Future of Journalism

To celebrate ***International Women’s Day***, we’re bringing our community together for a special evening featuring two inspiring women in tech. This event is all about sharing experiences, learning from real journeys, and creating space for honest conversations about building a career in cloud and technology. Whether you’re just starting out, making a transition, or already deep in the industry, you’ll find stories, insights, and perspectives that resonate. **And some exciting news** — thanks to our friends from [Programmable](https://www.programmable.tech/), attendees on the day will get a chance to win a ticket to the Programmable conference (valued at $449!). Expect practical lessons, personal reflections, and the kind of discussions that remind us why community matters. See you then! **Topics** **1\. One Platform\, Infinite Connections** An API Platform is not simply a layer for routing traffic; it is an operating model for how organisations design, secure, and monetise digital capabilities. This session opens by defining what an enterprise API Platform looks like in practical terms and why it’s becoming a core part of modern engineering and business strategy. Using a real implementation as context, the discussion examines how Apigee enables structured governance, streamlined developer onboarding, intelligent traffic control, and deep observability. It also addresses how the platform supports emerging AI, LLM, and MCP patterns, outlining its security architecture in production environments and demonstrating how APIs can be bundled into consumable products to create commercial value. Particular attention is given to advanced protection strategies for managing both conventional API workloads and AI-driven traffic. Attendees will leave with a concrete, experience-backed framework for turning an API platform into a measurable driver of innovation, resilience, and revenue. **About the speaker** Neha is an Engineering Manager at MYOB, leading the API Platform capability. With nearly two decades of experience in the IT industry, she has built deep expertise across cloud infrastructure, platform engineering, and large-scale technology transformations. **2\. Stateful Secrets in a Stateless World: Navigating the Azure Serverless Landscape** Serverless is more than just a buzzword; it represents a fundamental shift from managing infrastructure to focusing entirely on code. In this session, we’ll begin by comparing serverless with traditional server-based models to unpack the true differences in cost, maintenance, and scalability. From there, we’ll walk through a real-world application architecture to see how Azure Functions can be used to solve practical engineering problems that conventional servers often struggle to handle efficiently. Drawing on lessons learned from hands-on experience, we’ll also explore common pitfalls, optimisation strategies, and cost-saving techniques. Whether you’re new to serverless or already working with cloud-native systems, this talk will leave you with a clearer, more practical blueprint for designing and building modern applications. **About the speaker** Archana is a Master’s in Data Science candidate with a foundation in Computer Science and Engineering. She brings hands-on experience from her background as a Full Stack Developer, where she focused on building web applications powered by Azure serverless backends. By blending her software engineering roots with her current work in data science, Archana designs cloud-native solutions that are both scalable and data-driven. She is passionate about sharing practical lessons and helping the community understand how to effectively bridge the gap between web development and serverless technology. **Agenda** 5:30pm – Food and networking 6:00pm – Presentation 1 6:40pm – Presentation 2 7:20pm – Networking Thanks to our sponsors: [HAL systems](https://www.halsystems.com.au/), [Mantel](https://mantelgroup.com.au/) and [REA group](https://www.rea-group.com/)! Join us for an evening of learning, conversations, and great company!

Thursday Futsal in Footscray! ⚽⚽⚽ 5-a-side Futsal (indoor soccer), played on an indoor pitch. Cost: $10 (pre-pay) 10 players min/max. Court booked for 1 hour. RSVPs only please. Normal Runners/Sneakers or Futsal shoes are fine (no studs). Location: Victoria University Footscray Park Campus - 3rd Floor (court 3), Corner of Ballarat rd and Geelong rd, Footscray (near the Flemington Racecourse). Located in Footscray, which is just 5km from the CBD. Plenty of Parking available. Also serviced by public transport. It is a 15 min walk from Footscray train station. https://www.vu.edu.au/campuses/footscray-park Refund Policy: Please be aware that if for some reason you cannot attend, that you provide at least 24 hours notice to allow a sufficient replacement. Failure to not attend or withdraw in a timely manner will lead to removal from the group. https://youtu.be/iF65zrwsIaY

