Gardening

**Boxing Day – 让我们在 Carlton Gardens 彼此陪伴** 如果这个节日你期待一些陪伴， 或只是想换一种更轻松的方式度过时光， 欢迎来到 Carlton Gardens，加入这次自在的小聚。 也许你是新来乍到、 也许正经历着生活中的波折与变化、 或只是单纯地想认识几位真诚的人， 都非常欢迎你来。 这里没有流程、没有期待 我们只是吃点小零食，随意聊聊， 在夏日的空气里，感受人间的清凉和暖意。 你不需要准备什么，也不需要表现什么 带着真实的自己来，就已经足够。 这次小聚也特别适合对自我探索、疗愈与个人成长 有兴趣的朋友。 **地点**：Carlton Gardens（靠近儿童游乐场一带） **时间**：12月 26 日｜上午 10:30 — 下午 1:00 **需携带：** 如果有Picnic Blanket，折叠椅可以带上。不带也Ok，公园有些Bench。 带点你自己需要的零食或饮料。公园有饮用水。 你不需要很开心， 也不需要很健谈， 安静的、疲惫的、好奇的、困惑的，孤独的，都行。 如果你愿意加入，发个消息给我们就好。 期待和你一起分享一个夏日早晨。

**About the Session - A Gentle Reset.** A soft Boxing Day meditation to help you clear, release, and gently reset after Christmas. Boxing Day often carries a quiet emotional weight. After the fullness of Christmas Day, the connection, noise, expectations, and movement, there can be a sense of tiredness, sensitivity, or simply the need to exhale. This session is an invitation to slow everything down and land gently back in your body. Before the pace of the day picks up, take an hour to rest, recalibrate, and create space. We’ll be lying on the grass beneath the open sky, allowing stillness, breath, and nature to help the nervous system unwind. This session is especially supportive if you’re feeling flat, tender, socially depleted, overstimulated, or simply wanting a calm, grounded pause during a busy season. **This Meditation session is designed to help you:** • Soften and settle back into your body. • Release leftover tension from the days before. • Calm and rebalance your nervous system. • Clear emotional and mental residue. • Reset gently, without effort or pressure. **The Meditation Session.** **We’ll begin with Yoga Nidra, a guided deep rest practice where you simply lie down and allow the body to soften.** There is nothing to perform or achieve. Once you’re comfortable, staying mostly still helps the nervous system drop into deeper rest. I’ll guide your awareness slowly through the body so the mind can drift, unwind, and settle. **From there, we’ll move into a** **gentle reset visual meditation**, using cooling, clearing imagery and breath to support release and recalibration. This part of the practice is designed as an emotional exhale, helping you let go of what no longer needs to be carried and return to a sense of steadiness and ease. The practice is fully guided, deeply restorative, and suitable for anyone needing a quiet place to land. No experience is needed. This session is beginner-friendly and supported from start to finish. > “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” > *Etty Hillesum* **When & Where?** 🗓 **Boxing Day — Thursday 26 December** ⏰ **10:30am – 11:30am** 📍 **Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North** We’ll set up on the grass behind the Rotunda. Look for my yoga mat and a **large pink sign** that says *“Free Guided Meditation.”* ***WEATHER NOTES.*** **This is an outdoor session.** If the weather turns rainy, I’ll cancel the session and update the listing beforehand. Please check the Meetup event on the day to confirm it’s still going ahead. Summer mornings are often lovely, but Melbourne does like to surprise us. **What to bring?** • Yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on • Light blanket • Eye covering or small pillow if you enjoy extra comfort • Water • Comfortable clothing If you forget a mat, I’ll have a few spares on hand 😊 **Running Late.** Arriving a few minutes early helps you settle in, get comfortable, and ease into the space before we begin. If you’re running late, please still come 😊 Just join quietly. You won’t disturb anything. **Everyone is welcome.** Whether you’re spending Boxing Day alone, with family, feeling reflective, or simply needing rest, this space is for you. A gentle pause. A quiet reset. A chance to continue the day with more ease. **I look forward to sharing the morning with you 🌿** **Kathy**

Join us for an evening of Japanese Riichi Mahjong at **Marché Boardgame Cafe**! Players of all skill levels are welcome, and no experience is needed! If you want to learn how to play, we can teach you, and if you already know how, then join our shuffle and monthly leaderboard! This event has a $10 fee which you can pay on the night. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Members get a special discount - ask the organisers for more details. Marché provides food and drink for purchase to consume at the table. Check out their menu here: [https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf](https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf) Tables are shuffled at around 7:00 pm and again at 8:30 pm. If you're looking to learn, please aim to arrive at 5:30 pm, otherwise there might not be an open seat - you're more than welcome to stay, watch, and ask lots of questions! Be sure as well to check your RSVPs leading up to the event as attendances and wait listed attendees may change. We take photos and videos at our meetups for posting on social media, you may potentially appear in these. Hope to see you all then! *** Scores tracking: [https://scores.vicriichi.org/](https://scores.vicriichi.org/) The mahjong ruleset we play with: [https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules](https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules) Join us on Discord and connect with other jongers! [https://vicriichi.org/discord](https://vicriichi.org/discord)

Looking to get outside, clear your head, and connect with good people? Join us for a relaxed walk around the beautiful streets and coastline of Port Melbourne. This is a casual meetup—no fitness goals, no pressure. Just a friendly stroll, good conversation, and a reason to step away from screens and into the fresh air. Whether you’re new in town, working from home, or just want a social reason to walk, you’re very welcome. Come as you are. Comfy shoes, water bottle, and curiosity are all you need. **Optional:** After the walk, some of us might grab a coffee nearby — feel free to join if you’re up for it!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/melbourne-vic/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

👉🏻 [GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE) ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1977228968069?aff=oddtdtcreator)👈🏻 🗓️ Date: Friday, 26 December 2025 📍 Location: You Yangs Park (Approximately 1 hour from Melbourne CBD on Fridays) 📏 Hike Distance: Around 15 km total 🕙 Start Time: 10:00 AM 🕔 End Time: 6:00 PM 🚶‍♂️ Pace/Effort: Medium – designed to welcome everyone with some fitness! ⌛️ Average Hike Duration: 4–6 hours, depending on the group’s pace 💬 Community Chat Access: You'll be added to our private Instagram group chat after booking! Looking to meet new people, explore nature, and have a good laugh along the way? This is your perfect Friday plan! 🎉 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Melbourne Social Hike. A welcoming day out where the focus is all about fun, friendships, and fresh air. Whether you come solo or bring a mate, you’ll leave with new connections and memories! 🤩 Why Join? 🌟 Make new friends — super easy, zero pressure 🌟 Enjoy nature and fresh air with great company 🌟 Friendly vibes — laughs, chats, and good times guaranteed 🌟 Your next hiking buddy might just become your next uni mate, housemate, or travel buddy! ✨ Best practice: Passengers should try to secure transportation before purchasing a ticket to avoid any last-minute stress. **Important Carpooling Note** Drivers and passengers should stick with the arrangements they make in the Transport Group Chat. We **do not recommend swapping drivers or cars** after you’ve agreed on a ride. If you do decide to change, please make sure **all parties are clearly informed and agree** to avoid confusion. If a driver forgets, gets mixed up, or doesn’t pick you up, Wilderness Seekers Victoria (and your driver) is **not liable** for any inconvenience caused. For this reason, it is best to keep things simple with the driver you first arranged with. In the transport chat, drivers will share their preferred pick-up locations, often major CBD train stations like Parliament, Richmond, South Yarra, Southern Cross, or North Melbourne. 🎟️ **Tickets:** **All tickets are now $20 per person.** This helps cover: * Public liability insurance * A $2.40 contribution per ticket directly to Parks Victoria * Experienced guides with a tour operator license who know the trails well * First aid kit and safety equipment for the group 🚗 **Carpoolers Discount** If you’re driving and offer seats to passengers, your ticket is only **$5** 🙌. 🥾 What to Bring: 👟 Comfy hiking shoes 💧 2–3L of water 🥪 Snacks/lunch ☀️ Sun protection (hat, sunnies, sunscreen) 🦟 Bug spray (always a good idea) 🎒 Optional: hiking poles, wet weather gear/raincoat 📸 How It Works: * After purchasing your ticket, you’ll receive a link to our private Instagram group chat. All final details will be shared there: Hike route, meet-up location, and any last-minute updates. * Friendly pace, friendly faces! This hike is intentionally medium, so anyone with some fitness can enjoy and chat along the way. Why Join Us? 🌱 Make new friends in a relaxed, casual way. 🌱 Enjoy nature while meeting people your age. 🌱 No pressure, just good vibes and real connections. 🌱 You never know. Today’s hiking buddy could be tomorrow’s uni mate, flatmate, or travel buddy! 🌱 Your safety is our priority. Equipped with a first aid kit on hand. 🍽️ Grab food after the hike (optional) ⚠️ Important: Must be 18+ years old to attend. Hike at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. Respectful, kind behaviour is a must. We are a positive and welcoming community. Zero tolerance for any unwelcome behaviour. We’re here to have fun, together! 📜 Liability Waiver: By joining this hike, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Wilderness Seekers Victoria is not liable for accidents, injuries, illnesses, theft, or transport-related issues. 🚑 If you have previous injuries, medical conditions, or health concerns, discuss with the organisers before purchasing your ticket. Transport/carpooling is a community initiative only, not a service. 👉 Please make sure to read our [Terms and Conditions (Click Here)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUzOL94hk5Uk5c7FOjiPRHXZz--5H9p5/view?usp=drivesdk) before purchasing your ticket. Refund Policy: Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled. Tickets cannot be transferred to other events unless agreed with the organisers. 👉 Follow us on Instagram for updates and upcoming hikes: @wildseekvic 📞 Admin Contact: We highly encourage you to text our admin team before purchasing your ticket if you have any concerns about transport: Sebas 📱 0435 993 237 \| Jacob 📱 0404 870 123 🥳 Ready to make friends, explore Melbourne’s beautiful nature, and have a blast? Spots are limited, so grab your ticket now and let's hike, laugh, and connect! 🌿🎉

