Ghost Towns

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!

Have you got the Christmas spirit? Wanting to have some fun? Join for night out in the city on a merry, picture taking photography fun scavenger hunt. Starting at the crown casino atrium (staircase and carousel), then walking through the city to check off your scavenger list (hitting all the “12 days of Christmas” neon displays - aussie style). Things to bring: Good walking shoes, water, possibly a tripod, camera/phone. We ask that people upload to share only what is on the list, one photo from each scavenged item. The scavenger list: 1) giant Xmas bauble/decoration 2) reindeer 3) snowflake 4) reflection or bokeh 5) long exposure of tram with Christmas lights in back ground 6) mono chrome 7) leading line to any holiday installation 8) words “joy” or “merry” 9) Aussie animal presented in a seasonal way (ie with hat/presents) 10) your interpretation of Christmas spirit/energy (Also uploaded is a trail of the journey planned) Merry Christmas Cindi & Rowan On a side note: please be aware of the new disclaimer under the guidelines.

**Ride**: This is a Tuesday recce ride of about 60km from/to Rushall station going west in a loop. We head to Brimbank Park and continue west from there to Caroline Springs for lunch and to visit Lake Caroline. **Note**: Mostly on roads with bike lanes **Forecast**: 20°C and dry https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/caroline-springs/forecast/detailed/#d2025-12-23 **Typical speed**: 25 km/h or so. Faster at times. (Suits intermediates) **Route Map and GPX files**: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/11914152 \* \**This is a recce for a different ride (Caroline Springs to town one way)* *so our route on the day is going to vary as we do some exploration* **Bike to bring:** Something suitable to keep up. No bulky panniers, please **Bring**: Myki, water, sunscreen, snacks & energy bars, spare tube, tools, your phone with my number **Contact**: Neil Griffiths 0419 560 409 Photo: Swans on Lake Caroline in Caroline Springs (Jun '17) "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) Between 6.30-8pm Monday we are online every week. Generally 5-10 people join in the discussions through the night and following days. Join us anytime and ask questions, chat, or post up some writing for feedback (text based online event, NOT a video chat). A host will post up questions on the first and last Monday of the month only. Every other Monday you are encouraged to chat and post up questions as often as you can. Melbourne Writers Social Group and World Writers Collective. Helping you with your creative talents. Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168 After you join: In the past we experienced a lot of spam within our Facebook group, so we decided to implement a few participation questions that the spam-bots would not be able to properly answer. Please post a comment on our Facebook group before Monday night if you are looking to get involved in our event so that a moderator has time to approve you. Once you are approved, you will then be able to post comments without any moderator intervention. Thank you. IMPORTANT: This is not a video chat. This is not a separately created Facebook room. This is our regular Facebook group where anyone can type a post, make comments, discuss and chat about writing. Click on "Recent Posts" when you are scrolling through our Facebook group to locate the most recent posts. It is usually set to "New Activity". Please contact me to become a host (which is as simple as posting some writerly questions or just chatting to others online via the main chat area on our Facebook group). Watch the videos on how to add larger files so everyone can read your work and edit it. https://youtu.be/lJBfUvWamLE https://youtu.be/E2NVEernG8w More information on our website: https://www.worldwriterscollective.com/about-wwc Writers Sauce is sent to everyone regarding tips and hints on writing/editing. If you are not already a subscriber, email me and I'll add you: matclarke.author@gmail.com

Meditation

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/1/2/8/600_455801256.jpeg **POINT COOK CUBAN SALSA & BACHATA** **DANCE CLASSES ARE NOW CLOSED** FOR THE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR BREAK **\* THE 2026 POINT COOK** **CUBAN SALSA & BACHATA** **DANCE CLASSES** will start back on **MONDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2026**

