Ex-Muslim

Ramadan Sisters Iftar 🌙✨ Join us for a cozy Ramadan Iftar gathering for Muslim sisters in Melbourne. Let’s break our fast together, share good food, and connect in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re new to the city or simply looking to meet new friends, you’re more than welcome 💛 Note: the payment is to ensure you are coming to iftar as we have to make the reservation and payment to the restaurant prior to our iftar day Note: the payment of $60 is the amount per adult and to confirm your reservation.

🎶✨ **Live Music Night at Boho Lounge** ✨🎶 Enjoy an evening of **live music** with the talented trio **Peter Sullivan, Andrea Lees, and Harry Mullany**, performing a great mix of classic hits from the **1960s through to the 1980s**. 🕕 **Time:** 6 PM – 9 PM 📍 **Location:** **Boho Lounge** Come along, enjoy the music, and **grab a bite to eat or a drink** in our relaxed, welcoming space. Feeling fancy? 🍸 **Cocktails are just $16**, making it the perfect night to unwind with friends. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the live tunes, or the cocktails, it’s set to be a fun, feel-good evening at Boho.

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

\#\# 🎶 Live Music Sessions In 2026🔥 Join us for a fantastic Sunday afternoon of music, good vibes, and great company at the iconic Mission to Seafarers! **Dinash & Friends** bringing a unique mix of **Soul • Dance • Reggae • Pop vibes**. 😎 **Date:** Sunday, 15th March 2026 **Time:** 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM **Venue**: The Mission to Seafarers Victoria **Address:** 717 Flinders Street, Docklands (South Wharf Venue) **Cost:** **Free Entry** (Donations for costs are welcome) **Vibe:** Great venue, great vibe, great tunes, and drinks at great prices 🍺🍷 Live music in the ‘open air beer-garden’ (weather permitting) or in the courtyard under the rooftop. This is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, so come down to this iconic South Wharf venue and support the historic Mission to Seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria is a heritage-listed building in Melbourne's Docklands and provides welfare services to seafarers. Your attendance supports this vital cause! Getting there by public transport is easy - the tram stop is just nearby or it's just a short walk from Flinders Street station. Even closer from Southern Cross Station. Enter around the back to the beer garden. [Website](https://www.pianomanaustralia.com) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dinash.daniel.2025/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dinashdaniel) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRJ12M0lS6XorFBn_L8Y4A) \| [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eARClesHkH8wUNHCaFVOc) \| [TikTok](http://www.tiktok.com/@dinashdaniel)

Please join us this Sunday as we discuss if a secular society can replace the functions of religion (or spirituality), and what this may mean for our lives. We will look at this at both the social and individual level. **We will meet at the Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston Street, Carlton (100m north of previous location) at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. Find below some questions to consider, however these are free-ranging events and the below serve as a springboard for the discussion: **What might religion offer?** \- Meaning and existential orientation \- Moral formation \- Community and belonging \- Ritual and shared identity \- Authority and moral limits **Is religion needed?** \- Are some countries \(perhaps Australia\, perhaps the Nordic countries\) doing well with a secular society? \- Are they living off the moral inheritance of Christianity? If so\, how long will it last? \- Do we create quasi\-religions instead\, such as nationalism? \- If religion provides useful functions\, can we just replace them with something else? \- Does this question look different elsewhere\, such as in East Asian societies\. **Philosophers to draw upon** \- religion as social glue \(Durkheim\, Tocqueville\, Haidt\) \- religion as psychological response \(Hume\, James\) \- religion as declining foundation of morality \(Nietzsche\, MacIntrye\, Dostoevsky\) \- religion as historical force shaping society \(Weber\, Marx\) \- religion as replaceable or reformable \(Mill\, Comte\, Kant\) Hope to see you there!

## 🎶 Live Music Sessions In 2026🔥 Join us for a fantastic Sunday afternoon of music, good vibes, and great company at the iconic Mission to Seafarers! **Dinash & Friends** bringing a unique mix of **Soul • Dance • Reggae • Pop vibes**. 😎 **Date:** Sunday, 15th March 2026 **Time:** 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM **Venue**: The Mission to Seafarers Victoria **Address:** 717 Flinders Street, Docklands (South Wharf Venue) **Cost:** **Free Entry** (Donations for costs are welcome) **Vibe:** Great venue, great vibe, great tunes, and drinks at great prices 🍺🍷 Live music in the ‘open air beer-garden’ (weather permitting) or in the courtyard under the rooftop. This is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon so come down to this iconic South Wharf venue and support the historic Mission to Seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria is a heritage-listed building in Melbourne's Docklands and provides welfare services to seafarers. Your attendance supports this vital cause! Getting there by public transport is easy - the tram stop is just nearby or it's just a short walk from Flinders Street station. Even closer from Southern Cross Station. Enter around the back to the beer garden. [Website](https://www.pianomanaustralia.com/) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dinash.daniel.2025/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dinashdaniel) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRJ12M0lS6XorFBn_L8Y4A) \| [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eARClesHkH8wUNHCaFVOc) \| [TikTok](http://www.tiktok.com/@dinashdaniel)

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

Ayya Yeshe is a visiting nun from the Buddhist tradition. From the Open Sangha website - “Ayya Yeshe Bodhicitta is a Buddhist nun of 21 years, a teacher, contemplative and feminist activist. Ayya is the founder and director of Bodhicitta Foundation, a socially engaged Buddhist charity and girl’s home working to empower ex “untouchable” Ambedkarite people and poor women and children in Central India. Ayya teaches internationally and is the Abbess of Bodhicitta Dakini Buddhist Monastery, Tasmania, Australia. Ayya is the author of “Everyday Enlightenment” published by Harper Collins and has 100k hits on youtube as a sacred chants artist on the album “Dakini.” Ayya trained mainly in Tibetan Buddhism, but was fully ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh and stayed in Theravada monasteries for many years. Ayyas teachers are the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh and Bhante Sujato. She practices a fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and early Buddhism called the Mahayana Forest Tradition.” [www.bodhicitta-monastery.com](http://www.bodhicitta-monastery.com/) (Australia) [www.ayyayeshe.wordpress.com](http://www.ayyayeshe.wordpress.com/) [www.bodhicitta-vihara.com](http://www.bodhicitta-vihara.com/) (India) The discussion will be in Meeting Room 3 at the Kathleen Syme Library, Stefan - 0437777522

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Ready for a night of music, laughter, and fun? Join us at Thunderwing Brewery for Music Bingo — a lively twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and good vibes are guaranteed! RSVP to secure your spot. Text Renee (614-257-9389). (Headcount needed to make sure staffing can accommodate the group) Arrive early to get a seat - **bring a camping chair for extra seating.** Often the brewery has food trucks or you can bring in your own food. Bonus - You can bring your dog!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

I hope you'll join me at [Carfagna's](https://carfagnas.com/) AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. *Live, local acoustic music during dinner.* **Come by early for happy hour til 6pm.** Or, join us for dinner; show time is 6-9PM, Thursday. Reservation at 6pm for 12 under Michele Z (overflow can linger near the bar). Each Thursday they host live music in their beautiful upscale bar at **Carfagna's Ristorante**; but you need to check out everything this place has to offer Italian under one roof!!

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.