**Meet new people in a relaxed, inclusive and welcoming space! 🤗** **(FREE EVENT).** Unwind after a hectic Christmas and ease you way into the New Year weekend celebrations with some chilled drinks and chats in our favourite Brunswick-based beer garden. 😎🍻 **The Penny Black Beer Garden** is super relaxed and offers an inviting outdoor space in which to enjoy some drinks and mingles whilst shaking off that post-Christmas trauma. 🎉🥂 When you arrive, make your way through to the back where you will find us sprawled out on the lawn and bench seats with some bevies. If you are coming alone, you don't need to worry about not knowing anyone. Most people attend our events solo! Just remember, we are all there for the same reason – to meet new people and have fun. Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

Start your day with calm, clarity, and connection. This is a gentle walk through Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens — ideal if you’ve been feeling stressed, disconnected, or just need a fresh start. We’ll move at a mindful pace, take in nature, chat if we feel like it, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Route: https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/3847 **☕ Optional:** Coffee after the walk **🎒 Bring:** Comfy shoes, water, optional camera **🧠 Mood:** Gentle, quiet, open to connection but no pressure to talk

Join us for and **end of year fun event**, a fantastic Sunday afternoon of music, good vibes, and great company at the iconic Mission to Seafarers! **Dinash & Friends** bringing a unique mix of pop, funk and reggae 😎 **Date & Time:** Sunday, 28th December 2025 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, & 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 side to the beer garden.

To express gratitude for a year of connection and conversation, I thought it would be nice to have a meal together while the days are long and the sun is out. Still thinking of places and cuisines we haven't tried yet, so feel free to DM / WhatsApp me your suggestions! Tentative plan is for lunch somewhere in the CBD followed by a meander in nature (Yarra River and/or a park) and coffee after. We will meet under the clocks at Flinders St and start by exploring Flinders Lane and Degraves Street. There is a $10 organizer fee for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056.

Just a random coffee meetup outside kerekere cafe in Fitzroy gardens. Come and grab a coffee and/or snack. We usually meet and stand outside the cafe on the left under/near the big tree. Just a friendly way to meet others that might be by themselves or new in Melbourne. Just a very casual and laid back vibe. You may come and go as you please 😊 Please be respectful to each other and be careful about sharing personal information. This is NOT a dating meetup, just friends. Disclaimer: the organizers are not responsible for any loss of property or injury incurred at a meetup. We are volunteers who simply provide a platform to make friends. Please be responsible for your belongings and safety. Also these outdoor meetups are weather dependent too. We all know how unpredictable Melbourne can be 🤣😂 Looking forward to meeting you and probably seeing some old faces too. 🙏🤗

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 💕

Hi Radiant Ladies, We’ll meet you at Rex Espresso at the Pines Shopping Centre after the walk. Windchimes will be closed for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. See you! Lyn 💕

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

LICKING COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER FOR 60+ ADULTS Winter Seed Sowing Workshop Wednesday, January 14, 2026 1:15 - 3 p.m. Bryn Du | 537 Jones Road | Granville Growing native plants from seed is relatively straightforward, but the timing and techniques are different than those used for tender annuals and vegetable garden plants like cucumbers or tomatoes. Learn a simple method to germinate and grow native Ohio plants from seed–no greenhouse, grow lights or other fancy equipment required! $10/person | [Registration managed by LCCC](https://www.lickingcountycc.org/)

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

Botanical Beer Friday, January 16 6 - 7 pm $20/Members | $25/Non-Members Join Bruce Vivian, co-owner and brewer from Nocterra Brewing Co. for a botanical beer tasting while learning more about how these beers are made. This tasting will feature 4 different beers, including Tree Well – an IPA that was made using white pine needles harvested from The Dawes Arboretum! This program is for those ages 21+. [Register and pay at Dawes (click here)](https://53050.blackbaudhosting.com/53050/Botanical-Beer-16Jan2026?_gl=1*18p929h*_gcl_au*NzM3MjYwNTYuMTc1OTQxNjc4OQ..*_ga*MTk2NDQxMTYwMy4xNzQzNzAwMDQz*_ga_P64H7CWHPD*czE3NjQ3ODc3MDUkbzY3JGcxJHQxNzY0Nzg3NzM0JGozMSRsMCRoMA..) Program Audience: Ages 21+ Location: Visitors Center Accessibility Info: This program will consist of an indoor presentation while attendees are seated. Recommended Supplies/Attire: None.

######## NEW LOCATION ####### We are going to be at The Forge on Bethel Rd this week and until further notice! The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area! Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the building that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.