Farscape

This is a 2-3 day ride and walking tour . We be staying at Polana Camp near Healsville Sanctuary. "Polana" Camp, is a historic camp set up by post WWII polish migrants, within 4.1 hectares of a native bushland. Located at Badger Creek, it is just 3km away from Healesville town centre with a number of unique cafes and restaurants, supermarkets and more. It is also a walking distance (1.5 km) from the famous Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. There are a number of tourist's attractions in close proximity and a short drive to the Victoria Yarra Valley wine region with tens of wineries having open cellar doors for visitors. The camp is known for its rich bird life. Very often a laughing kookaburra can be heard, and a number of parrot species would come to the ground (eg. Rosellas, King and Cockies incl the black ones), that are friendly enough to seat on your shoulder or hand for feeding (the camp staff can provide seeds on request).The forest is still a large part of the camp, with a native Australian bushwalking track throughout the property if one would like to explore. Leaving 11:00 from Lillydale Station via the rail trail to Woori Yallock then on back roads to the Polana Camp. The first day will be easy ride around 40km. Arrive at the camp around 3.00 pm . Then can do a walk around the property . Second day ride to Maroondah Dam for a view then on to Yarra Glen for lunch then returning back to Polana. Third day. Into Healsville for late Breakfast at Beechworth Bakery then onto Lilydale Station. Saturday's Route: [Saturdays](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53366453) Sunday's Route: [Sunday Route](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53166553) Monday's Route : [Healsville to Lillydale](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53397405) You will need. A sleeping bag, pillow case as there are bunks, You can also pitch a tent. Insect repellent. Walking Shoes. Spare tube,repair kit,water There is plenty for food options in Healsville and Yarra Glen . Saturday night there will be a late night BBQ as its a tradition at this camp . Cost: $90.00 for the weekend. Payment David Kuttner CBA bsb 067167 account 1128 5085 It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day. This ride is for MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding with us. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found [here](https://www.mbtc.org.au/refund-cancellation-policy/) When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organizer from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

EVERY FRIDAY! FREE dance classes & social dancing and Reggaeton every week with Obsesión Latina - Salsa & Bachata & OYE Latino at The Albion Rooftop - South Melbourne! Main room: 6:45pm Doors open. Come in for a drink! 7:00pm 2 levels of Salsa classes 8:00pm 2 levels of Bachata classes 9:00pm Non-stop Bachata & Salsa 10:30pm Reggaeton all night! Rooftop: 10:45pm After the Bachata & Salsa in the main room, we can head upstairs to the rooftop for some more Bachata & Salsa until midnight followed by old school Reggaeton hits. FREE entry all night every Friday! Book your class spots to helps us manage the class ratios and also because we may need to start capping numbers as we sometimes have over 140 students! First-timers welcome! No need to bring a partner, but the more the merrier! Dress as if you're going to a bar/club. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/643132756387?aff=oddtdtcreator https://facebook.com/events/s/free-salsa-bachata-classes-and/774826730817092/

**Are you looking for a way to launch your New Year in a fresh spacious manner? This could be for you.** **January 1st - 3rd for 45 minutes.** Three mornings of Meditation to start the New Year. Come for one, two or all three mornings and join us at a local cafe afterwards. Whether you are new to meditation or an old practitioner, this is for you. Jenny Anderson is a meditation instructor with 20 years of experience. She will guide you in a spacious, non judgemental manner, with a number of short sits in our beautiful Buddhist Centre in Carlton North. No need to register - Just come along. Concession $5 Working $10 Visit our Website: [https://rigpa.org.au/rigpa-melbourne/](https://rigpa.org.au/rigpa-melbourne/)

***Picture:*** *Tanya & Julie about to do some Saturday magic ...* **Event posted in other places so number shown below doesn't represent how many people will actually come.** **Saturday 3rd January** Come along ANYTIME between 10.30am and 5.30pm. **Only $20**, pay on the day - BUT PLEASE DON'T COME IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LIVE WITH FEELS SICK with COVID or FLU! You know? We know how it is … You've read the books and looked up stuff online … and you’re bursting with ideas and questions and you want to talk about it with someone … but … your family won’t understand, your friends won’t take you seriously … and don’t even think about your workmates … That’s why, many years ago, we started Magic Saturdays to provide a safe, comfortable and very pagan space where you can immerse yourself in Witchcraft, Paganism, Magic, Spells, Rituals … everything … nothing is off-limits and there are no stupid questions. Each Saturday, apart from the obvious conversations, we try to do some magic just so you can get a feel for it. The people that come along range from complete beginners to those that have been living the pagan life for some time. It doesn’t matter. Everyone has something to contribute or some just want to soak up the atmosphere. Either way, whether you come for half an hour or the whole day you’ll feel refreshed, empowered and validated … and you may have even met some of our nature spirits. Our shop is also open (it doesn’t cost anything if you just want to come and look at the shop), so remember to top up on your magical supplies while you’re here. We now also have a selection of potted herbs for sale including such magical herbs as Mugwort, Rue and Squill. Tarot readings are also available. When: Saturday, 3rd January … Time: … anytime between 10.30am & 6.00pm Where: 130 Boronia Rd., Vermont, Melbourne, 3133 Cost: $20 03 9873 3736 (please note this event is also posted on our website and facebook pages, so the number of people attending shown here does not reflect the number of people that will turn up) **Email:** esoteric666@optusnet.com.au **Website:** [https://esotericbookshop.org](https://esotericbookshop.org/) **How to find us :** https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 
Leanne & Lyn 💕

