Nexus

It's time for "Listen Up", our favourite conversation game that helps turn strangers into friends! Join us for a drink and some nibbles while we have fun and make friends. For those who haven't played it before, Listen Up™ is a unique conversational board game that tests your listening skills and inspires deeper connections between participants. There are 3 categories of questions you can get asked depending on the 🎲 you roll! (1) 🙃 Just for fun: all kinds of fun questions from if you were a candy or crayon what would you be to what's your fave smell in the world? 😋 (2) 😉 Share: Cause sharing is caring! Starting to get into the deeper questions like if you have a bad day would you prefer to be left alone or have someone cheer you up? 😉 (3) 😎 Listen Up!: Aha this is where all the deep questions are! (Juz and Nicole will be coming straight from work and will likely be there early. If you want join us for a bite to eat, send a message and we'll keep an eye out for you.) . . . 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏 Welcome to our group! We are a bunch of Melbourne friends who decided to open up our circle to some new awesome people. We have a broad range of interests and will post some of our events here so you can come and join us. Join our Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodexperiencesgreatpeoplemelbourne . . . 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: • Let's keep things respectful. Our group has a diverse range of members and we get along great! This is because we accept one another, avoid insensitive comments, try to keep swearing to a minimum, and steer clear of gossip and mindless venting. • Please be punctual. Our hosts will check the Meetup page and post their location upon arrival before redirecting their attention to the people present. If you are late (more than 5 min), don’t expect to be able to reach them as they may not check their phone. Please allow enough time for travel and parking. (On that note, we don't organise carpooling because of various liability issues.) • If you say you're going to come, then please actually come. Many of our events end up waitlisted so if you claim a spot and don't show up, then someone else might miss out. Attendees who don't show up (or cancel their RSVP within 12 hours of the event) will be flagged as "no-shows". Repeat "no-showers" will be banned from the group to make space for more reliable attendees. • We want to keep all our members safe and healthy so if you are unwell, then please stay home. If you need to cancel within the 12 hour "no show" window, please send a courtesy message to the event host. • Please don't come if you are just looking to hit people up for your own agenda. Our members are so much more than followers for your Instagram account, customers for your Herbalife business, or people for your Forex empire. In our community, we are about adding value to one another. If you are just coming with a self-serving agenda, then we aren't your crowd. • And finally, this isn't a great group for people who like wallowing in life's problems. We choose positivity and gratitude, so bring some with you!

**Cut Through the AI Hype: What’s Really Helping Software Engineers Build Better, Faster** Tired of the noise around AI and ready to see what’s actually driving impact? Join us for a deep dive into the latest global research on how AI is (and isn’t) helping software engineers ship higher-quality software at speed. **Vivek**, former Lead Data Scientist and founding team member at **Multitudes**, will unpack insights from their global **AI Impact Survey** — revealing where teams are finding real productivity gains and where the hype doesn’t hold up. At Multitudes, Vivek led the company’s Data and AI strategy, creating analytics tools that help teams perform better and work happier. He’s recently spoken at LAST Conf, holds a PhD in Optimisation via Quantum Computing, and is passionate about data-driven approaches to meaningful change.

Tuesday nights just got better! Join us at **600 Little Collins St, Melbourne** for a **free beginners Bachata class** — the smooth, stylish Latin dance that’s taking over Melbourne. No partner, no pressure — just good vibes, great music, and easy-to-follow moves that anyone can learn. 🎶 **Here’s what to expect:** * Step-by-step Bachata basics (no experience needed) * A super chill, welcoming crowd * Music that makes you *feel* like you’re on holiday 📍 **Location:** The Salsa Foundation, 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne 🕕 **Time:** Tuesday 6 PM — arrive a few minutes early to check in 🎟️ **Cost:** Free (bookings required — limited spots!)

