History

Celebrate Easter with us in a fun and interactive workshop designed especially for international students! In collaboration with **The Couch**. This session is a great way to learn about Easter while practising English, getting creative, and connecting with others. 📅 **Date:** Thursday, 2 April 📍 **Location:** The Couch International Student Centre (69 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000) ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 🥘 **Free dinner provided by The Couch!** 🎨 **Workshop Highlights:** – Join a fun Easter egg hunt to kickstart the session – Learn the story of Easter in a simple and engaging way – Discover global Easter traditions through quizzes and sharing – Enjoy a creative basket crafting session No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and creativity! Come celebrate, learn, and connect this Easter. 🌷🐰 **[IMPORTANT] Please be advised that this event is for international and exchange students ONLY** ✨ **Community Rules** ✨ * This is a rain-or-shine event. * 18+ only. * Maintain respect and no unsolicited contact. * No advertising and selling during the event. * By attending this event, you accept our [Terms and Conditions](https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Afnnu5xW6Yhtgl4LGDAVEMSdJ-7M3aC7Cs-s_t0uOo/edit?usp=sharing), including [media consent policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rgNOcewZs-tKYUEBt3gV84hob1HdDXydjrGf_tEiXjQ/edit?usp=drive_link), and agree to adhere to our [liability waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hKqVIMcXMFdzvpjqO3KRf_uQ5xAzd-jt/view?usp=drive_link)

🌟 **Unlock Your Full Potential with CPA Toastmasters!** 🌟 Are you ready to become a more confident speaker and a stronger leader? CPA Toastmasters is here to help you *grow* both personally and professionally! Whether you're looking to improve your public speaking skills, enhance your leadership abilities, or build self-confidence, Toastmasters provides a supportive and encouraging environment for you to thrive. 🚀 **Why CPA Toastmasters?** * **Improve Public Speaking**: Learn how to communicate clearly and confidently in front of any audience. * **Build Leadership Skills**: Develop the tools and techniques to become a stronger leader in your personal and professional life. * **Friendly, Supportive Community**: Join a group of like-minded individuals who are all working toward their personal growth and success. * **Real-Time Feedback**: Get constructive feedback in every meeting to help you continually improve. * **CPD Hours**: As our member, you are eligible to claim CPD hours under CPA for attending our meetings! 📈 **What to Expect at a Toastmasters Meeting:** * **Prepared Speeches**: Deliver speeches on topics you’re passionate about (Members only) * **Impromptu Speaking**: Practice thinking on your feet with quick, fun exercises. * **Constructive Feedback**: Receive valuable tips to help you improve, delivered in a positive, encouraging way. * **Leadership Roles**: Take turns leading the meeting, which helps you refine your organizational and leadership abilities. Come visit us in our next meeting and learn how our club can support your public speaking journey!

[REGISTER HERE] ( https://luma.com/seab43vn ) Australia is entering a new era of AI, one where sovereignty, infrastructure, and local capability matter more than ever. ​Join our Foundational Models Meetup, where for our first event in the series, we’re excited to host **[Simon Kriss](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkriss/), CEO of Sovereign Australia AI**, for a short talk on what it actually takes to build foundational models here in Australia. ​ While much of the global AI conversation is dominated by US and Chinese players, Sovereign Australia AI is working to develop foundational models locally, contributing to Australia’s capability in this rapidly evolving space. ​**Live demonstrations** We’ll also feature 2–3 short live demonstrations from local builders working directly with foundational models. ​These will be practical walk-throughs of what teams are actually building. Each demo will be concise, technical where relevant, and focused on real-world insight. ​ **What you'll learn:** * ​Why AI sovereignty is becoming a strategic priority * ​What it really takes to build foundational models * ​The challenges of infrastructure, capital, and talent in Australia * ​Lessons learned from building at the frontier * ​Where Australia fits in the global AI landscape ​This event is designed for engineers, researchers, founders, and builders who want a grounded perspective on what’s happening beneath the surface of the AI boom. ​Join us at Melbourne Connect for an evening of practical insights, honest reflections, and thoughtful discussion on the future of foundational AI in Australia. ​ **Who should attend:** * ​AI engineers and researchers * ​technically minded founders * ​people working on model infra, tooling or data * ​students and academics curious about foundational models ​**About SMEC AI** ​SMEC AI is an initiative of Boab AI in partnership with Artesian, Cremorne Digital Hub, University of Melbourne, RMIT, La Trobe University, Victorian Medtech Skills And Devices Hub, TNG and Rockwell. ​SMEC AI focuses on the agriculture, clean energy, medical and enabling capabilities industries as defined by the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas. ​ The SMEC AI project and activities has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry Science and Resources AI Adopt program and is aimed at enhancing the adoption of artificial intelligence by small to medium enterprises in Australia.