Come Trek to the incredible nerd heaven that is Fortress Melbourne! Eat, drink, and Trek out with us in this incredible venue. This month attendees will get a speciall Christmas door prize!! Amazing pub snacks, full meals and drinks of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety are available at the bar at pub prices. Come for all or some of the social event. FINDING US : Easiest way is to enter the Emporium shopping mall from any entrance and head to the basement level. Just walk right in to the tavern side of Fortress (there is no entry fee). We'll be at a table somewhere near the bar! Look for Starfleet uniforms. OPTIONAL : If you can, please make a small donation on the day to help cover the Meetup platform fees!

Ever wondered how humanity would respond to an asteroid heading for Earth? Or how the world might react to first contact with aliens? Welcome to **The Thought Experiment** — a new kind of meetup where we explore big *“What if…?”* scenarios in a fun but thoughtful way. Each session, we’ll pick one scenario (from global crises to wild sci-fi situations) and work together to imagine solutions, strategies, and possibilities. This is for **curious minds of all kinds** — students, professionals, creatives, or anyone who enjoys thinking differently. Some people might bring research, others just bring imagination. Either way, we’ll brainstorm together and see where the discussion takes us. **We ask everyone to Buy a drink at the venue** **Format:** * Quick intro to the scenario * Small-group discussions * Share back with the group * Wrap up + (optional) post-discussion drinks For our first meetup, we’ll introduce the format, get to know each other, and jump into a scenario together. Keywords: Morality, End of the World, Survival, Debate **Scenario: Judgement Day (ENCORE)** ☢️ The sirens have begun. A nuclear strike has been confirmed. The city will be vaporized in one hour. 🚨 Deep beneath the streets, there’s a single bunker — a relic of the Cold War — sealed, powered, and stocked for a handful of survivors. Only a few can enter before the blast. ⏳ The rest… will face the fire. 🧩 Who gets a place — and who is left behind? Do we save the strongest, the kindest, the most useful… or the most innocent? ⚖️ Every choice has a cost. Every argument, a consequence. 🕯 And along the way… there will be twists.

Calling all Planeswalkers! Whether you're a seasoned spell-slinger or just sleeved up your first deck, join us for a laid-back afternoon of Magic: The Gathering – Commander style. This is a friendly, judgment-free zone where the focus is on fun, and good vibes. Bring your favorite deck (or two), meet fellow MTG fans, and enjoy some casual multiplayer games. No prizes, no pressure—just great company and epic plays. 🗓 Date: Fornightly Saturdays 🕒 Time: 11am - 2pm 🪙 $10 per player 🎒 What to Bring: Your Commander decks, a playmat if you like, and a spirit of meeting new folks. ♿️ the event is up a flight of stairs. Whether you're brewing janky combos or piloting a powerhouse, there's a seat at the table for you. Come for the game, stay for the laughs. Your host is Angus and if you have any questions on the day, he will be happy to facilitate.

Join us for our first meeting of 2026, the Seventeenth Page! Theme: novellas. Happy New Year! To start us off for the year, we're taking some of the pressure off. Novellas are typically within the 70 to 160 page range, but I would say as long as it's under 200 pages it qualifies. Feel free to bring along any discussion questions you can think of or theme suggestions. Happy reading :) See you there!

Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!” PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! A bit of a good news/bad news situation with the showtime. I was afraid it may disappear before we got a chance to see it! Its down to one showing at one theater. Showtime is a little early but if you can make it work, I think it’ll be worth our while! Please purchase your ticket for the 4:45pm showing at we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 4:25 and 4:35pm! At this time, tickets available via the Gateway website only! Advance purchase is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. 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

Come check us out! You will have a wonderful time! The music and friendships are life-changing!

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

Join us as we get together to see the winner of the Best International Film at TIFF and a triple Golden Globe nominee: NO OTHER CHOICE! This top-reviewed dark comedy satirical thriller follows a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a desperate paper industry expert who decides to kill off his competition to be assured of the job he seeks to maintain his way of life. The film is co-written / produced / directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on The Ax by Donald Westlake. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz-RXMCyco BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews as the Venice International Film Festival and later at the Toronto Film Festival where it won the International People’s Choice Award! It just received 3 Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun. It was also selected as the South Korean entry (and likely nominee) for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards! It's been a stellar year for International films! We've already seen superb entries SENTIMENTAL VALUE, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT and THE SECRET AGENT! My spidey senses tell me those three and this Korean entry could be 4 of our 5 Best International Films at this year's Oscars! PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: We’ll plan for a mid-afternoon showing and will make this a Dinner & a Movie event with a bite either before or after the show (depending on showtime). Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Dinner location will either be Cazuela’s Mexican Grill or, if it’s open, the NEW Dog Haus Restaurant (which is scheduled to open in January near the Gateway and has outstanding veg/vegan options). Showtime and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan