Empty Nesters

Do you run your own business or work for yourself and wish that you had a community of like-minded women who share the same experiences as you? If so, join us for a freelancers/entrepreneurs/self-employed networking dinner where we can share our stories. Entrepreneurship and self-employment can be a lonely journey. We go through unique things and experiences, and our ups and downs can feel a lot more intense. But there's no reason why we need to go through this experience alone, when we have a community of women who have experienced what you have, and might even be able to point you in the right direction. It doesn't matter if you're a startup founder, a self-employed designer, or a part-time freelance consultant; anyone and everyone who runs a business is welcome.

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) The Wharf Hotel by the river. Southern Cross Station is closest. Ask at the bar to find us. Or call us 0403193785. Tonight's Social Evening Schedule: (Ideas welcome) 6pm to 6.45pm: Socializing​​ 6.45pm to 6.55pm: Introduction and overview of the evening by Jim including go-around introduction​​ 6.55pm to 7pm: A word from Mat our founder​​ 7pm to 7.10pm A paired connection question to get people talking with one another​​ 7.10pm to 7.30pm: Guest Topic: Jim will review the 2023 memoir *Live Fight Survive. One Soldier's extraordinary story of the War against Russia* by Shaun Pinner with Matt Allen. Shaun is a British soldier who married a Ukrainian, Larysa. He joined the Ukrainian Marines and fought in the 2022 invasion defence at Mariiupol, before being captured then tortured then released in an exchange; a true story of incredible heroic resilience defending modern-day democracy. 10 mins talk. 10 mins Q&A. 7.30pm to 8.15pm: Readings section open to all to read out something from their work up to 4 minutes. Feedback optional.​​ 8.15pm to 9.30pm: Socializing. Optional. Many of us love this as a chance to connect personally in a screen-addicted culture. • Come out and meet some like-minded folks who enjoy writing and other entertainment and creative outlets. We'll hang around until at least 8.30pm, but often later. All age ranges, all writing types (and entertainment types), all the way from never writing and up to published authors. • This night is about you. So chat to people, read out your work, give feed back, get to know everyone... Or, feel free to sit back and chill. It's your night, enjoy it how you see fit. **Please only RSVP if you can make it.** **We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming.** **We have added an attendee limit, so please update your RSVP if you can not make it.** Thank you, Melbourne Writers. The Wharf Hotel food menu: https://www.wharfhotel.com.au/eat-and-drink Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by getting in contact so you can add to these social pages and site - matclarke.author@gmail.com**

Our Tuesday evening class will have you moving and grooving to the beat. We build in strength and resistance training into every class, you won't even feel like you're exercising. One 55 minute workout will have you burning calories and building strength, flexibility and boosting your mood! We offer a trial class for $10 then if you like it you can purchase our 2 month unlimited class pass to all our classes for just $99.

Never been to one of our meet-ups before? Been a member for a while or just joined? Either way this is the social for you! Once a month we hold a special meet-up to welcome in new members. Regulars are encouraged to attend and help new members have a fun night out! Our monthly “newbie” social is an opportunity to learn about our groups, events held and resources to help members. More importantly it is an opportunity to meet others going through separation & divorce in a safe and friendly environment. We can all learn from each other, but the primary aim of the socials is to enjoy ourselves! Our socials are hosted by members of the Divorce Support & Social Group and the Melbourne Divorce Support Group. We pay for own food and drinks individually. On Wednesday nights the Royal Melbourne has $20 pizza and pasta specials. Great food and great company. We hope to see you!

**Ever been put on the spot and wished for just a few more seconds to think?** *At this Toastmasters meeting, our Skill Shot presenter and MC will share practical techniques to help you structure your thoughts quickly, respond with clarity, and speak with confidence—no matter the topic.* Impromptu speaking can feel intimidating. Sometimes your mind floods with ideas. Other times it goes completely blank. And occasionally, you’re asked to speak on something you know very little about. The pressure can be real. But here’s the truth: great impromptu speaking isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing how to think. You’ll learn simple, reliable frameworks that help you organise your thoughts instantly, craft coherent responses, and sound composed and credible—even when you’re completely unprepared. By the end of the evening, you’ll be equipped to handle surprise questions, meetings, interviews, and everyday conversations with calm confidence and mental agility. **THIS IS A CURATED GUEST EVENT** Join us tonight at Port Melbourne Toastmasters and discover how to think fast, speak clearly, and turn any unexpected moment into an opportunity to shine. *Guests, Meetup Group members, and visiting Toastmasters attend for free.* 🌐 [www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org](http://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org) 📍 Where: Find directions [here](https://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org/directions.html) ***Port Melbourne Toastmasters is a club for people who are serious about developing their speaking, leadership, and personal presence.*** We offer limited, curated guest sessions throughout the year for prospective members. These sessions allow you to experience our high-engagement, growth-focused environment firsthand — without open access to every meeting.