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → GRAMPIANS**🏙️ + **CHRISTMAS DINNER** * 📅 **THU-FRI 25-26 DEC, 2-DAY TRIP ☀️** * ✨**Nature, Peaks & New Stories**✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Grampians Getaway — Nature, Peaks & Stories** 🌄 - **CHRISTMAS** Join us and step into the magic of the **Grampians** — where rugged mountain ranges rise above peaceful valleys, waterfalls tumble into fern-filled gullies, and every lookout whispers a story. Across two unforgettable days, we’ll **hike** scenic forest trails, **kayak** across a tranquil lake, uncover ancient Aboriginal **rock art**, and savour **wine** in a beautiful valley setting. Add Christmas **BBQ**, **1-night** Cosy shared **accommodation**, **Meditation** & grounding and plenty of laughter — and you’ve got a journey stitched with memories \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎒 **All-Inclusive for $319** ✅ Round-trip transport in a comfortable **Mercedes minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **10 km hike** with gear 🥾 ✅ **Kayaking** on a stunning lake (gear provided) 🛶 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Visit to breathtaking **lookouts & waterfalls** 🌄 ✅ **1-night** Cosy shared **accommodation** ✨ ✅ **Winery visit** 🍷 ✅ Exploration of **Aboriginal rock art** ✅ Christmas **BBQ** ✅ **Meditation** & grounding \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🕒 **2-Day Itinerary Highlights** **Day 1** 🌅 06:30 — Meet at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street 🍉 07:30 — Refreshment **stop** ☕ 09:30 — Welcome morning **tea & snacks** (included) 🥾 09:45 — Guided 10 km forest+mountain easy **hike** (190m elevation) 🍽️ 13:30 — **Picnic** & lunch (BYO) with tea & snacks (provided, ulimited) 🌄 14:30 — Explore **Venus Baths** & scenic **peaks** 🌊 15:30 — Breathtaking **lookout** visit 🦘 16:30 — Spot native **wildlife** 🚐 17:30 — **Scenic drive** through the ranges 🍝 18:00 — Hotel check-in & relaxation - shared **accommodation** 🏨 20:00 — Christmas **BBQ** - **Group dinner** ✨ 21:00 — **Meditation** under the stars \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Day 2** 🍳 08:00 — Hotel check-out & **breakfast** 🛶 09:30 — **Kayaking** on a beautiful lake (beginner friendly!) 🥪 12:30 — Lunch break + **Picnic** ✨ 13:30 — **Meditation** & grounding 🌅 14:30 — Visit Aboriginal **rock art** sites 🍷 15:30 — **Winery** & **scenic** valley views ☕ 17:30 — Stop for refreshments 🏙️ 19:00 — Return to **Melbourne**, filled with memories 📍 Drop-off: Hamer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$319 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Gra 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now to avoid missing out!** 🎒 S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **Lunch for day 1+2** ✔️ Christmas dinner share plate ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***🌟 Days Include :*** 🥾 A 10 km guided forest **hike** (190 m elevation gain) 🍉 Snacks, coffee/tea, soft drinks 🌄 Visits to stunning **lookouts** 🌺 **Winery** — scenery and beauty combined 🚐 Scenic road trip through ✨ **Meditation** & grounding 😊 Christmas **BBQ** 🛶 **Kayaking** on a beautiful lake ✨ Cosy shared **accommodation** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **\*\*\*Two Days. Endless Views. Lasting Joy**. **\*\*\*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Hi all Fortnightly dinner and movie at Pentridge Palace cinema in Coburg. Generally get dinner at Jacky Jones then see a fick around 7-7.30pm screening slot. Hope you can make it

All dance genres! FREE ENTRY IF YOU ATTEND WITH A FRIEND! Choose ANY MUSIC (YouTube available). Latin, ballroom, contemporary, hiphop, K-pop and more! MAKE NEW FRIENDS THROUGH DANCE!

Melbourne Central Food Hall on Level 2. Far back corner near large windows to outside. Look for the colourful piano! See below for exact instructions on finding us. IMPORTANT: Please turn up if you RSVP. Other writers are counting on you being there with them so no one sits alone!!! Currently we have part-time hosts and regulars who will turn up and sit together. EVERYONE, please keep a look out for newly arriving people in the group and make them feel welcome, especially if they say: Are you with the writing group? If you arrive first and have an A4 piece of paper, it is a good idea to write on the paper: Writing Group. This way everyone will find each other. Bring your writing tools, and anything that you have written recently (optional). Remember your earphones if you like to listen to music while you write. There are no rules :) You can write. Or you can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a public space.) Bring pen and paper as a backup. Melbourne Central wifi available. Who: People who write and/or want to write (more) What: An open group of writers who meetup in a stimulating space to write together, share writing and ideas and support each other’s writing goals Why: Inspiration, motivation and space to write. Where: Melbourne Central - see photo for our location. Red shaded area would be ideal if available when you arrive. Detailed instructions if you do not know the area: 1) Go to the Shot Tower (the old building inside Melbourne Central with the big cone glass roof above it). 2) Go up the the escalators (there’s only one set of up- escalators near the Shot Tower, you can’t miss it). 3) You are now on level 2, Dining Hall (there are signs to the right, just slightly, stating this). 4) Top Juice store is to your right. Turn right so you pass Top Juice and walk toward the food hall. 5) You are now in the food hall near a black piano. Go past this. Go to the seating at the far back corner where there are large windows facing outside. 6) Look for us writers. There should be a sign on the table. Call out your hosts name and ask if this is the writing group. We will say YES, here we are! Additional hosts wanted!!! Please contact Mat Clarke. Please only RSVP if you can make it. And also un-RSVP if you need to cancel. Thank You, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters What we have written so far: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

$5 MOVIE NIGHT! With avatar fire and Ash, James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with marine turned Navi leader Jake Sully. Navi Warrior, Naytiri and the Solly family. The film has a screenplay by James Cameron and Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. We will see the 6 PM showing and I will post my seat so that we can sit together. We can grab something to eat after if people want and chat to round out the experience. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE for me. I hope you feel the same. I will CANCEL if there are less than 5 RSVPs on the movie date.

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Here for the Beer 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2559lb7t Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.

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

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!