Election Reform

**Speakers:** Liam Byrne, currently working at the ACTU, a political historian and the author of the recently published: *[No Power Greater: A History of Union Action in Australia](https://www.mup.com.au/books/no-power-greater/9780522879292).* **Topic:** Unions in Australia and across the world have been under sustained attack in recent decades. At the same time, we have seen growing inequality and social polarisation. But Unions are making a comeback. Labour disputes around the world have hit the headlines as unions act to challenge inequality. Join our discussion on what unionism means and ask, ‘what is the place of unions in a modern democracy like Australia?’ **Cost:** Fabians financial members - Free; Non members - $5 (pay at door) Please [RSVP at this link](https://www.fabians.org.au/unions_in_australia_20260209) or on this meetup as places are limited. **After Event Dinner & Drinks:** all attendees are welcome to join us at a nearby hotel, The Clyde, for dinner and/or drinks after the event. **Support the Fabians** We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our members for all our events. Anyone who is not a member can support us by [joining up at this link.](https://www.fabians.org.au/become_a_member) Contributions are to help cover event and guest speaker costs etc.

**Toorak Toastmasters** was established via charter in Toorak, Victoria on May 22, 2015. We meet on the **2nd & 4th** Monday of each month. 6.50 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Please be on time for the meeting. Our meetings are held at Grattan Gardens Community Centre (GGCC), 40 Grattan St, Prahran. The atmosphere is informal allowing you to work on developing your speaking skills in a non-threatening environment. **What you will have a taste of:** * **Prepared Speeches**: Deliver speeches on topics you’re passionate about (Members only) * **Impromptu Speaking**: Practice thinking on your feet with quick, fun impromptu speaking for 1 - 2min. * **Constructive Feedback**: Receive valuable tips to help you improve, delivered in a positive, encouraging way. * **Leadership Roles**: Take turns leading the meeting, which helps you refine your organizational and leadership abilities. Come as a guest and get a feel of Toastmasters and our club TODAY! This is a safe and respectful space. We have a code of conduct, and harassment or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley in Richard Linklaters new film. “Directed by his longtime friend and collaborator Richard Linklater, Mr. Hawke makes the most of what might be the year’s most brilliant screenplay, by Robert Kaplow, by delivering a Hart full of mischief and wit, desperation and self-loathing. There has never been a great book written about Hart, but at last he has this movie to renew and restore his story.” Wall Street Journal. “Blue Moon, which plays out on the night of the premiere of Rogers and Hammerstein’s first hit, Oklahoma!, is a romantic, funny, moving, life-affirming chamber piece that is itself a great example of a three-way creative collaboration – between director Richard Linklater, writer Robert Kaplow and actor Ethan Hawke.” Screen Journal. We will meet in the Nova Bar from 6 p.m. onwards, please book your tickets early. Stefan - 0437777522

We’re back in 2026! Come play games with us! This venue is definitely biased towards "euro" style games but any and all games are welcome. Members will bring games that they like. Anything that is fun to play and share is welcome! Don't have a game, don't worry. We've got a decent selection, but you're always welcome to bring a game if you would like. Never played a board game before or it's been 20 years? No problem, we'd be happy to show you how to play. We love beginners, because we were all beginners at one point. Life is full of stress, let Monday nights be a fun night. Some of the games our regulars own: Settlers of Catan Power Grid Dead of Winter Terraforming Mars Stone Age Elder Sign Resistance/Avalon One Night Werewolf Hanabi Race for the Galaxy King of Tokyo Puerto Rico Ticket to Ride Europe 7 Wonders Love Letter Red Planet Century Spice Road Dune and Dark Moon Also, come to a couple of Meetups and Grab your very own discount card for Mindgames in the CBD. For 10% off and other exclusive discounts.

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy. 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is specifically for games only (no training). There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing for 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points, with a cap at 18 points. These games are intended to be played at a high-intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level. Please see an explanation of skill levels on our website here: https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for Intermediate players. Players should be able to: * Have strong fundamentals for all volleyball techniques * Serve receive a majority of serves well & serve over the net consistently * Basic understanding of 5-1, and 6-2 systems (we do not play a pass middle 4-2 system in this session) * Have an understanding of base defense * Know all/most volleyball rules Players that are not of the intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level will be asked to leave as we want to ensure that all players have an enjoyable time playing. **[[HOW MUCH $$]]** $14 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked from 7 PM-9 PM weekly, every Monday. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. Last minute dropouts and no shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advanced if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted into the gymnasium.

