Men Supporting Men

Welcome to the Melbourne 40+ gay men support group! My name is Steven Cabral and I am a trained group facilitator and counsellor. The idea for this support group was born out of a gap in community service that I observed where mature aged gay men could share and relate to each other in midlife. I found that most of the services seem geared towards the younger generation and rightly so, but I feel there is a particular experience in middle age and onwards that needs to be honoured, supported, and acknowledged. As we transition into a different phase of life, we are faced with a different set of challenges. It is my belief, from my own experience, that some of these are directly, but not exclusively, tied to our sexuality and that can influence self-actualisation later in life in various ways. Some of us may be carrying trauma from a time where we weren't as readily accepted. This may be seeping through other areas of our life and affecting our beliefs of self-worth and love, completely unbeknownst to us. Some of us may be feeling alone at this phase in our lives because we didn't follow the well worn societal map followed by the majority; such as having kids and partners. As a result, we may feel alone in a peer groups or especially within our own families. Some of us may simply be struggling to navigate this new phase and all that it entails ranging from dating in middle age to bigger questions of how to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Some of us may be dealing with grief. If any of this resonates with you, then I want you to know that you are not alone. My hope for the group is that you feel a sense of belonging and shared experience. That, in of itself, can be extremely healing. The group is not a substitute for therapy, but a safe space to share and connect with others on a similar journey and to find and give inspiration. The group is specifically targeted to gay men who are aged 40+ due to the topics covered. Due to the limitations of the space and the need to keep it intimate, there is a maximum of 10 attendees. Venue: Sussex Neighbourhood House Inc. 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale VIC 3044 Date/Times: Once a month on Mondays 7:30pm - 9:00pm \*\* Door will be closed 5 mins after group starts so as not to disrupt the group. Booking a spot in group: If it is fully booked, please ALWAYS go on Wait List - the app automatically gives you a spot as soon as someone drops out. I will reminding RSVP'd attendees to change their RSVPs to *Not Going* if they are no longer going, so that those on the Wait List get their place. If you regularly don't show up and don't let me know - I will be in contact to see if there are any issues. Fees: $10.00 This purely to cover the cost of the venue where group is held as well as Meetup subscription. Guidelines: An opening creed will be read at the beginning of each group session. It is paramount though that ALL attendees feel safe, welcomed and respected at ALL times. The group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and I'd also like to extend that acknowledgement to those with lived experience of mental health challenges. Thank you so much for reading this far - I look forward to meeting you in person. Remember, it only takes a baby step to start change. Please message me directly with any questions. Steven Cabral.

Join Queer Meditation Melbourne for an evening of self-exploration and mindfulness in a safe and inclusive space. Start the event with a guided meditation session focused on promoting wellness, positive thinking, and spiritual growth. Connect with like-minded individuals from the LGBT community and enjoy meaningful conversations that nurture self-empowerment and consciousness. After the meditation practice, we will engage in social activities, promoting healthy living and dining out experiences. This event is designed for gay men and gay and lesbian friends who are looking to nurture their spiritual journey while building connections within the community. Come together to foster a sense of belonging and support each other in a space that celebrates diversity and self-care.

You asked for it and Rainbow Social is giving. Bowling and dinner event has been requested a number of times. \*\*SOLD OUT: To join waitlist, do reach out via DM. Kingpin Bowling (260 Collins St) is hosting us and giving a wonderful discount of bowling and dinner. Provided us with a wonderful discount for bowling and offering lovely food. Your ticket gets you 90 mins of bowling + arcade and dinner **Ticket:** [Dinner and bowling/arcade](https://www.trybooking.com/DLARU) On the night timeline 6pm arrival 6:30pm meals served 7:15pm we start bowling/arcade (split into two groups) 8:45pm we reconnect for a drink and debrief On arrival: Downstairs, mention you’re with Rainbow Social and staff will point you to our spot. If you arrive late: It’s best that you arrive before 7pm, call or text if you’re able late The space is brand new! Grab your ticket and do NOT miss out on your spot! ## Date