Welcome to Elixir Melbourne's monthly meetup. Where we go over Elixir ecosystem news, listen to great talks, and socialise with other Elixir developers of all levels. We’re rebooting the meetup after a hiatus with new (and old) organisers, a new venue and emphasis on more time to socialise. There are still speaking spots open. If you want to talk about anything Elixir related, get in touch. **Agenda** * 6:00pm - Arrive, socialise * 6:30pm - Welcome; introduction; “who’s hiring” pitches. * 6:45pm - Talk 1 (speaking spot open!) * 7:15pm - Food, socialise * 7:45pm - Maybe another talk (speaking spot open!) * 8:15pm - Finish up and head to Saint & Rogue (down the street from SuperAPI at 582 Little Collins St, Melbourne) **Sponsor** Huge thanks to [SuperAPI](https://superapi.com.au/) for catering and venue.

For our March meetup we are excited to host Darryl Wright who will demonstrate how you really can deliver 3 yr projects in 3 months using Value Stream Mapping and Flow Efficiency. Find out what other organisations are doing to slash the time it takes them to deliver value, and how you can do it too. This talk explores: 1\. What is Value Stream Mapping \(VSM\)\, and Flow Efficiency ? 2\. What does VSM reveal about how most organisations deliver value today ? 3\. The big lightbulb moment: can 3 yr projects really be delivered in 3 months? \(hint: yes\!\) 4\. Where to from here ? \(and can I use AI to help with all of this ?\) And then, as we always highly encourage participation to embed what we learnt, we'll give the method a go ourselves with Darryl's expert guidance. **Meet your Speaker - Darryl Wright, Value Delivery Advisor and Trainer at Organa** *The only constant in life is change.* Darryl comes from a strong commercial and delivery background borne from two decades of experience in traditional IT project and program management and running IT businesses. This led him on a journey to find more successful and humane ways of working, becoming an Enterprise Agile coach and trainer. He is now a passionate champion of changing the way the world works. His guiding vision is to assist organisations to become great places to work that have happy, effective staff who create brilliant products and services that their customers love.

If you've got soul and love to sing, join us on Thursday 5th March 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 8 week term. You can pay **$20** per session or pay in advance for the whole term: **$100**. Class dates for Term 1, 2026 Week 1 - 5 February Week 2 - 12 February Week 3 - 19 February Week 4 - 26 February Week 5 - 5 March Week 6 - 12 March Week 7 - 19 March Week 8 - 26 March Any questions? Email Dan at xx.danscott@gmail.com

Practice speaking/leadership at SmashSpeak. Less formalities and technicalities, just speaking! Suits beginners to confident Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, **Purple Room** (End of corridor) More to come...

My aim is to bring together a like-minded community to junk journal and craft alongside one another, in a low pressure environment.🧵🎨 While I deeply love analogue, hands-on creative practices — and recognise how personal they can be — they can also lead us to spending *too* much time alone. I think many of us can feel that sense of community and connection slowly slipping away. I feel passionate about bringing creativity and community together. There is a real hunger for spaces where people can gather, make, and simply be — together. I want to create a group where you can bring whatever you’re currently working on creatively. Whether that’s junk journalling or another craft practice, the focus is on coming together and creating collectively. There is an open invitation to share your work if you feel called to, but absolutely no pressure — this is a gentle, supportive space first and foremost. This space is shaped by the understanding of how powerful creativity can be when held in community and I hope for us to build one together. Remember: you are welcome exactly as you are 🌱 just bring along whatever you're working on and some supplies!💞 I hope to see you & create something simple and beautiful🌸 Location: Melbourne Botanical Gardens, Near 'The Observatory.'