**Event Info:** This will be the first playgroup in 2026, so come join us for a celebration of the new year and new beginnings. If you are new and don't know anyone, please come talk to me, I can introduce you to regulars. Overall, the purpose of this meet-up is to gather together an inclusive group of support and community for those who are spiritual, but not necessarily religious. The session is usually (but not always) divided into two, with the first half being a practical aspect, followed by open free discussion. We will discuss topics as well as exchange knowledge, skills, abilities, gifts and healing modalities to help each other unlock our highest potential. Our intention is to keep it laid back with a big emphasis on exploring and having fun. Every level of experience and background is welcomed, whether you are just starting out with spirituality and want to explore more, or you are a veteran and want to share your wisdom with others. **Topics can include:** Spirituality, esotericism, metaphysics, philosophy, psychic abilities/gifts/intuition, mediumship, working with energy, working with spiritual guides/beings, healing/energy healing, health, wellbeing, mysticism, theosophy, shamanism, starseeds and many others. Whatever comes up during our gatherings, everyone is encouraged to suggest topics and participate. You are welcome to share any spiritual/healing/metaphysical knowledge, experiences, talents that you have with the group or simply enjoy the company of like-minded people & learn from each other through these sessions. **This group is for you if:** -You want to explore spirituality in a fun, laid back setting. -You are looking to unlock deeper aspects of yourself. -You are looking to unlock your intuition/gifts. -You are looking for your calling/purpose/how to be of service. -You want to reach a higher level of self-awareness and apply it to your everyday life. -You are looking to meet and make friends with other like-minded people. -You want to help anchor the spiritual energies. -You enjoy spiritual discussions. -You want to help others. This group is open and accepting of everyone looking to learn or help others, any disrespect will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave. Keep in mind that this group is not religion based. **What to bring:** -A bottle of water -Optionally feel free to bring a snack but we do ask that you keep the place clean. -$5 contribution which helps cover the cost of the facility **Amenities provided:** -Chairs -Kitchen for tea/coffee/snacks -Toilets **Location:** Level 1/234 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 **Getting there:** It is a short 3 minute walk from Flinders Street Station, with nearby tram stops as well. There is a parking lot on Flinders Lane as well if you are coming by car, which is 20$ flat rate for the night if you book online (otherwise it is 25$). **Important note:** The event has a capped attendance, and as such we ask that you only RSVP as attending if you know you are able to make it. If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to not attending, to allow others to attend. This meetup is also posted on another meetup group, so numbers here do not reflect complete attendance. Kind Regards, Emile and Gunnel Facilitators / your hosts: Gunnel Watkins is a board member of The Melbourne Theosophical Society, she has a background in Transpersonal Art Therapy and is a practicing artist. Emile has been hosting this group via Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-spirituality-personal-growth-meditation-meetup/events/260755046/](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-spirituality-personal-growth-meditation-meetup/events/260755046/)

**🙋‍♀️**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.

“It is a story of family and relationships, of life’s inevitabilities, and the surprises we can nonetheless carve from those. Its gut-wrenching despair is matched by a strange optimism, a powerful embrace of the possibilities of life and love that stays with you long after the end credits roll.” “Buckley’s performance is ferocious and astounding, starting off strong and somehow picking up power as the movie goes along.” The New York Times. We will meet at the Nova Bar from 3:45 p.m. onwards, please book your tickets early. After the film we will meet downstairs for discussion, drinks and food. Stefan - 0437777522