**Ready to Speak with Confidence?** **Want to Lead with Impact and Express Yourself Clearly?** **Join Manningham Toastmasters – Where Speakers Become Leaders!** Whether you want to conquer public speaking anxiety, sharpen your communication skills, or grow into a stronger leader — Manningham Toastmasters is the place for you! We're part of **Toastmasters International**, a global non-profit run by volunteers, and we’re passionate about helping people *just like you* unlock their full potential. Our meetings are packed with energy, learning, and a whole lot of fun. ✨ **What to Expect:** * Impromptu Speaking (we call it Table Topics — and it's a blast!) * Prepared Speeches from passionate members * Feedback that’s positive, supportive, and helps you *grow* * Leadership opportunities that build your confidence — fast! We meet twice a month, and **guests are always welcome!** You can attend **up to three meetings for FREE** — come see what we’re all about before signing up. 📅 **When:** 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 PM 📍 **Where:** Box Hill Library, Bert Lewis Room, 1040 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128 🚀 **Take the First Step** – Visit our website to learn more and book your guest spot: https://www.toastmasters.org/Find-a-Club/00006780-00006780

Diamond Cuisine presents a double feature menu. One is Indian; the other? Hungarian. Weird, but go with it. Two menus - one Indian and the other Hungarian – don't immediately strike the average diner as necessarily harmonious. But locals have been quick to see (and taste) what has made sense to chef and restaurateur Sukhjinder Singh for quite some time. Why not join us in Clifton Hill for your choice of Indian, or Hungarian or both! Check out their menu. https://indianhungarian.com.au/ See you there! A $20 non refundable deposit is required for this event and will be refunded on the night. The deposit will be required 48 hours from RSVPing to the event or you will be moved removed from the event. Please make payment to the following account only if you are on the going list. BSB 013125 Account 150808654 Please let me know once payment is made. PLEASE USE YOUR NAME AND VENUE AS YOUR REFERENCE. Please only RSVP to an event if you fully intend to show. Pulling out of a dinner or another booked event (with a venue) on the day is a kick in the teeth for both the venue and the organiser. I understand there are instances where this is unavoidable, but you are short changing the venue on the revenue they are reliant upon, especially when it comes to paying their staff. It may be too late to rebook those tables with other patrons. Not to mention the stress this puts the organisers under. Please be considerate.

Come along a join us to play some board games and meet some cool people. If you don't like games, come along anyways haha. Its just a good excuse to meet new people and have fun.

We invite you to come and practise your English with people from all over the world in a friendly environment. We are open to all levels from beginner to advanced. We have classes in small groups and you will be placed in one of these groups according to your level of English. Our free conversational English classes are every Thursday evening (except term breaks). If you are coming for the first time, please come on time for registration. Please note: English Corner is for non-native speakers. Our team of facilitators is really looking forward to having a wonderful time speaking English with you! **Please scan the QR code upon arrival to register your attendance.** If this is your first time, we recommend arriving a bit earlier to complete your initial registration. In case you aren't able to join us face to face we have an Online Alternate English Conversation Thursday class option too! Sign up for this on Meetup.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/a/c/2/600_358616002.jpeg Atheists at First Friday Pub Evening Hello Fellow Atheists, Please join with us at the pub for drinks, informal conversation and fun. If you can't make it by 6pm, don't worry - we'll be there for a good 3 hours or more (sometimes to midnight), so turn up whenever you can make it. Children are welcome. Time: From 6:00 pm, First Friday, of every month. Venue: As specified. For information before or on the evening, contact: Andrew - 0438 043 050 or John - 0411 143 744