This is a public lecture every month on the second Tuesday at the Unitarian hall in East Melbourne. It is also on zoom. For details see http://vic.theatheist.net/ Or ring John 0411 143744

Join us for the next **Men Unplugged** dinner. A monthly catch-up for separated dads who want to connect, reflect, and just be themselves. Whether you're navigating the early days of separation or further along the journey, this is a relaxed space to meet other men who get what you're going through. No pressure, no expectations. Just real conversation, good food, and the chance to connect with other guys who understand the ups and downs of fatherhood after separation. Each dinner has a theme to guide the conversation—but sharing is completely optional. You can talk, listen, or just enjoy the company. **Spots are limited to 15 men**, so booking is essential. **📅 Date:** Wednesday, 11th of February 2026 **🕢 Time:** 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM **📍 Location:** Hardimans Hotel, 521 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC **🎟️ Cost:** Pay as you go: Steak, chicken parma, burger or pizza ($20-25). Drinks at bar prices. There is ample free parking in the area. Getting there with public transport: Getting There by Train: Take the Craigieburn Line and get off at Kensington Station. From there, it’s a short 3-minute walk to Hardimans Hotel.

Smashing! Try something new Thursday - Meeting in Rainbow room Interactive groups and workshop Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops anf groups every meet 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, all funds stay home Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Rainbow room More to come...

Allow your senses to be transformed by the evening's music and atmosphere, indulge in the delectable cocktails and cuisine, with food available through the bar or surrounding restaurant, plus some complimentary treats for all who attend served by our special waiters. Witness the uniquely erotic performances the Court has to offer with stage shows planned for the entire evening; Dance, delight, and socialise! [(Link to tickets here)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1520802) All profits from this event will be going towards Vixen, the critical advocacy group for Melbourne sex workers . This is an 18+ event, and remember clothing is not consent, always ask before touching. Event photographers present. The Venue's ours for the entire night, so prepare accordingly!

**Accessibility Allies monthly roundtable** (summer edition) Proudly supported by [Builure](https://www.linkedin.com/company/builure/posts/) **Meet accessibility professionals and advocates.** Listen to their hot takes or share your own. Will others agree or will they challenge it? * No presentations * Open discussion * Exchange ideas * Genuine connections **Tuesday 10 February 2026** **5:00 pm** \- 7:00 pm **Please arrive 10 mins early** to sign in as a building guest. **[Registration via Humanitix](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-allies-2026-02) is essential** **Free** Light refreshments provided (incl vegetarian and GF) **WeWork** 120 Spencer Street, Melbourne Sign in as a building guest on level 22 before 5pm. * Quiet exclusive space * Wheelchair access * Accessible toilet Please contact us if you have any accessibility needs or questions about this event.

A deep dive into the People-first Leadership domain of the Business Agility model What leadership behaviours are necessary for your organisation to remain competitive in today's era of AI adoption — where technology is advancing faster than organisational leadership systems can adapt. In this interactive 60-minute session, you will deep dive into the People-first Leadership domain of the Business Agility Institute’s Business Agility Model, examining how leadership must evolve to enable effective, ethical, and sustainable AI adoption. AI doesn’t just change tools and processes — it reshapes decision-making, accountability, trust, learning, and power dynamics. This session explores how the leadership domain addresses those shifts through its underlying capabilities and observable behaviors, including: • Fostering authentic relationships in environments increasingly mediated by AI • Empowering with accountability when decisions are augmented (or automated) • Realising people’s potential as learning, judgment, and creativity become the human differentiators This is not a theory-heavy talk. The session is designed around dialogue, reflection, and shared experience, drawing on what participants are seeing firsthand as AI enters their organisations. What you’ll gain: • A clear leadership lens for navigating AI adoption beyond tools and frameworks • Insight into which leadership behaviors accelerate AI-enabled value • Practical takeaways and leadership experiments you can apply immediately The session will be facilitated by Leo Marando, leadership coach, experienced organisational design & transformation consultant, and co-organiser of MelBAM. Pizza and drinks will be provided, thanks to our sponsor, TeamForm 🍕🍻 — because the best learning happens through great conversations (and with a full stomach). Come ready to think, share, and rethink what leadership means in the age of AI.

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

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

**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.

CONNECTED – Grove City A casual, people-first networking gathering. CONNECTED – Grove City is a casual, people-first networking gathering. Join us for a relaxed, low-pressure space to meet new people, build real relationships, and have meaningful conversations — no sales pitches required. From 7:30–8:30 AM every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Grove City Business Center. Coffee & baked goods available for purchase at Pick ’Em Up Joe's. Free street & public lot parking behind the building. Free to attend & open to all!

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

Please Join Us For The Winter Session Of Family-to-Family Winter session of F2F dates are Feb 12 – Apr 3 [https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/](https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/).