EC2

Speaking in public is not easy for most people, nor is running a workshop, writing a speech, thinking on your feet, or even speaking up amongst friends. At POWERtalk you will learn how to gain the confidence to step up to speak up. We've seen it many times over. We help you with simple techniques to look confident as a speaker even when you feel like crumbling. **You'll be giving presentations before you know it and loving it!!!** **\>\>\>** We believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to growing as a person and can tailor a plan to help you grow as an individual. **<<<** **Join us at a meeting soon to learn how to build your confidence as a speaker, effectively communicate, get creative, and have lots of fun doing so.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- POWERtalk Australia is a not-for-profit organisation training in public speaking and leadership skills. Guests are free of charge for the first 3 meetings. Full membership is surprisingly very affordable. Please ask if you would like more information or become a member. We look forward to meeting you for a night of POWERtalk (1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month) *PS. If you have symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever or are unwell, we wish you a speedy recovery and please ask that you stay away until you are well again. Thanks :)* We meet every 1st & 3rd Tuesday. Address: Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue Ashwood Vic 7.45 pm start. 2-hour duration. Come along and enjoy the fun. We look forward to meeting you.

Visitors and newcomers are very welcome, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/newcomer-faq/ for more details. COVIDSafe restrictions are also in place, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/covid-19-restrictions/ for the latest. Short walk from Glenferrie train station. Car parking at Hawthorn town hall. Bring a laptop and a project you are working on. There is also a number of group projects that you are welcome to join in. We have starter kits for Arduino, a couple of 3D printers, various tools and equipment available for use. Typically our sessions run from 6:45pm till later in the evening (depending on our members' availability to close) but if you're new please come early.

We are a multi-disciplinary group of PhDs and academic staff who write together regularly and help one another to achieve our writing goals through supportive community, focus and a structure that works. We welcome anyone who wants to get some writing done in a collegial, supportive, encouraging environment. You don’t have to be from University of Melbourne (you don’t have to be from university at all!). We use the Pomodoro method, which means we write in timed intervals of silence, then chat and catch up for 5 mins and repeat the cycle. Arrive when you like, leave when you like. The goal is to keep our writing projects progressing and reduce the isolation that can be part of the academic and/or writing life. **Session Outline:** Welcome: 9.00-9.05 (5 mins) Pomodoro 1: 9.05-9.30 (25 mins). Break: 9.30-9.35 (5 mins) Pomodoro 2: 9.35-10.00 (25 mins) Break: 10.00-10.05 (25 mins) Pomodoro 3: 10.05-10.55 (50 mins) Break: 10.55-11.05 (10 mins) Pomodoro 4: 11.05-11.30 (25 mins) **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: There is free public wifi available at the Melbourne Connect Superfloor (speak to the concierge for details). University of Melbourne staff and students can connect to the university wifi; staff and students from other universities can join Eduroam using their home institution's log in credentials. Travel / Parking info: Public bike parking along Swanston and Grattan Streets. Tram routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 16. 16, 64, 67, 72 along Swanston Street (Stop 1) and 19 along Royal Parade (Stop 10). The nearest train station is Parkville Metro Station. Bus routes include 200, 207, 250, 251, 401, 402, 403, 505, 546. There is no public parking available at Melbourne Connect, however the area is well serviced by nearby public carparks, including Cardigan House Parking at 96 Grattan Street and the University of Melbourne Eastern Precinct Car Park at 375 Grattan Street. A taxi rank is located on Grattan Street.

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-02-04](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-02-04) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * **50%** off [Linux Foundation](https://gk.ksug.ai) EXPIRED, [Get Notified](https://ksug.ai/?notify&ref=meet) for next BIG one! * **30%** off [KubeCon Europe](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) 2026 using code **KSAI** * 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:** Use mirrord to cut your dev loop from hours to seconds by **[Dan Baker](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-baker-12023a37/)**, Solutions Engineer @[MetalBear](https://metalbear.com/) * **Topic 2:** From Copilot to Autopilot: Navigating the New Era of AI Coding Agents by [Yongkang He](https://linkedin.com/in/yongkanghe "https://linkedin.com/in/yongkanghe"), Founder @[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=email "https://ksug.ai/?ref=email") * **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://kodekloud.com/k8sug)**! **[Register here](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-02-04) 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 **[#Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua)** for latest update 👉 [https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) 🔖 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.

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 - Nathan Yam (title TBC, but about $callers handling) * 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.

Practice speaking at SmashSpeak. Obtain copious stage time. No agenda, technicalities, etc - Just come along, have some fun & speak! Be on time, as entry door automatically locks close to start time. BONUS - SmashSpeak is not a Toastmasters Club Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

