Farm Animal Rights

**Speaker:** Kelly O’Shanassy, former Chair of Australian Conservation Foundation and incoming Chair of Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. **Topic:** The Nature Positive Plan, launched in 2022, sets out the government’s commitment to reform Australia’s environmental laws. These reforms are wide-reaching and ambitious. When will we see measurable improvements? Will they be enough to protect and restore our unique environment? What are the challenges? **Note** this event will be preceded by the Victorian Fabians AGM at 7:00pm - all Victorian financial members of the Fabians are invited to attend - [details here.](https://www.fabians.org.au/fabians_victoria_agm_2026_20260423?e=277add52a01e9b78e1bc863a51d2cd66&utm_source=australianfabians&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=australia_s_nature_positive_1&n=4) **Cost:** Fabians financial members - Free; Non members - $5 (pay at door) Please [RSVP at this link](https://www.fabians.org.au/australia_s_nature_20260423) or on this meetup as places are limited. **After Event Dinner & Drinks:** all attendees are welcome to join us at a nearby venue for dinner/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.

Get ready for a night full of rhythm, passion, and Latin vibes at Pachanga Bar Melbourne! 💃🕺 Join us every Thursday for our Bachata & Salsa Social Night — the perfect midweek escape to dance, learn, and connect with amazing people. ✨ What to expect: * 🕣 8:30 PM – Free Bachata Class (Perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to improve their moves) * 💃 9:30 PM till Midnight – Social Dance Party with the best Bachata, Salsa & Latin hits * 🍸 Free Entry * 📍 Pachanga Bar – 95 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD No partner or experience needed — just bring your best energy and a big smile! Enjoy delicious cocktails, meet friendly people, and let the Latin beats take over the dance floor.

If you've got soul and love to sing, join us on Thursday 23rd April at 6pm. No audition needed! The wonderful Monique Boggia leads us, helping us bring songs to life like I Second That Emotion, Son of a Preacher Man, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Tracks of My Tears. We meet above the bar at **FAD Gallery,** 14 Corrs Lane, Melbourne. (Corrs Lane is in Chinatown, off Little Bourke Street). Grab a drink before we start and take it upstairs. After we sing, we love to be social and always have a drink and a chat in the bar. There's no need to commit to every week in this 10 week term. You can pay **$20** per session or pay in advance for the whole term: **$100**. Prologue - 16 April - Member led greatest hits session - Free to attend Class dates for Term 1, 2026 Week 1 - 23 April- Term payment or casual payment per session Week 2 - 30 April Week 3 - 7 May Week 4 - 14 May Week 5 - 21 May Week 6 - 28 May Week 7 - 4 June Week 8 - 11 June Week 9 - 18 June Week 10 - 25 June Any questions? Email Dan at xx.danscott@gmail.com

Welcome to Pachanga Nights – Melbourne’s Latin Party Spot! 🎉 If you love Latin music, good vibes, and meeting fun people — this is your group! Pachanga Bar is the heart of Melbourne’s Latin nightlife, bringing together locals and internationals every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for unforgettable nights of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, and Latin hits. Join us to dance, socialize, and enjoy delicious cocktails, mojitos, and Latin energy in the city center. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll always find a warm and friendly community waiting for you. 📍 Location: 95 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD 🎶 Music: Latin, Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata & Global Beats 🍹 Drinks: Mojitos, Margaritas, Latin Cocktails & Signature Shots 🕺 Events: Weekly parties, themed nights & special celebrations Follow us on Instagram for updates: @pachangaau Come experience the true Latin vibe of Melbourne — every night is a Pachanga! 💃🔥

[iHarvest Coworking Sunshine](https://iharvestcoworking.com.au/) is holding a free open day this Friday so local start-ups, entrepreneurs and small business operators can experience what co-working in our professional and contemporary office suite is all about. Come see for yourself! **Date:** Friday 24 April 2026 **Time:** 9:00am - 5:00pm **Where:** [iHarvest Coworking - L4/301 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020](https://share.google/k7JuK4BTXM6igsfPk) Light refreshments provided.