In 2024, we had to cancel this event due to extreme heat. So this will be a great opportunity to run this event in 2026 and hopefully without any drama. ***Please check this page regularly in the event we need to cancel due to unpredictable weather conditions.*** Visit Steamrail Victoria and experience 135 Years of Melbourne's History at Newport Workshops & Railway Museum. See what the volunteers do behind the scenes and get up close and personal with heritage locomotives and carriages. This is a fun-filled and very photogenic event not to be missed. The link to this event - [https://www.steamrail.com.au/opendays](https://www.steamrail.com.au/opendays) #### **NEWPORT RAILWAY MUSEUM** The Newport Workshops Open Days are located over two sites. **Included with your ticket is free entry to the Newport Railway Museum.** Visit the 140 year old F176 or Victoria's largest locomotive, the famous **Heavy Harry**. Also open for viewing will be the heritage North Williamstown Signal Box, railway models and various suburban rail carriages dating from the 1888 'Swing Door' to the 1980 'Hitachi' and 1983 'Grey Ghost' carriages. #### **PRICES** **Adults - $35** - Adults Ticket (17 & Over) - Adults Tickets are at Seniors/Concession Prices. No further discounts are available. **Under 17 - $15** - Under 17 Ticket (Valid for 3 to 16 year old) **Draft Schedule** 9:45 to 10.00 Meet at the main gate of Newport Workshops (where the watertower is) on Champion Road, North Williamstown [https://goo.gl/maps/sP8BikCXRJ39RzWE6](https://goo.gl/maps/sP8BikCXRJ39RzWE6) 10.00 to 1.00 Explore the Newport Workshops and Steam Locomotives. 1.00 to 1.45 Lunch (there will be food trucks on site so we can catch up and eat around these). This will be our catch up point before the second half of the event. 1.45 to 4.00 Newport Railway Museum - 26 Champion Road, Newport [https://www.arhsvic.org.au/museum](https://www.arhsvic.org.au/museum) We can catch the shuttle bus from the Workshops to the Museum or walk there **Or** i**f you prefer you can continue exploring the main workshop site** 4.00pm Event ends. Look forward to having you join us! John and Rowan

The hilarious Birdman Rally is a long-held Moomba tradition that sees competitors hurtle themselves off a platform over the Yarra River to see who can fly the furthest before splashing down. The rally runs from 11 am to 12 pm on Sunday, 8th March, and the platform is usually on the North side/City side of the Yarra, so it's best photographed from the south side. Our meeting point will be behind the Alexandra Gardens Skate Park on Boathouse Drive at 10:30 am. [Moomba Event Map](https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/map/) **Event Schedule:** 10.30 am -10:50 am - Australian Skateboarding League – Semi Finals & Finals. This is right next to our meeting point and runs all day. 11:00 am -12:00 pm- Birdman Rally 12:00 pm - 1:06 pm - Men's Trick Preliminary 1:06 pm - 2:26 pm - Pro Men Wakeboard 2:41 pm - 3:35 pm - Women's Slalom 3:35 pm – 4:11 pm – Men's Slalom 4:15 pm event ends [Full Moomba event schedule](https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/schedule/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23549729973&gbraid=0AAAAAC11gOuLT6tgB8NqEPEFU-CXmW7mm&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhjGrFMf7FrlDS4m9wVCPEBvzpcwlOgbsgHXuhyeVwjZGxJNNciOTGxoCW8QQAvD_BwE) Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability By attending this photography meetup, you acknowledge and agree to the following: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • The organisers, hosts, and affiliated parties are not liable for any personal injury, property damage, loss, or theft that may occur during or as a result of this event. • You agree to hold harmless the organisers from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from your participation. • Attendees are responsible for their own equipment, belongings, and conduct throughout the event. • Photography activities may involve public spaces, varied terrain, or interaction with others; you are responsible for exercising caution and respecting local laws, regulations, and private property. • Any advice, demonstrations, or recommendations provided during the meetup are for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional instruction. • By joining, you consent to being in a public setting where photos or recordings may occur, and you release organisers from any claims related to such media use.