AWS re:Invent is Amazon Web Services’ flagship global technology conference, held annually in Las Vegas since 2012. Every year, the most critical updates and shifts around Kubernetes, Amazon EKS, and AI are first discussed, debated, validated, and refined at re:Invent — shaping technology decisions for years to come. This is not just another tech conference. It is where engineers, architects, and AWS core teams collectively define the future direction of cloud technology. Many AWS technologies are officially announced for the very first time at re:Invent. And just recently, AWS re:Invent has concluded in the US. From AWS re:Invent to Melbourne Bringing Global Cloud Insights to the Local Tech Community Shortly after re:Invent wrapped up, JR Academy is bringing first-hand insights from the global cloud stage directly to Melbourne. At this critical moment, JR Academy, together with KSUG, is hosting an in-person technical meetup to share real observations and discussions straight from the conference floor. This is not a replay or summary of re:Invent sessions. It’s a focused exchange that brings key global cloud judgments back to the local engineering community. Not a “Re-cap”, but a Deep Technical Exchange What engineers bring back from AWS re:Invent is rarely just slide decks. More often, it’s: Which EKS and AI directions were repeatedly discussed on-site Which technologies looked promising, yet sparked real debate among engineers How personal technical judgments and engineering thinking evolve after high-density information exposure These insights are difficult to fully capture through live streams, blogs, or recap articles — yet they are often the most valuable inputs for real-world technical decisions. JR Academy hopes to open these discussions to more engineers. **Event Focus** 🔹 First-hand perspectives from [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com) re:Invent Participants who attended re:Invent in person will share what they saw, heard, and felt — beyond what appeared in keynotes. 🔹 Amazon EKS & Kubernetes topics Exploring changes in platform capabilities, architecture design, and engineering practices, and discussing the next phase of Kubernetes within the AWS ecosystem. 🔹 AI insights & emerging trends Practical takeaways and new signals around AI from the conference. **Event Perks** 🎯 Food & drinks available from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (first come, first served) 🧃 Open networking & face-to-face technical discussions **Registration Notes** ⚠️ Amazon Office security requirements: Photo ID required (Passport or Driver’s License) Registration must be under your real name Thank you for your understanding. **Event Details** 📍 Location Amazon MEL12, Level 13 304/555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 🕠 Time January 14, 2025 — 6:00 PM (Melbourne time) 🎯 How to Register Click “Attend” on the right to secure your spot. 📍 Technical Community Discussion After registration, please contact JR Academy (Xiao Hua) to join the group for deeper technical discussions. Why JR Academy Keeps Doing This At JR Academy, we believe the real gap between engineers is not just about mastering individual tools — but about building independent understanding and judgment at the very beginning of change. Not everyone can attend AWS re:Invent in person. But the key insights it generates deserve to be heard as early as possible. That’s exactly why we bring it to you. **🤝 Acknowledgements** AWS Melbourne Office — Venue support [KSUG](https://ksug.ai/) — Global AI & Cloud-Native Community

Hi all, Welcome to our January book club for our Australian Author focused 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 note that spaces are limited. The books for Thursday 15 January 2026 are: **Science Fiction** On the Beach by Neil Shute [On the Beach by Nevil Shute | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38180.On_the_Beach) **Fantasy** The Etched City by K J Bishop [The Etched City by K.J. Bishop | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/944555.The_Etched_City) **Urban Fantasy** Ghost Electricity by Sean Cunningham [Ghost Electricity (Hawthorn House, #1) by Sean Cunningham | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45717303-ghost-electricity) 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!!! 🤓😊

We will be watching the Star Trek Academy premiere, and enjoying pizza and drinks. There is no fee to attend, but we will be requesting a $10 donation for pizza at the door (or via our chat group), or alternatively that you bring a snack or drink to share.

