Nature

**ATHEIST SOCIETY** \- Melbourne\, Australia\. **Charles Darwin Day lecture:** ***"Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals"*** **Robert Bender** (Humanist) will present the topic and lead the discussion. **Venue**: Unitarian Hall, 110 Grey Street East Melbourne. (Adjacent to the Epworth Freemasons Hospital). **Zoom** ID: Meeting ID 869 9408 2765, Passcode 728513. These hybrid meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm. Convenor: John Perkins - Tel: 0411 143 744 - **[jlperkins@tpg.com.au](http://jlperkins@tpg.com.au/)** Atheist Society: **[Website](https://reason101.tech/Atheist/Society.htm) \- \- \- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/atheist.society.australia)**

**Yarra Botanica** is a popular, two-level floating bar and eatery on the Yarra River. Join us and enjoy the spectacular city views in the heart of Southbank 🍃🌺 📍 Address: Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006 Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery. New people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time Join us to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend Events are also on: Raiders of the Lost Bars [https://www.meetup.com/barraiders/](https://www.meetup.com/barraiders/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/) This week's venue: https://www.instagram.com/yarrabotanica/

Join me for a relaxed walk along the beautiful Bay Trail from Brighton Beach to Middle Brighton Baths and Pier. We can enjoy walking and chatting together as we follow the water's edge, with time to make new friends and share the beauty of our surroundings. When we reach the Dendy Street Beach we will take time to explore the 93 brightly decorated bathing boxes that make up a fun collective work of art. This is an ideal opportunity for photography. There are gorgeous views out across Port Phillip Bay and the distant city skyline. From there we'll walk on to the historic Middle Brighton Baths, a reminder of Melbourne’s Victorian-era sea-bathing culture and then out along the Middle Brighton Pier, a popular destination for fishing and enjoying views of the bay. **Agenda** We will meet at the War Memorial in the Brighton Beach Gardens Green Point at 2pm. There is a photo and a map in the gallery. We'll set off at 2.15pm and walk through the gardens to the end of Green Point. From there we'll walk down to the shoreline and stroll up to the Dendy Street Beach where we can explore the iconic coloured bathing boxes. Then we'll join the Bay Trail path and walk up to the historic Brighton Baths and out along the Middle Brighton Pier. On the way back we'll stop in at the Beach House Cafe on Brighton Beach to pick up a coffee and a snack or you may like to bring your own drinks and something to eat. There will be time to enjoy conversations together and have a paddle in the water. This is an easy to moderate walk along the path and on the sand in some sections. The walking distance is about 6km all up and we'll take around 2 hours. We'll arrive back at Brighton Beach Gardens by 5pm. **Location** Brighton Beach War Memorial in Brighton Beach Gardens, Beach Road, Brighton near the corner of Beach Road and South Road. It is approximately 11km SouthEast of Melbourne's city centre. The Brighton Beach Train Station is on the Sandringham line and the travel time from the city is 25 minutes. There is paid parking at the gardens and free parking at the Brighton Beach Train Station on South Road directly across the road from the meeting spot. When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Message. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → WOMBAT FOREST** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 15 FEB, DAY TRIP ☀️** * **Walk, float, taste, breathe — in nature.** * \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Embark on a Day Trip to Wombat Forest! 🌿 Discover the stunning beauty of **Wombat Forest** as you explore its natural wonders. This exciting day trip features scenic **hikes** through lush forests, a picnic and **fruit platter**, awe-inspiring lookouts, **meditation** & grounding, **kayaking**, and a visit to a **winery** for tastings or a scenic viewpoint. Enjoy a leisurely drive, wander along picturesque trails, and savor delicious food throughout the journey! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What’s Included?** *(All-Inclusive for $99!)* ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **9 km hike** with an elevation gain of 170m 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Fresh **Fruit** Platter 🍉 ✅ **Meditation** & grounding 🧘 ✅ **Picnic lunch stop** with great company 🧺 ✅ **Kayaks**🛶 + all gears🛶 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄🦘 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 7:30 – Pickup at **St Paul’s Cathedral**, Flinders Street 🚐 8:00 – Quick **stop/break** 🍜 9:00 – Welcome **morning coffee/tea** & snacks (included!) 🥾 9:15 – Easy **Hiking** adventure (9 km, 170m elevation) 🍽️ 12:30 – **Picnic**+**Fruit platter,** with unlimited drinks & snacks (BYO lunch welcome) 🧘 14:30 — **Meditation & grounding** 🛶 13:30 – **Kayaking** time on beautiful **Lake** (beginner friendly) 🌇 15:30 – **Stunning Lookout** 🌄 16:00 – **Winery - tasting or view scenery** 🏙️ 18:30 – Depart back to **Melbourne**, filled with 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:** WF 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**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** 🧢 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (or can buy on the way) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 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 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- * **A day in nature is a day well spent** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **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!

## **⚽ Welcome to Street Football Culture** **📸 Instagram: [@streetfootballculture](https://www.instagram.com/streetfootballcult)** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vw4Xzbi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr **We’re a passionate community of street football Culture lovers who come together regularly to play, connect and celebrate the beautiful game. Our games are friendly, inclusive, and full of energy open to anyone, regardless of age, background, or skill level.** **🗓️ Weekly Game Details: Updated** **Join us for casual 6v6 futsal every Saturday night at Flagstaff Gardens Courts.** **📍 Location: 309–311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003** **🕓 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM** **🏟️ Venue: Two side-by-side courts** **📢 Please arrive 10 minutes early to warm up and help set up teams.** ## **🎮 Match Format** **We’ll be forming four teams (A, B, C, D). Feel free to name your team if you're coming with a crew.** **Each team manages their own substitutions. Captains and vice-captains will coordinate things. If you're bringing your own squad, you’re welcome to stick together!** ### **🏆 Tonight's Game Schedule (Saturday)** **Match 1:** **🆚 Team A vs Team B** **🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM** * **First Half: 25 mins** * **Half-Time: 5 mins** * **Second Half: 25 mins** * **Draw? Penalty Shootout (3–5 mins)** **Match 2:** **🆚 Team C vs Team D** **🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM** * **Same format as Match 1** **Match 3: 3rd Place Playoff** **🆚 Losers of Match 1 vs Losers of Match 2** **🕗 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM** * **First Half: 25 mins** * **Half-Time: 5 mins** * **Second Half: 30 mins** * **Draw? Penalty Shootout** **Match 4: The Final** **🆚 Winners of Match 1 vs Winners of Match 2** **🕗 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM** * **Same format as Match 3** **Goalkeeper Rotation: Every player rotates into goal after a goal is conceded.** ## **👟 What to Bring** * **Footwear: Futsal shoes or runners only (artificial turf court)** * **Hydration: Water fountains available nearby** * **Toilets: Public restrooms close by courts (5-min walk)** ## **📢 Important Reminders** * **Participation is at your own risk. No insurance or on-site medical support is provided.** * **Respect the game. Respect each other.** * **Good vibes only — we value sportsmanship and inclusivity.** * **Celebrate everyone’s effort — win or lose, we’re one community.** ## **📲 How to Book Your Spot** https://forms.gle/f7W9kx1aQvJxDQzT8 **📱 WhatsApp: [https://whatsapp.com/](https://whatsapp.com/)** **📸 Instagram: [@streetfootballculture](https://www.instagram.com/streetfootballcult)** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vw4Xzbi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr **🎟️ Fee: $10 per player** **💳 Payment Options:** * **PayID** * **Bank Transfer** * **After payment, please take a screenshot and Either: Send it to us Via Message, or show it to us at the court.** * **Refund Policy** * **Full refunds are only offered if the event is cancelled (e.g. due to poor weather).** * **If you need to cancel, please give us at least 4 hours’ notice.** **🔥 Let’s Play!** **We can’t wait to see you on the pitch for another amazing on Saturday of futsal.** **Let’s bring the energy, the passion, and above all — the heart.** **See you there!** **#streetfootballculture**

**🌿 Fall in Love with the Planet – Eco-Impact Tribe Walk & Talk** This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating love in a different way — love for the planet 🌎💚 Join Eco-Impact Tribe for a relaxed **Walk & Talk** through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. A chance to slow down, connect with nature, and share simple ideas on how we can care a little more for the world around us. This is a casual, friendly event for anyone who wants to meet like-minded people, enjoy good conversation, and spend time outdoors. As a small gift, each participant will receive a **seed to take home and plant** — a tiny symbol of growing something positive for the planet 🌱 **Meeting Point:** We’ll meet at the Kiosk of **The Observatory** **Café at 11:00 AM** inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, so you’re welcome to grab a coffee before we begin. If possible, bring your own takeaway cup. 📩 If you’re running late, please DM me! **Plan for the day:** • Meet and greet at the Observatory Cafe at 11:00AM (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6) • Gentle group walk through the gardens • We stop at **Central Lawn** to connect and relax (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989) **What to bring:** • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny • Have something to sit down • A reusable coffee cup (preferable) • Your good vibes Whether you’re new to sustainability or already passionate about it, this is a welcoming space to connect and reflect together. Come along and let’s fall a little more in love with the planet 💚

On the third Sunday of every month we take a walk in nature. Exercise is so important to all of us and nature has its own unique way of healing. It helps us live in the present, enjoy our surroundings, regain balance and perspective and be pleased with ourselves for going out and doing something. And it costs nothing except time and effort. Our hikes are all over Greater Melbourne and afar. Generally our walks will be 2 to 2.5 hours of moderate grade. Those who want to go more quickly can but generally we try to stay as a group and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature together. Please read the waiver liability before you RSVP https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mHAz_ShmpWR1wr69gefWEqVzS-zw4bIvI2uGXw4RJ08/edit?usp=sharing WHAT TO BRING Water bottle appropriate clothing (be prepared for hot or cold weather) comfy shoes snacks hat sunscreen camera money for coffee afterwards We look forward to catching up.

Turn Anxiety into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, suppression, and apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 
Leanne & Lyn 💕

Join us for a nice warm bonfire and hot drinks this February at Highbanks Metropark. Folks who'd like to can walk around the meadows. This gathering and area of the park is doggo and kiddo-friendly, and is accessible to mobility aids.

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! 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

Join fellow Queer birders on February 22nd for birding at Pickerington Ponds Metropark. No expertise required!

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."