**Final Chakra Healing Journey in the Energy Enhancement System** **Chakra Healing Journey with Voice for Spirit Connie Rose** A progressive mind body spirit cleansing immersion within the Energy Enhancement System I am sharing an important and heartfelt update. The Energy Enhancement System will be closing its doors mid March 2026 and this journey will be the final chakra healing class series I will be offering within this powerful space. If you have ever felt drawn to this work or have experienced it before and wished to return this is a rare opportunity. There are limited spaces remaining and once this journey is complete this work will no longer be held within the Energy Enhancement System. This chakra healing journey is a progressive immersive experience designed to realign your energy awaken deep self understanding and restore harmony throughout your entire being. Each class focuses on a chakra emotionally physically and spiritually exploring the organs memories belief patterns and lived experiences connected to each energy centre. Within the amplified field of the Energy Enhancement System your body is gently supported to release stagnation and receive the healing frequency of love as it moves through your mind body and soul. Each class includes a guided chakra focused healing meditation energy alignment and integration time to allow your system to fully absorb the work. Participants receive detox salts to support energetic and physical cleansing between classes along with guidance on how to work with the chakra we are focusing on during the days that follow. This journey offers space to slow down reconnect and experience deep nourishment on every level. To ensure the full journey is completed prior to the system closing the class dates have been adjusted and will vary across the series. The journey will be held across six classes. This final journey carries a unique energy and significance. It is both a completion and a celebration and an invitation to experience this work one last time within a space that has held countless profound transformations. If you feel the call trust it. Spaces are limited and this experience will not be repeated in this form. Please reach out soon to secure your place. Step into a transformative immersion designed to realign your energy, deepen your self-understanding, and restore harmony throughout your entire being. We will focus on each chakra emotionally, physically, and spiritually, exploring the organs, memories, and lived experiences connected to each energy centre. Guided within the powerful field of the Energy Enhancement System, you will receive the healing frequency of love as it flows through your mind, body, and soul. Detox salts are included to support your cleansing process between sessions and assist your energetic system as it shifts and recalibrates. Guided healing meditations will be completed to deepen your connection and activate the chakra we are working with. **What You Will Explore Each class** * Class 1: Root Chakra (New start date: Wednesday Feb 4th 6:30pm-8:30pm)Grounding, safety, stability. Explore your foundation, survival patterns, and the organs connected to your sense of physical security. * Class 3: Solar Plexus, Heart & Throat Chakra - a day deep dive: (Sunday February 15th - 9.00am to 3.00pm) Solar Plexus: Personal power, self-worth, and boundaries. Connect with your inner fire and the digestive systems it influences. Heart Chakra Compassion, love, and forgiveness. Explore emotional wounds, heart-centred relationships, and the heart and lung connection. ThroatChakra Expression, communication, and truth. Heal blockages around speaking clearly and understand the influence of this centre on the thyroid and vocal system. * Class 4: Third Eye Chakra (Monday Feb 23rd 2026) Intuition, vision, and mental clarity. Strengthen your inner guidance and insight. * Class 5: Crown Chakra (Monday March 2nd 2026) Spiritual connection, higher consciousness, and expanded awareness. Explore your connection to higher guidance and your sense of oneness. * Class 6: Integration Week (Tuesday March 10th 2026 due to Labour day holiday) A full-system realignment and harmonisation. Anchor balance, clarity, and wholeness across all seven chakras, supported by a final integration meditation. About Your Guide: Voice for Spirit – Connie Rose Connie Rose is an industry leader in spiritual and energetic development. She blends energetic healing, a wide range of spiritual mentorship, and professional experience as an EFT practitioner to create deep, grounded transformation. In 2025, Connie was recognised as a Finalist in the International Spiritual Leadership Awards in the Medium category, acknowledging her dedication, accuracy, and service in her work with Spirit. Connie has spent many years working closely with the Spirit world and offers classes, workshops, mentorship programs, and retreats. Her mission is to help you find calm in the storm of life, feel closer to Spirit while staying grounded in the physical world, and restore balance across your mind, body, and soul. She teaches that by learning to listen to your chakras, you learn to listen to yourself, allowing your energy to naturally realign and heal. Pricing Previous Class Members: $795 (This is for those of you who have sat in my class in the past in the Energy Enhancement System) 1 WEEK SPECIAL $808 ENDS AUSTRALIA DAY - MIDNIGHT! Standard Pricing: $888 AFTERPAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE For more info on the Energy Enhancement System, go to [https://vyvemeditationcentre.com.au/](https://vyvemeditationcentre.com.au/) Book your ticket here: [https://events.humanitix.com/chakra-healing-journey-in-the-ees-8-weeks-starting-mon-feb-4th-2026](https://events.humanitix.com/chakra-healing-journey-in-the-ees-8-weeks-starting-mon-feb-9th-2026)

🚀 **Join event** **with** **The Web Meetup – First Event of 2026!** 📅 **5 February 2026 - 5:30pm start** 📍 **Rooftop, The Metropolitan Hotel (Melbourne CBD)** 🎟 **Free – Registration essential** We’re kicking off 2026 very differently. Instead of the usual panel or long-form talks, this time we’ve locked in 10+ speakers, standout thinkers, and innovators who will go head-to-head in fast, fiery, and fun mini-debates on topics like: * You can create a healthy team in a dysfunctional company * Returning to the office is amazing * AI changed my life in 2025 … and many more Expect short, sharp opinions, plenty of laughs, and a few takes that might flip your perspective. Come hang out on the rooftop, grab a drink, meet new folks, reconnect with that ex-colleague you secretly miss, and start 2026 in a community that’s curious, collaborative and inclusive. Register now, tickets are free, but spots are limited!

### Tools in your AI's Toolbox : An introduction to MCP Servers The generative AI revolution has unlocked unprecedented capabilities, but the next frontier is agency: empowering models to interact with, query, and act upon the world. The current challenge is the “N x M integration problem,” where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesn’t scale. How can we give an AI access to our sales leads, code repositories, or IoT devices in a standardized, secure, and reusable way? This session introduces Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connector—the USB-C port—for AI. MCP standardizes how AI models discover and use external tools, moving beyond simple function-calling to a robust, client-server architecture. We will dive into how this open protocol is creating a new ecosystem for building powerful, context-aware AI agents. Join this session for a developer-focused introduction where you will learn how to: Understand the core concepts of the open-source Model Context Protocol and its architecture. Utilize pre-built, open-source MCP servers to instantly connect AI to tools like Git, Slack, and databases. Build a custom MCP server to securely expose your own proprietary data and APIs as tools for any compliant AI. Move beyond bespoke integrations and contribute to a standardized, collaborative, and open ecosystem. Stop building one-off connectors and start building intelligent agents. This session will give you the practical knowledge to leverage MCP and create the next generation of AI that doesn’t just talk, but does. Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! [https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/](https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/)

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)