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * **30%** off [KubeCon Europe](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) 2026 using code **KSAI** * **30%** off [Linux Foundation](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet) Certs using code **30K8SUG** * Up to **30%** OFF popular [Books](https://ksug.ai/books/?ref=meet) and [Events](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) We're excited to welcome you to the upcoming **KSUG.AI Australia Meetup** — happening both in-person at at Amazon and online via [Zoom](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai)! 🎉 We're actively seeking more awesome AI topic speakers! 👉 [https://speaker.ksug.ai](https://speaker.ksug.ai) **Agenda and topics preview:** * Food, drinks and Socializing * Welcome / Introductions by the Organizers @**[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** * **Topic 1:** **AWS re:Invent re:Cap** by our panelists, **Dale** Orders, **Stephen** Sennet, **Matthew** Gillard, **Michael** Walmsley * **Topic 2:** **Amazon** **EKS update** by **Andrew** Jarrett from **AWS** * **Quiz time:** nice swags giveaways Food and drinks will be provided between **5.30 and 6 pm** on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a great opportunity to learn and network with our peers. Thanks to our sponsors @**[Amazon](https://aws.com/)**, @**[KodeKloud](https://kodekloud.com/k8sug)**! **[Register here](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14) to secure your spot!** See you all there! **Location:** Amazon MEL12, Level 13.304 [555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kbi13GZqj2zDqDz2A) Join **[#Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua)** for latest update 👉 [https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ 30% OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Certs - Code: **30K8SUG** ☸ 37% OFF **[KodeKloud](https://ksug.ai/kk/?ref=meet)** Plans - Code: **K8SUGKK** 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬: ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 𝟏𝟖𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** 🔥 [linktr.ee/ksug.ai](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

This meetup is your introduction to Dianetics, and you can have your questions answered. **[DIANETICS THE ALL-TIME CLASSIC ON THE HUMAN MIND](https://www.dianetics.org/about/films/what-is-dianetics.html)** For 75 years, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health has remained popular, with over 20 million copies sold across 206 nations. Why? Because it challenges everything you thought you knew-about yourself, your decisions, and the unseen influences affecting your life. You may not know what the reactive mind is-yet. But once you do, it will change your life forever. This hidden part of your mind stores painful experiences and uses them against you, altering your thoughts, emotions and behaviors in ways you don't even realize. Inside this handbook, you'll discover: • Why the same struggles keep repeating—and how you can break free • The real reason behind stress, unreasonable fears, and negative emotions • A clear step-by-step method to clear your mind and unlock your true potential This is not theory—it's a practical, one-on-one journey into your reactive mind and how you can get rid of it. You don't have to wait for change-you can start today. **Discover the Power of Your Mind** Join us for a relaxed, interactive **Dianetics Meetup**, where it's your chance to explore the groundbreaking discoveries in *Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health* and have all your questions answered. Come with your curiosity—leave with insight. Ask for Michel, Pam or Donovan. If the time and date do not suit you personally, you may reschedule, SMS Pam on: 0405 648 822 https://www.dianetics.org/about/films/what-is-dianetics.html

Come join us at Nova Labs for our monthly lockpicking meeting! We meet every third Wednesday at the Nova Labs Fairfax location at 3850 Jermantown Road. Learn about locks, lockpicking, lock modifications, and even lock smithing in our classroom environment. No tools, skills, or knowledge required, but feel free to bring any of those things with you! Our meetings are overseen by one or more locksmiths.

Ready for the **FIRST Loudoun CyberTech Event of 2026** \- featuring the **Loudoun County CISO**?!?! Join us on **Tuesday, January 13, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1J8_8W2-vSe2WSqQbnxxz0Adwxz1 Are you prepared for what cyber threats will define 2026? Which ones matter and which should be ignored? What does modernization look like in 2026 at the intersection of risk, cost, and security? Join us for an exciting evening with the **Loudoun County CISO** and our spotlight speaker, **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene**, as she explores these questions and addresses what to expect in cyber in 2026! **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** is the **CISO** for **Loudoun County Government,** overseeing information security strategies with a focus on risk management, data analytics, and SaaS. She brings more than 20 years of cyber leadership experience across the federal government and private sector, including roles at **CACI International,** **the U.S. Department of Justice,** and the **U.S. Marine Corps** where she also served in cyber leadership roles at **Marine Corps System Command**. Dr. Di Bene is nationally recognized for her expertise in network and information security and is a frequent industry speaker and FinOps ambassador. Join us next month to meet **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** to learn what should matter most for cyber in 2026! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:20 Spotlight Speaker - **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn

Join us at **Hashtag** on **Thurs., Jan. 15th at 6pm**. Adventure and roll dice with this week's **Starfinder** **GM: Maria**! **The Game:** [Starfinder](https://paizo.com/starfindersociety) 2e is a role-playing game similar to Pathfinder 2e (or Dungeons & Dragons) but with magic *and* technology. In this one-shot, you can jump in easily as a new player or join if you're more experienced. \*\*\* **The story:** First Seeker Sarmak has called on scientist Dr. Heldin Sevaille to create an inoculation for the mysterious “conversion” which is transforming wildlife and people on Akiton. The final ingredient she requires is in a remote forest on Marata, one of Bretheda’s moons. A team of Starfinders is needed to collect samples of this rare plant with a few local scientists. But trouble is brewing… the Frozen Trove, a notorious biotech corporation, is also on Marata and is putting the entire ecosystem at risk. **Notes**: Replayable (with a different character), this IS a metaplot adventure (but is more like a side quest related to it). \*\*\*\* **The Characters:** You can use an [level 1 pregenerated character](https://paizo.com/starfinder) *or* make your [own character](https://paizo.com/starfindersociety/characteroptions) using the Starfinder 2e rules. Let me know ahead of time if you need me to bring copies of the pregen character sheets (recommended for new players). This is a level 1-2 adventure, so if you're been playing Starfinder, you can bring a character in that range. -Some options for character building are [Starbuilder 2e](https://pathbuilder2e.com/app.html?v=102b) (made by the maker of Pathbuilder!), [Hephaistos](https://sf2e.hephaistos.online/), [Demiplane](https://app.demiplane.com/characters), using the Starfinder Player Core and pen/[paper](https://downloads.paizo.com/RemasterPlayerCoreCharacterSheet.pdf#), etc. You can use character options from the [Invasion's Edge Player's Guide](https://downloads.paizo.com/OP-Files/SFS+Invasions+Edge+Players+Guide.pdf) as well. If you have any questions, feel free to comment or send a message.

Hello piano players: Our next meeting will be **Sunday, January 18**, 2026, and it will start at **1 pm.** Allan Wang will be hosting (thank you Allan!) and the location is 209 Upton Street, Rockville, MD. I hope you can attend. Allan has a beautiful grand piano - it is truly a treat to play. Allan will open his door at 12:30 if you would like to warm up on the piano. Please reach out to a friend and work up a duet – they are always welcome. In November, we had several great duets and I would love to see more of them. Masks are optional but I ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated. And for your own health and the safety of others, if you have any cold symptoms (whether or not Covid-related) please do not attend. Allan will have some light snacks and drinks, but your donations of food or drink are always welcome. Parking is on the street near Allan’s house. We hope to see you on the 18th. All the best, Paul Connor and Allan Wang

Every Wednesday and Saturday! There will be prizes and fun, and even drinks!

On the Pike, you’ll find the most eclectic food scene in Arlington, home to dozens of international, locally owned restaurants. Columbia Pike’s Monthly Lunch Club introduces you to these beloved eateries while bringing neighbors, business owners, and community leaders together around the table. Join us for our January Lunch Club at Soca Fusion, a vibrant Caribbean restaurant known for bold flavors and welcoming vibes. Attendees will enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow Pike stakeholders and hearing from Matt de Ferranti, Arlington’s newly elected County Board Chair. Matt will share insights on the year ahead, local priorities, and the future of Arlington’s most diverse corridor. Lunch Club takes place on the last Wednesday of every month and is designed to spark ideas, build relationships, and support Pike restaurants: one great meal at a time. [RSVP Here](https://columbiapikepartnership.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=/portal/events/32569&fbclid=IwRlRTSAPS1ApleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeSLpwcE-FLQLa-sxf_0bnZZk68pzqtC2YtVSLQJLg0lfugvWZ-nmrtqSASew_aem_BI5SxEwCR9SnrGpUiHUiEA)