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, 18th of March 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.

Enjoy a Williamstown Italian Festival & Market, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach. With foreshore Kiosk/Cafe OR Cafe opposite beach, towards end of walk. Forecast --C, sunny. Meet Outside Williamstown Station (last station on the the line\*). Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here). Meet between 12:45-1pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text. We'll walk to view historic Time-Ball Tower (only 5 in world still operational\*) then via Point Gellibrand Coastal Reserve to small Italia Festa on Garden St, near ***Williamstown Beach side*** *of Williamstown* We'll spend about 45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to eat or take home. Bring bag or something to put any purchases (if you do) in. From Festa we'll walk to & through Park like Botanic Gardens. We can stop here at a picnic table, & enjoy our drink or food we bought. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets before here on walk; but some at Station/Meet Point) We'll then walk along the foreshore path near beach Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe for icecream or cold drink — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (23C forecast), After that almost final stop, we can walk to Williamstown Beach Station. Those who drove can easily get train 1 station to Williamstown Stn Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR credit card (new) Option tap may be also available. Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled. OR, **after** Meetup/Walk, & Stops, ***some*** may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area) — *need to walk to Shops/Historic/Gem Pier side of Williamstown, for ferry.* OR, **after** Meetup/Walk, take train (15 mins) to Yarravill if have a myki, OR credit card (new) Option tap may be also available. Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled. OR, **after** Meetup/Walk, & Stops, ***some*** may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area) — *need to walk to Shops/Historic/Gem Pier side of Williamstown, for ferry.* OR, **after** Meetup/Walk, take train (15 e Festival (on till 6pm) I've put duration as generous 3 hours (to allow for longer time at festa, or gardens & at a kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish. Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75-90 minutes/4.5-5 kms. Will be nice 23C Sunny; remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water. This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult). Getting there: A train arrives at 12:26. Next arrives at 12:46, if you are on that, or late, please post a comment on Meetup. If all rsvps arrive by 12:40 we'll leave. My Phone 0402816644. *Best to phone/text*, than msg me via Meetup; i still have issues re direct msgs on Meetup loading on my phone. If you're quite late go to Garden St; our walk ETA there is 1:30; will post a find us point Public Transport: Take (direct) Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station. Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train. \*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are: North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, **Williamstown Station**/line ends. Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station. Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area. There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours. There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station. Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree. Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station.

Fellas, Come along, grab a coffee, and connect with other dads who understand life after separation. Chat if you feel like it, and enjoy a good coffee.

**Self-Proclaimed Trivia Master, Paul, has all the questions AND answers**: All YOU have to do is bring the answers. Easy? Let's find out. Let's warm up with the question that I like to ask to establish your age range and IQ. Don't be shy. Shout this one out. What's Jenny's number? (warm up questions answer is posted at the bottom) Okay, not bad. I heard that. RSVP and form up into teams of up to 4 people when you show up. Compete for prizes so large we had to park them at the airport. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Dead Last (that one's more of a remedial learning aid, but it will be fun. I promise). **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! (ps - empty the glasses into the sink, not the trash ... please) **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host* **Answer**: *867-5309* / You Knew It! Even if you were not bold enough to shout it out. If you didn't know it, that's okay. Not all of the questions will be aimed at octogenarians.

**Starliner Diner -** We'll shut down wine club at 8 pm this evening and take a short walk to our neighborhood eclectic eatery - Starliner Diner. Join us after wine club for a snack or meal. Starliner is a longtime favorite in Hilliard. Please RSVP early AND Please let me know in the comments if you plan to join us after at the diner so I can have accurate numbers for the reservations. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.