IELTS

Meditation

**Ride:** While the trains are working on the Hurstbridge line, let's do this Tuesday ride on what looks to be a perfect day for it: We'll do the full length of the Diamond Creek trail from Hurstbridge, stopping for brunch / lunch in Eltham and ride the Main Yarra Trail and others back to town. **Getting there**: **08:43 Hurstbridge** train from **Flinders St** (platform 1) arrives **09:57.** We usually travel in the last carriage if you are wanting company for the trip. Note that I won't join you on the train as I will be riding there directly from home. -Public toilets available at Hurstbridge station. -Coffee at the bakery over the road if you arrive early. This is an easy paced ride and one-way only from **Hurstbridge Station**. We ride the **Main Yarra Trail** to **Alphington** before leaving it for an easier and shorter route back to town. Naturally, you can leave the ride wherever it suits you to head for home. **Suits most riders.** Cycling on well formed Lilydale Topping compacted gravel for some of the ride. Sealed on most of it. There are some short up-hills but nothing too long nor steep. Check the map profile if you wish. (Often, this ride goes to Petty's Orchard however they don't open Tuesdays and Wednesday will be a scorcher) **Total distance**: \~44 Km **Tuesday's forecast**: Melbourne area - 28°C Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. (Hurstbridge will become hotter in late afternoon but we'll be long gone) https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/hurstbridge/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-06 **Speed**: 22 Km/h typically. Not too fast / not too slow. **Recommended bike**: Most bikes. E-bikes if you are confident. Good quality gravel paths are OK for most road bikes. Bulky panniers not recommended as they might slow us all down on the day. **Map and route files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29419633](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29419633) \* * Actual route will vary on the day (we're not going to the apple orchard this time sot it's a little shorter) **Bring**: Water, sunscreen, spare tube & tools, money for lunch / coffee, Myki, your phone with my number. Please pump and check your tyres before leaving home :) **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Yarra River - Sept '25 "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"

“Sentimental Value, one of the year’s best films, is an absorbing, beautifully drawn family drama that walks lightly, but goes deep.” Original Cin. “This tremendous follow-up to Trier’s 2021 international breakthrough hit The Worst Person in the World flows with a ravishing freeness through the many complex strictures it builds for itself: layered family psychologies; behaviours and secrets that recur and reform across generations; the therapeutic value of art to its makers.” The Telegraph. We will meet at the Nova Bar from 6 p.m. onwards, please book your tickets early. Stefan - 0437777522.

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!

Join Toastmasters - Victoria for a dynamic workshop on mastering impromptu speaking. Enhance your communication skills in a supportive environment while also improving your ability to think on your feet. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to overcome the fear of public speaking and boost their confidence when speaking in front of an audience. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just starting out, this event will provide you with tips and techniques to tackle impromptu speaking with ease. Don't miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your impromptu speaking skills and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about personal and professional development. Toastmasters - Victoria is dedicated to creating a welcoming space for individuals to grow and learn from one another. Come prepared to challenge yourself, gain valuable insights, and become a more confident and effective communicator. Mark your calendar for an engaging session that will leave you inspired and equipped to excel in impromptu speaking and beyond.

**Welcome to Badminton Social (羽球匯友) Meetup!** Join us for regular badminton, social meetups, and a great time on the court around Caulfield. Let's build a welcoming badminton community and make some amazing memories together! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly plays. Our group is made up of both local and international members, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to join in. Not only will you have the chance to improve your Badminton skills and stay fit, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and staying active. Come and be a part of our community in Melbourne, where friendships are made on and off the court. **Details as below:** When: 10 Jan, this coming Saturday Time: 5pm - 6.30pm Where: Monash Sport Caulfield (1-min walk from Caulfield Station / free parking around the Station) Fee: $12 per head (PayID to the organizer) *#Limited spots - first come first served (RSVP)* *#Please bring your own racket(s); or you can rent it from the Centre (if needed)* ***#Please kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so hopefully others can still get a spot to join. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full rate - Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.*** *#Please let the organizer know after the first play, if you'd like to play regularly with the group ongoing and enjoy exclusive offer - Organizer will add you to our Whatsapp group for the regulars :)* *DISCLAIMER:* *By* *attending any event hosted by this Meetup group, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks, including injury or loss of property, and you assume full responsibility for your safety. The organizers are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur, regardless of cause. You agree to follow any event guidelines, act responsibly, and understand that you are responsible for your own well-being. By attending, you accept these terms. 3*

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

🍻Come to the language exchange in Melbourne! 🌍Practice your preferred language while making new friends and getting to know more about new cultures. THURSDAYS 👉🏻Where? DIESEL BAR, 202 Little Lonsdale St. ⏰What time? From 18:00 to 22:45 👨🏻‍🎓🍻The first 50 international students who register at the QR CODE entrance will get a free drink. 🤩5$ ENTRY + 1 free drink for non-students.

This smaller half-pitch match is strictly for **35 years and older** players only, as well as **not for beginners**. You must register to play. Please arrive on time to lend a hand in setting up the goals. A Roll Call for registered players is conducted. If you arrive late, you will need to join one of the other remaining open-age matches and relinguish your spot for someone who is on the waiting list and has come on-time. Please have the courtesy to de-register if you are unable to attend at all. Please wear a black or white top, or bring both so teams can be easily divided evenly. We recommend shin guards as the game is competitive and a contact sport. It is up to you to manage your own risk of injury, as this is social and free. However, we do NOT condone sliding tackles and over-aggressiveness. Please place your possessions in a safe place while the game is running. Your possessions are your own responsibility. Instructions to set up the Air Inflatable 3m/5m wide x 2m high goals: https://youtu.be/rA-_-ViyP1g Instructions to set up the Metallic Everfit 3.6m wide x 1.8m high goals: https://youtu.be/_6HWZdlMAB0

## Details **🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our FRIDAY FREE Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians. 🍺: Discounted 15% house beers and wines 🍸: Extra cost for cocktails and spirit 🍲: Food available is to purchase at the bar with 15% discount on menu. 👉**Fee** of **$3.00** to be paid at the entrance is Waived so FREE but if you can buy something from the bar. THAT WOULD BE GREAT! No Limited numbers but RSVP is a must. 🆔 Please carry a Photo ID as you may be asked at the entrance. 👉**Location**: Diesel bar & Eatery. we book the whole Second floor, Capacity of 500 people. and the welcoming table is at the door entrance. No entry from Melbourne Central. only from 202 Little Lonsdale St.

**Please note:** We meet at 11am and start walking towards Elwood soon after. Please be on time or message us. Thanks! :) Walk and talk with us. Meet on St Kilda Beach in front of Republica near the Rhinocerous statue, Walk to Ormond Point Elwood 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️ We practice English conversation plus our first and second languages on the way. Bring a friend, dog and perhaps a ✍🏽 and notepad to remember new words and phrases. Meet new people. We look forward to chatting with you!🤗 ***Please note:*** *For attendance at this beach walk read the disclaimer below:* *By signing up and participating in this **Language Practice and Walking on the Beach** today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazard• Bites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have between 150 - 250 people attending our Tuesday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6pm to 9pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians. 👉**Fee** of **$3.50** to be paid at the entrance or you can buy something from the bar. No Limited numbers but RSVP is a must. 🆔 Please carry a Photo ID as you may be asked at the entrance. 👉**Location**: Diesel bar & Eatery. we book the whole Second floor, Capacity of 500 people. and the welcoming table is at the door entrance. No entry from Melbourne Central. only from 202 Little Lonsdale St.

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening evening of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will choose from the menu and pay individually)

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Paris Baguette on Lane Avenue. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. 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."