Hi all, Another Oscar Nomination. This week, its a nominee for the Best Inteenational Film. It will be showing in cinema 5 at 6.30pm. My personal nova cinema guide says "Cinema 5 is one of the dungeon cinemas, average size, poor slope, back row is best." We'll be in the usual meeting place [read on for details] from 6:15pm. If there's something else on your film wish list that you want to catch instead, then please feel free to do so and catch us in the Nova bar afterwards for a chat. Looking forward to seeing you there. Cheers, Alicia **--=>+ Meeting Spot +<=--** Outside the clothing store Black Orange. It is inside Lygon Court next to Brunettis. Join the group at the meeting spot 10 minutes before the start time or see us in the movie. **--=>+ The Film +<=--** Academy Award nominee: International Feature Film! Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and Oscar-nominated for Best International Film, Kaouther Ben Hania's THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB is harrowing drama that utilises real footage and audio. January 29, 2024. Red Crescent volunteers receive an emergency call. A 5-year-old girl is trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. As complications continue to arise, the situation becomes increasingly more difficult, and responders are forced to juggle protocol, panic, and moral urgency while trying to comfort Hind amongst negotiating an impossible reality. Arabic language, English subtitles. **--=>+ Tickets +<=--** Everyone will need to buy their own ticket online and in advance. If you want to sit with other group members, there's a tendency for us to pick seats in the back two rows. Those who feel comfortable can catch up in Nova's bar afterward. **--=>+ Afterwards+<=--** We meet in Nova's bar after the movie. Look for us in the area to the left as you go down the steps. Share your thoughts about the film with the group over a drink of your choice. If the bar is closed we typically head across the road to the Wolf's Lair which is out the back of Jimmy Watson's.

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * Missed **75%** off [LF / CNCF](https://lf.ksug.ai/)? [Get Notified](https://ksug.ai/?notify&ref=meetup) for next BIG drop! * **20%** off [KubeCon Europe](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) 2026 using code **KSAI20** * Up to **30%** off popular [Books](https://ksug.ai/books/?ref=meet) and [Events](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) We're excited to welcome you to the upcoming **KSUG.AI Australia Meetup** — happening in-person! 🎉 We're actively seeking more awesome AI topic speakers! 👉 [https://speaker.ksug.ai](https://speaker.ksug.ai) Join us for Melbourne’s biggest S1 Newcomer Festival! Whether you are a brand new student, a returning senior, or just looking to meet new friends, this is the event to kick off your semester. **Event Details:** * **Date:** Sunday, March 8, 2026 * **Time:** 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Location:** Drill Hall, Multicultural Hub (26 Therry St, Melbourne VIC 3000) * **Entry:** **Online Registration Required** (Strictly no walk-ins) **What to Expect:** * **5,000+ Free Gifts:** From student survival kits to brand merchandise, everyone walks away with something. Arrive early for the best selection! * **Mega Lucky Draw:** Electronic draws every 30 minutes featuring prizes like a PS5, Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, Stanley Tumblers, LEGO sets, Wayfarer (Gen 2) and more. * **Interactive Fun:** Booth games and a stamp collection challenge to unlock bonus lucky draw entries and exclusive gifts. * **Study & Career Advice Zone:** Mentors and industry professionals will be available to answer questions about course planning, internships, resume tips, and migration pathways. * **Networking:** Connect with trusted local brands, student organizations, and peers from different universities. **How to Maximize Your Chances:** You can earn multiple lucky draw tickets (up to 10 per person) by checking in with a group, referring friends, sharing on social media, participating in booth activities, or volunteering. **Don't miss out on this full experience!** **[Register here](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) to secure your spot!** See you all there! *(This event is organized by JR Academy with strong support from KSUG.AI Community and various sponsors.)* 👉 Join our [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) and [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D9a9IDiCS7U4cqQ0Sh60cz?mode=gi_t) for latest update! 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ 30% OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Certs - Code: **30K8SUG** ☸ 37% OFF **[KodeKloud](https://ksug.ai/kk/?ref=meet)** Plans - Code: **K8SUGKK** 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬: ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 𝟏𝟖𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** 🔥 [linktr.ee/ksug.ai](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

**Google Analytics Alternatives** Is it finally time to make the switch away from Google Analytics? Two-and-a-half years ago Jason Packer asked this question at Columbus Web Analytics Wednesday. Since then: Google’s Universal Analytics has been sunset, we’ve changed our name to Columbus Data & Analytics Wednesday, and Jason has released two editions of his book “Google Analytics Alternatives”. Fresh off the release of the 2nd edition of his book, we thought it was time to re-open this conversation. While people love to complain about it, GA’s market share has remained relatively constant (at least in the United States). Why is that? You won’t find any complaints about GA4 in this talk, but rather an overview of what’s currently available in the market and how to frame your decision-making process. We’ll also be giving out some free copies of Jason’s book! So even if you’ve got a “GA4Lyfe” tattoo (no judgement), there’s free books to go with the free pizza and beer. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. 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.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.