**Atheists' Pub Evening.** Please join with us at the pub for drinks, informal conversation and fun. If you can't make it by 6pm, don't worry - we'll be there for a good 3 hours or more (sometimes to midnight), so turn up whenever you can make it. Children are welcome. From 6:00 pm on the first Friday of every month. For information contact: Andrew - 0438 043 050 or John - 0411 143 744

Join us for a relaxing time of folding together at the Realm library in Ringwood! We'll be in Meeting Room 3 on Level 2. Bring a fun origami project to fold and share, all while chatting and meeting other origami enthusiasts! Standard origami paper will be provided. We just ask for a gold coin to help with group expenses.

**To Be Announced** But it will be a good one! **VIDEO** Coming soon ... **Discussion Outline** Stay tuned ...

Come for lunch or a coffee and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Finding Hope in Turbulent Times". We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Community members of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we grow together and learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

**Bendigo Day Trip: Easter Festival Special** 🐰 **Saturday\, 4 April \| 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM** Join Bondaroo for a vibrant day exploring **Bendigo during the Easter Festival** — a perfect mix of culture, food, and community. This trip is designed for international students to discover regional Victoria while making new connections. **Meeting Point:** 📍 Southern Cross Station (near Puzzle Café) 🕣 8:30 AM sharp *** ### 🌟 Highlights & Activities 🍖 **BBQ & Light Refreshments** – Enjoy a casual group BBQ and picnic 🏞 **Poppet Head Lookout -** Take in breathtaking views at Poppet Head Lookout, pass by a charming greenhouse, and catch glimpses of nature's wonders. 🏛 **Old Post Office (Visitor Centre)** – Learn about Bendigo’s rich history 🐉 **Awakening of the Dragon @ Dai Gum San** – Experience a key cultural highlight of the Easter Festival 🌳 **Rosalind Park** – Relax, explore, and enjoy the festival atmosphere 🎡 **Moonlight Market & Carnival Central** – Food, stalls, and festival vibes to end the day *** ### 🎟 Ticket Information • Please register via **Eventbrite**. This Meetup page is for promotion only — RSVPs here will not be counted in the final attendee list. • **$10 deposit** (secures your spot, non-refundable if cancelled within 24 hours of the event) • **$49 total price** (includes BBQ and light refreshments, payable on the day) *** ### ⚠️ Important Notes • Please ensure you have a **valid Myki with sufficient balance** for V/Line travel • Wear comfortable clothing and check the weather • Limited spots available — early registration recommended *** Spend your Easter weekend exploring, connecting, and experiencing one of Victoria’s most iconic festivals with Bondaroo. 👉 Limited spots – **book now on Eventbrite:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/easter-bendigo-day-trip-with-international-friends-registration-1985704232814?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/easter-bendigo-day-trip-with-international-friends-registration-1985704232814?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Note**: This event has limited spots. Please only RSVP if you plan to attend. If your plans change, kindly cancel your RSVP so someone else can join. ✨ **Community Rules** ✨ * This is a rain-or-shine event. * 18+ only. * Maintain respect and no unsolicited contact. * No advertising and selling during the event. * Adherence to the liability waiver is mandatory: [Read here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hKqVIMcXMFdzvpjqO3KRf_uQ5xAzd-jt/view?usp=sharing) * By attending this event, you are consent to our media policy: [Read here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rgNOcewZs-tKYUEBt3gV84hob1HdDXydjrGf_tEiXjQ/edit?usp=sharing)

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. 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

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

The topic for April is "Water" 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!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow