donnamcconnell/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/iswys-donnamcconnell/"), Co-Founder of ISWYS and [Rasters]( https://raster.finance/ ) APAC representative * [Tim Russell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-russell-8b2065103/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-russell-8b2065103/"), CEO, [TangibleX](https://tangiblex.com.au/ "https://tangiblex.com.au/") Join us for Pizza and drinks will be provided, followed by drinks locally. If you arrive late please call John on 0413 924 696 **Please note** The information provided at this event is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments are subject to market risk, and there is no guarantee of profits. Investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. You should be aware of the risks associated with investing before making any decisions. The information presented on this website is not tailored to your specific financial situation or investment objectives. It is crucial to consider your individual circumstances and risk tolerance before making any investment choices. **By accepting this invitation your details will be shared with both the sponsor and the speaker organisation. This event maybe be filmed and or photographed.**

**Ringwood North Pathway Group – Saturday Gathering** Looking for a relaxed, welcoming space to explore the Christian faith and connect with others? You’re invited to join us at Pathway Groups. **📍 Location** Panorama Avenue, Ringwood North (exact house number will be shared after you message us 😊) **🕓 Time** Every Saturday, 4:00 – 5:30 pm **👥 Who comes?** We’re open to people of all ages and backgrounds. Right now, our group includes young adults, uni students, and young professionals, with around 6–10 people each week. Whether you’re a Christian, exploring faith for the first time, or just curious and have questions, you’re very welcome. We often have people join who are still figuring things out, and we’re always happy to chat and explore questions together. **✨ What to expect** Our gatherings are casual and laid-back. We spend time reading the Bible together and then have open, honest discussions with no pressure or agenda, just a chance to explore and ask questions freely. We finish with prayer, which is completely optional and always shaped around what people feel comfortable with. **🍽️ Food** Dinner is provided each week, with home-cooked meals and options to suit dietary needs. **👕 What to wear** Come as you are! The vibe is very casual, so wear whatever you feel comfortable in. **🎒 What to bring** Just bring yourself. No prior Bible knowledge or experience needed. **🚗 Getting there** Street parking is easy (right out the front), and we’re also close to Ringwood Station. **💬 Good to know** Whether you’re exploring faith, returning after some time away, or already deeply rooted, this is a space where you can feel at home. Questions, doubts, and different perspectives are all welcome. **📩 Let us know you’re coming** Send us a message to let us know you’re coming and we’ll share the full address. We’d love to have you join us!

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/hzomqvsg) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startups-demos-networking-in-melbourne-tickets-1371585993629?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Melbourne** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **18:00 – 18:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **18:30 – 19:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **19:40 – 20:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **20:20 – 21:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. 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.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

## Unlock the Power of Prediction: Polymarket Masterclass Ever felt like you could foresee the future? Now, put those insights to work. Join us for a deep dive into Polymarket, the prediction market platform, and learn how to turn your knowledge of current events into real opportunities. It's more than just guessing; it's about strategic analysis, risk management, and capitalizing on market inefficiencies. ### Is this workshop for you? This session is tailored for: * Those brand new to prediction markets and ready to learn the ropes. * Sharp minds that enjoy analyzing data and making calculated decisions. * Individuals with a passion for news and current affairs, looking to leverage their insights. * Anyone seeking alternative income streams powered by event analysis. ### What's on the agenda? During our time together, we'll cover: * Demystifying Polymarket: From initial setup to executing your first prediction. * Essential risk management techniques to protect your investments. * Decoding market signals and understanding liquidity dynamics. * Tactics for identifying and exploiting market mispricings. * Constructing a robust portfolio for consistent gains. * Inspiring examples of successful Polymarket strategies put in motion. _"The instruction was clear, the advice was practical, and the techniques were actionable. I've already made back my registration fee!"_ - Recent participant ### Secure Your Spot – Full Registration Required! Spaces are limited, so don't miss out. RSVPing "yes" on Meetup **does not** confirm your spot. You **must** complete the official registration using the link below: ### [✅ Claim Your Seat! ✅](https://remoteready.io/product/Polymarket?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-17T22:00:00Z) Let's transform your knack for predictions into a powerful income stream! Register now.