Mountaineering

Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on Thursday!

There’s something special about St Kilda at dusk — the way the light softens over the water, the breeze carries a hint of salt, and the shoreline begins to quieten as the day exhales. Join us for an evening that blends good food, gentle movement, and one of Melbourne’s most magical wildlife moments. **WE WILL DO DINNER and then a walk down to st kilda pier where we may be lucky enough to spot a penguin** ## ✨ A Coastal Evening to Ease Into We’ll begin by gathering at the **Village Belle Hotel**, settling in over a relaxed dinner before our walk. Their **$25 parma special** (with chips and salad, including a vegetarian option) makes this an easy, comforting way to connect before we step out into the night air. ## 🌊 What You’ll See & Experience After dinner, we wander toward the marina, where the masts sway gently and the lighthouse stands quietly against the fading sky. The coastline opens beside us — soft waves rolling in, the scent of salt, the glow of the city stretching across the bay. We follow the curve of **St Kilda Beach**, then slip beneath the palms of **Catani Gardens**, where the evening breeze moves through the leaves like a slow whisper. From here, it’s a short, easy walk to **St kilda Pier**. As the sky deepens, the little penguins begin to return from the sea, emerging from the water with their soft calls and familiar waddle. if we are lucky we might see the penguins return — tiny silhouettes emerging from the darkening water, shaking off the sea and settling into their rocky homes for the night. It’s a gentle, intimate moment of wildlife on the very edge of the city, where the penguins carry on just as they did before the city expanded ## 🚶‍♀️ The Walk ***Distance: **4 km loop ** *Walking time: **30–40 minutes of gentle movement *** Grade: **Easy ** *Terrain: **Flat pathways, beachside promenades, smooth and accessible surfaces *** Pace: **Social walk — time to talk breathe and enjoy the evening ## 🎒** What to Bring** - Comfortable walking shoes - Water - A warm layer — the pier can feel cool once the sun dips - Optional: camera (no flash), small snack ## 🌤** Difficulty** Easy — suitable for most walkers. ## 🌦** Weather & Cancellations** If the weather becomes unsafe — heavy rain, strong winds, or conditions that make the pier unsuitable — the event may be postponed or cancelled. Any updates will be posted on the Meetup page, so please check before leaving home. ## ⚠️** Safety Disclaimer** This is a social, community‑led outing, not a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. The route includes natural hazards typical of outdoor environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and support others in the group as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together. Our volunteers may carry first aid supplies and communication devices to support the group, but these are not a substitute for personal preparedness. We also recommend having active ambulance cover whenever you take part in outdoor activities.

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

**Explore perfect pairing of McLaren Vale wines with sustainable Australian produce with passionate host and expert Sandra at Whitebark Bar in West Melbourne!** **TICKETED EVENT** TICKET: $70 TICKET LINK:[https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofaustraliamclarenvalewinepairingmasterclass](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofaustraliamclarenvalewinepairingmasterclass) NOTE: RSVP doesn't guarantee a place, please book your ticket at the link. **WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE** Guided by **sommelier and owner Sandra Petrovski**, explore a handpicked selection of **five boutique Adelaide Hills regional wines** with perfectly paired bites featuring **Australian produce** focusing on sustainable proteins and balanced with the vibrant flavours of **local herbs, native greens, and wild botanicals.** **Sip, savour, and connect** with fellow wine lovers as you enjoy perfectly paired bites in a relaxed, social setting. **Whether you're a wine novice or a connoisseur, come solo or bring your friends along for an engaging and enjoyable evening.** **WHAT YOU'LL GET** * **Varietal Exploration:** Dive into the world of five McLaren Vale regional wines each with its own tale to tell * **Pairing Bites:** Enhance your tasting experience with a delectable selection of Australian produce * **Wine Wisdom:** Learn from our knowledgeable host about the intricacies of each varietal * **Socialise and Sip:** Connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, share your passion, and make lasting connections Limited tickets are available, so secure yours now for an unforgettable experience! **TICKETED EVENT** TICKET: $70 TICKET LINK: [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofaustraliamclarenvalewinepairingmasterclass](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofaustraliamclarenvalewinepairingmasterclass) NOTE: RSVP doesn't guarantee a place, please book your ticket at the link.Tas

Hi all, Welcome to our May book club! We are a friendly group of avid readers that enjoy a variety of books and great conversation, over a meal. New members are welcome but spaces are limited. The books for Thursday 21 May 2026 are: **Science Fiction** Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove [Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216540053-of-monsters-and-mainframes) **Fantasy** A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin [A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, #1) by Ursula K. Le Guin | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13642.A_Wizard_of_Earthsea) **Urban Fantasy** Go back, and re-read the book that first got you hooked into Urban Fantasy books. Books set a mondern time, with a recognisable urban type landscape. Was it Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, the Dresden Files, Mercy Thompson, Sookie Stackhouse or maybe Twilight that inspired you to read more books like this. You don't have to read all the books. However, the more you read, the more robust the conversation will be with multiple people discussing each book. Don't forget to bring along some Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Urban Fantasy suggestions for the following meet-up! If you would like to see all the books (excluding bonus books) that we have read before, click [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K96OI_w3AIBzkDVWXenQNc6mYbZ2cMvfRnzVehkp9Bo/edit#gid=0) to have a look. Since there are so many authors out there, we try not to repeat authors, however, I am relaxing this slightly moving forward. If you are new(ish) to the group, check out the back catalogue for some inspiration if you are stuck for something to read. Numbers are limited. If you can’t make it, please change your RSVP to a NO as a courtesy to the organiser and to let any wait-listed people into the meet-up. If you have time, stay back for a social catch up with your fellow book club members. Of course, you can go as soon as the book club finishes, but if you have time, then this is a great opportunity to find out all the news and what books people have been reading over the last couple of months. Happy Reading!!! 🤓😊

**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**

Hello Climbers! Just meet at the yellow sign and introduce yourself :) From there we pair up to climb. If we have an odd number of people, we can make a rotating group of 3. There is also a self-belay area if you want to get in more climbing if in a group of 3 or arriving earlier. If the event you are planning to go to only has one or 2 people on the ‘attending’ list, we encourage organising a climbing partner in advance so you can make sure you have at least one other person there to climb with! Feel free to reach out on the event wall or message a host :) Meet up will start at 6pm but if you want to start earlier you certainly can, but again you will need to organise a climbing partner in advance. New climbers are welcome, however your mandatory induction takes about 15/20mins. Harnesses, shoes and chalk bag can be hired also. Current pricing for Hard Rock here: https://www.hardrock.com.au/prices/

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → DANDENONG Ranges** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 24 MAY, DAY TRIP ☀️** * ✨*Walk gently • Taste deeply • Breathe fully*✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Wander the Rail Trail of the Dandenong Ranges 🌿 Step into a storybook journey just beyond Melbourne — a day where forest paths, quiet villages, and simple moments come together. ☕ With **coffee and snacks** in hand, we begin gently in the charming village — easing into the rhythm of the day. 🚶‍♂️ From here, our trail unfolds along the historic rail line — a \~15 km **easy hike** through tall eucalyptus forests, fern gullies, and peaceful clearings where time slows and nature leads. 🌲 Along the way, we pause… to breathe, to listen, to take in the stillness of the forest — not just a hike, but a moving reset. 🚂 If we’re lucky, we’ll catch the iconic **Puffing Billy** passing through — a quiet moment where everyone stops and simply watches. ☕ Midway, we arrive in a small village for a relaxed **coffee stop** — warm drinks, easy conversation, and a chance to recharge. 🥟 By early afternoon, we reach the beautiful Lake — where something special awaits. A lakeside picnic with **Ukrainian dumplings**, shared together in the open air — simple, soulful, and unforgettable. 🧘 We slow down even further with a gentle **guided meditation** by the water or forest— a moment to reset, reflect, and just be. 🥐 And to finish the day on a delicious note, we visit a **renowned gourmet bakery** — a final treat of something fresh, flaky, and indulgent. 🌄 As the day winds down, we take a final scenic pause at a **beautiful lookout** — where golden light stretches across the ranges. 🚐 Then, a relaxed drive back to Melbourne — calm, content, and filled with fresh energy. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 All-Inclusive for $99** ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **15 km hike** + all gears 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks**, **soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ **Picnic** \- with great company 🧃 ✅ **Ukrainian dumplings** experience 🥟 (Veg.) ✅ **Meditation** session 🧘 **✅** **Puffing Billy** viewing experience 🚂 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 07:30 — Meet at **St Paul’s Cathedral,** Flinders Street 🍉 08:00 — Short **break** to stretch and refresh ☕ 09:00 — Morning **coffee/tea** and snacks (included!) 🥾 09:15 — **Hike** into the forest magic 15 km - 180 elevation 🍫 11:00 — **Break** & snacks🦘 🥾 12:00 — Continue to **Hike** 🚂 12:30 — **Puffing Billy** Experience • Visit a historic railway station • Scenic stop to observe the steam train passing (timing dependent) • Photos, short break, storytelling moment 🍽️ 13:30 — Picnic & **Ukrainian dumplings** 🥟 +snacks & drinks (included) 🎨 14:30 — **Art-Gallery** \- local artists ✨ 15:00 — **Wishing Well** \- make a wish 🥐 15:30 — Finish hike and visit **gourmet bakery** 🚐 16:00 — **Scenic drive** through Ranges 🌄 16:30 — Breathtaking **lookout** 🏙️ 18:00 — Return to **Melbourne** with a heart full of memories 📍 Drop-off: Hammer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Dan 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ## **🎒 What to Bring?** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (optional) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**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! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿✨ Don’t miss this **epic day of adventure, nature, and fun!** ✨🌊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share](https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share) Instagram: [nogeography.hike.kayak](http://nogeography.hike.kayak/) [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property on 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 ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.