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy. 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is specifically for games only (no training). There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing for 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points, with a cap at 18 points. These games are intended to be played at a high-intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level. Please see an explanation of skill levels on our website here: https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for Intermediate players. Players should be able to: * Have strong fundamentals for all volleyball techniques * Serve receive a majority of serves well & serve over the net consistently * Basic understanding of 5-1, and 6-2 systems (we do not play a pass middle 4-2 system in this session) * Have an understanding of base defense * Know all/most volleyball rules Players that are not of the intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level will be asked to leave as we want to ensure that all players have an enjoyable time playing. **[[HOW MUCH $$]]** $14 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked from 7 PM-9 PM weekly, every Monday. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. Last minute dropouts and no shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advanced if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted into the gymnasium.

A gentle invitation to the Sisterhood 🌿✨ If you’re a woman who has experienced trauma and are looking for a safe, supportive, and understanding community, then this is for you💛 Join us for a lighthearted, soul-nourishing evening designed to help you unwind, recharge, and connect with like-minded women. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to get to know the Sisterhood—where conversation flows easily, laughter is encouraged, and you can simply show up as you are. Sip on a warm herbal tea, settle in, and enjoy meaningful connection in a supportive and easygoing atmosphere. Whether you feel like sharing or just listening, you’re invited to be part of a circle that values warmth, authenticity, and togetherness. Due to the cost of living pressures, this will be a donation-based event so you only give what feels right for you. Come as you are. Leave feeling a little lighter, a little more connected, and gently recharged 💛

Join us for the next **Men Unplugged** dinner. A monthly catch-up for separated dads who want to connect, reflect, and just be themselves. Whether you're navigating the early days of separation or further along the journey, this is a relaxed space to meet other men who get what you're going through. No pressure, no expectations. Just real conversation, good food, and the chance to connect with other guys who understand the ups and downs of fatherhood after separation. Each dinner has a theme to guide the conversation—but sharing is completely optional. You can talk, listen, or just enjoy the company. **Spots are limited to 15 men**, so booking is essential. **📅 Date:** Tuesday, 21st of April 2026 **🕢 Time:** 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM **📍 Location:** Hardimans Hotel, 521 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC **🎟️ Cost:** Pay as you go: Steak, chicken parma, burger or pizza ($20-25). Drinks at bar prices. There is ample free parking in the area. Getting there with public transport: Getting There by Train: Take the Craigieburn Line and get off at Kensington Station. From there, it’s a short 3-minute walk to Hardimans Hotel.

This smaller half-pitch match is strictly for **35 years and older** players only, as well as **not for football 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. Post-match, please help with packing up the goals, bibs and cones. 2-3 people per goal makes very light work and only takes 3 minutes. 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

**Welcome to Men's Circle, hosted at Sticks and Stones!** This is a group oriented towards fostering connection between men in our local community, while also accomplishing magickal working and intentional discussion around metaphysical topics. Please read the following code of conduct for our group, and message the facilitator or call the shop and ask for Merlin for any questions. Code of Conduct 1. We are all, in good faith, men. Whichever way that manifests, we take it on good faith that all attendees are male identifying. 2. We respect all walks of life and spiritual practice. We honor and respect men from every walk of life and spiritual practice. Freedom ends where it infringes on the practice of another. We do not evangelize, prostelitize, or talk down on others. There is no initiation, or universal code of spiritual conduct here. 3. What happens in Men's Circle stays in Men's Circle By attending, you accept a sacred duty to keep the trust and faith of the other attendees, do not share or discuss anything we share in circle. *(The secret answer to the question is "Salt on the Wind")* 4. Respect the circle Once the circle is cast, we are focusing our energy on magickal topics, and making the best use of everyone's time. With great love, we may ask you to redirect or keep a line of thought shorter or more intentional. 5. Arbitration is immediate and help-oriented If you run into a pain point or offense in our group, please speak up immediately and let your thoughts be heard. We are here to respect and grow and support each other as a community, let us help and grow together. **The next few weeks, we will be focusing discussion and practices around the following topic:** TBD

**Our favorite band will be taking the stage at Ned's. Come join us for a fun night of dancing!!! Cover starts at 9pm**