**2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA, BACHATA** **& RUEDA DE CASINO DANCE CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** **EVERY THURSDAY** *\* No dance experience necessary* *\* No partner required* *\* Open to all adult ages* At: **BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH HALL** 495-497 Centre Rd, Bentleigh (\* Located opposite the Bentleigh RSL) **\* HALL Entry** \- via the front entrance of the church \- Go past the glass panel doors \- We are at the far end\, in the back room on the right\. **2026 BENTLEIGH PROGRAM:** **6.15pm – 7.30pm** **#1: CUBAN SALSA BEGINNER** Starting with the **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS** An extra 15 minutes has been added, aimed specifically to assist new Beginners with a slower breakdown of the main basic steps. More experienced Beginners are recommended to come use this to strengthen their core steps. We found that by doing it this way, new students get a much better dance experience overall. This leads into the main Beginner Salsa lesson. **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA** (Main Beginner Class) *(Beginner to Improver Level)* *TOTAL CLASS TIME: **1 Hour & 15 Minutes***)\*\* **7.30PM – 8.30PM** **\*\* CLASS #2:** **CUBAN SALSA / RUED DE CASINO** **IMPROVER - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MAIN CLASS** *(Covering Rueda De Casino & Cuban Salsa)* \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner level steps and turns\. This Improver to Intermediate level class will concentrate on Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino to raise the level of the Beginners to Improver Level and higher\. **What is Rueda De Casino?** *Rueda De Casino*, also called just *'Rueda'*, in it's basic form means 'Casino wheel', where dance couples comes together to form a circle, with one main 'caller', who calls out the names of different Cuban Salsa figures made up of different sequences of fun dance moves, which are danced by the couples in synchronisation. As the level of the dancers improve, so does the figures performed become more elaborate and complicated and with the constant change of partner calls, make the dance fun and exciting for the dancers, as well as spectators who view the dance. **8.30pm – 9.30pm** **\*\*\* CLASS #3: BACHATA** *(Absolute Beginner to Improver Level)* \* No experience or partner necessary - all welcome \- Bachata is the second most popular Latin dance around the world after Salsa **CLASS COST:** Casual/Drop-in attendance: Any Main class - $20 per class Any 2 Classes on the night - $30 for both classes or Do ALL CLASSES on the night for only $35! ***\* Please note:*** We only accept **CASH** on this night **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes when starting are low or flat smooth sole shoes like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals & open toe shoes. Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor & can interfere with your turns **MEDICAL:** Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes. **COVID PROTOCOLS:** \* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, please do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitize hands frequently **PRIVATE LESSONS:** We provide private lessons on a one-to-one basis, with or without a dance partner and for private groups at a time that suits you

How can we understand the situation of truth and its relation to power today? \*Please note you must book your ticket from https://www.voicecraft.io/events On Thursday April 23rd we make space for conversations that rarely happen anywhere else. Underground Philosophy is where spectators become participants. Spoken participation is optional. Guiding this collective inquiry is Tim Adalin, supported by members of The Voicecraft Network. 5:30pm — Doors 6:00pm — Start 8:00pm — End 8:00pm onwards — Optional speakeasy upstairs Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets, Collingwood. Tickets must be booked before arrival. Full details: https://www.voicecraft.io/events (payments are handled by Humanitix)

**Join your local guides on the best pub crawl in Melbourne!** Meet at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, and explore the best, most well-known venues with people from all over the world. With **4 free 'welcome shots'** upon entry to each bar followed by exclusive drink deals at each, you'll see just why Melbourne is known as the nightlife capital of Australia! Experience a range of Melbourne's most famous bars & pubs throughout the night, with **free entry** for all, and reduced entry/recommendations at the end of the event to keep your night going strong! Play games, **win prizes** and mingle with locals, travelers & everything in between on the most sought-after event in Melbourne! * **4 FREE SHOTS** * **4 BARS ALL WITH FREE SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRY** * **PLENTY OF GAMES AND PRIZES TO BE WON** * **UNLIMITED MEMORIES & CHANCES TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA!** Starting at 5:30PM at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, you will receive your skip-the-line wristband, free welcome shot and mingle with other attendees before we introduce our games and prizes to be won throughout the evening. We then mix it up weekly, visiting some of Melbourne's most iconic and well-known bars with your pub crawl crew who have lived and breathed the city for most of their lives. **Make sure to lock in your spot ASAP as tickets often sell out!**

This is a chance to meet some peeps, hang out, chat, eat some snacks and maybe play some poker. Don't worry if you don't know how to play. We are happy to teach you. There's no charge and we don't use real money, but we do have prizes for first at each table. Cool drinks, snacks and chocolate will be provided. This is an alcohol free event.

Hi Guys, With Anzac Day on April 25, lets watch the Anzac Day march/parade and then later have lunch at the food court at South Gate afterword. For those who have not been, the ANZAC Day march is a really special event. For those who wish to watch the march/parade, we will meet at 10am at the Floral Clock (see map pin and image below). Look for the really tall guy – that’s me. (I'll most likely be wearing a blue Australia hat). At around 10:15, we will find a spot to watch the parade for about an hour/hour and a half. We won't be too far from the Floral Clock. At around 12pm or so (maybe 12:30pm), we will head over to the South Gate food court. For anyone who just wants to come to the lunch after, we will arrive at the South Gate Food Court at around 11:45am or 12pm. Should be all finished by around 1:45pm. Notes: **(1) Please Bring Suitable clothes** depending on the weather forecast (coat/umbrella/hat etc.) **(2) Allow extra time for arriving there**. Parking can be difficult. Public transport can be easiest option but remember there are no trams running down St Kilda Road because of the parade. Also, if you are on the opposite side of St Kilda Road to the meeting point, it may take time to cross because of the parade (usually, they don't allow you to cross the road while the parade is on, but sometimes they do). **(3) Call or text me** on 0437 595 848 if you are having trouble finding us. (4) During our lunch, we will have a short discussion with the topic 'What does ANZAC Day mean to you? What do you think of sacrifice and service?'

Join us for 30 minutes Spanish conversation then 30 minutes in English Conversaremos 30 minutos en español y luego 30 minutos en inglés. Stay on afterwards for more conversation if you wish. Quédate después para conversar más si lo deseas. We'd love to catch up with you and hear your news in Spanish and English. Looking forward to meeting you there. Nos encantaría pasar el tiempo y escuchar tus historias en español e inglés. Esperamos verte allí. NB: This event includes free salsa and bachata lessons for those interested! 💃🏼🕺💃🏼🕺 ***Please note:*** *For attendance outdoors see disclaimer below:* *By participation in this Spanish English Intercambio Meetup today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: tripping; Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazardBites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

Watch movie trailer here: https://www.seedsthefilm.com/ SEEDS Documentary and Community Conversation Friday, April 24 | 5-9pm Locatjon: Ohio Dominican University | Matesich Theater in Erskine Hall 1216 Sunbury Rd Room 108, Columbus, OH 43219 Through dialogue and film, spend an evening explore the lives of Black generational farmers, the unjust history of land ownership, and local Black farmers creating new legacies today. Seeds Documentary and Community Conversation is the second event in Shepherd’s Corner Land Justice Series, where we welcome BIPOC artists, filmmakers, writers, and growers to teach us, through intentional programming, what it means to be on and part of the land. This event is sponsored with Ohio Dominican University and Ohio Dominican University’s Black Student Union. Click here to access a flyer to help spread the word about SEEDS Documentary and Community Conversation **ABOUT Seeds** Seeds is Director Brittany Shyne’s Sundance-winning lyrical documentary of Black farmers, legacy, and land. “Interweaving the stories of three Black generational farmers to create a collective and intimate portrait of farming today, Seeds is a moving and powerful exploration of their lives, joys and struggles as well as the fragility of legacy and owning land.” Seedsthefilm.com **PANEL DISCUSSION: LOCAL BLACK FARMERS CREATING NEW LEGACIES** * Moderator Holly Moten Fidler, M.A. in Social Justice & Public Theology (MASJ/MAPT) student at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) and Seminary Hill Farm worker * Julialynne Walker, Food Sovereignty Advocate and Market Manager Bronzeville Growers Market * Minister Aaron Hopkins, Visionary Farmer Planner of South Side Family Farms and Executive Director of ICANDO Community Development * Jada Terry, Founder of Mizizi Farm and Fresh Roots 614 SCHEDULE * 5 pm: Doors Open + Refreshments served. Informal Meet and Greet with Panelists and Guests * 6 pm: Opening + Panel Discussion * 7 pm: SEEDS Screening Free Admission. Registration Required. Register for free here: https://shepherdscorner.org/seeds/

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/) A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices. This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community. Bring any of the following to share: * **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.) * **Plants or cuttings** (optional) Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!* Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ) Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.

Get ready for a fun night with amazing food, great energy, and even better company! 🥰✨ 🍽️ Portia’s Café — 6:30PM 🛼 Skate Zone 71 — 8:30PM Come join us for delicious vegan food and/or roller skating — it’s totally up to you! Whether you come for the food, the skating, or both… you’re in for a great time 💗 📍 Portia’s Café 4424 Indianola Ave Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229

**Hike Slate Run Metro Park and visit the Living Historical Farm. We will aim for 3.5 to 4 miles of hiking and then do a quick pass through the Living Historical Farm. From there those who are interested can join for lunch at Brewdog, 96 Gender Way, Canal Winchester, just 11 minutes away.** **If you’d like to spend more time at the Farm plan on arriving early (they open at 9).** **Living Historical Farm: Time has been turned back to the 1880s at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. Experience first-hand what life was like on a 19th-century Ohio farm. As you stroll through the gardens, barns and farmhouse, you will see the farm’s costumed staff and volunteers going about their daily chores. Pigs, geese, turkeys, Percheron horses and other heirloom animals can be seen.** **The gothic revival farmhouse was built in 1856 and restored by Metro Parks for authenticity. Visitors can tour the living room, parlor and kitchen and watch the farm ladies prepare meals on a woodburning stove and tend the house. The multi-bay barn was built by Samuel Oman, the fourth owner of Slate Run Farm, and restored by Amish carpenters.** **Allow at least three hours and maybe more if you're joining for lunch.** **Pace is 17-18 minute miles with no one left behind. Faster walkers are free to lead - I'll have the route well defined - and we can meet up at the farm.** **This is the fourth of the metro parks.**

**Pickleball + coffee + community 🌱** **Let’s kick things off with pickleball at Park of Roses, then join us at Blackend Coffee to unwind and connect.** **Pickleball 🏓 10:30am-12:30pm** **Blackend Coffee ☕️ 🌯 1-3pm** **All levels welcome!** **Can’t waitt to see everyone!** **📍 Park of Roses** **3901 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43214** **📍Blackend Coffee** **2619 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43202**

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.