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**🎤 Elevate Your Communication & Leadership at Mighty Docklands Toastmasters!** Ready to level up your confidence, leadership skills, and public speaking prowess? Welcome to Mighty Docklands Toastmasters, where your journey to self-improvement begins! 🌟 What to Expect: * **Expert Toastmasters Guidance**: Our sessions follow the proven Toastmasters framework, ensuring you receive the best possible support and mentorship. * **Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere:** Immerse yourself in a friendly and vibrant environment, surrounded by like-minded individuals on their own journey of self-improvement. * **Diverse community:** Connect with 15-20 like-minded people at every meeting. Come and experience it for yourself! We welcome guests and newcomers alike, eager to meet anyone interested in advancing their public speaking and leadership abilities. 📅 **We meet every 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.** ***Please come by 6:15 pm, for a prompt 6:30 pm start. Visitors will not be allowed in after 6:30 pm due to access-controlled doors.*** ✉️ Please email **docklandstoastmasters@gmail.com** for more information. Attending any Toastmasters meeting as a guest is free, however membership to Toastmasters International is a paid activity, details of membership fee etc will be shared over email post attendance. 📍**Find us at the Community Hub:** The Community Hub at the Dock is the building **next** to the Library. There will be a signage at the access contolled front door. Head down towards the library and then head past the park on the left. Entrance is from the street side. [Front of building](https://imgur.com/a/ugh5ay3)

Come and learn about the International Language, Esperanto, from experienced speakers who have travelled the world, attended international conferences, and made friends with people from many different countries. Esperanto is simple to learn, regular, and a very powerful tool for international communication. Our Monday meetups are tailored to whoever shows up on the night, so feel free to drop in, no matter what your level (curious/interested/beginner/conversational/expert). We can offer one-on-one lessons or a range of group activities, conversation, and games. We meet at Enderby Esperanto Centre, suite 304, 343 Little Collins Street. Your first visit is free, and meetups are free for members, however if neither of these apply we ask for $5 to help cover venue costs. If you want to join our Discord server for Esperantists in Victoria, please visit [https://discord.gg/6cgKjQhkWa](https://discord.gg/6cgKjQhkWa "https://discord.gg/6cgKjQhkWa")

NuCalm is a patented, drug-free neuroscience technology designed to rapidly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and aid recovery by shifting the body from a "fight-or-flight" state to a deeply relaxed parasympathetic state within minutes. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html) It uses neuroacoustic software, a biosignal processing disc, and light-blocking eye masks to guide brain waves from active beta states down to alpha/theta (relaxation/meditation) levels NuCalm uses a patented, clinically proven pitch and frequency matrix with non-linear oscillating algorithms to safely present your brain with precise signals, prompting what is known as a frequency-following response. Your brain synchronizes with the incoming NuCalm signals helping you naturally and effortlessly manage your state of mind by speeding up or slowing down your brain wave frequencies. NuCalm has mapped all of your brain wave frequency zones and created products to safely and predictably guide you to whatever mental state you desire. The amazing thing is, NuCalm is all-natural and works every time you use it within minutes. The best thing to do now is to watch the video on the website and download the NuCalm app. All you need is a headset and eye mask. This app purchase is covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get started today and FEEL the difference even 15 minutes can make. WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE WEBSITE. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html)

We meet at the Essendon Bowls club, 50 Raleigh St, Essendon VIC 3040. Toastmasters is an opportunity to refine the various aspects of public speaking and a very encouraging environment to experience growth.

A mix of dance classes, connections & laughter! We love offering a diverse range of moves to keep things fresh and exciting, and it’s always amazing to see our dance community connecting on and off the dance floor. It’s all about coming together, learning, and having fun! Brighton Beach Bowls Club 2B South Rd Brighton 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Beginner & Intermediate levels $25 CASH or PAYID

Have you been interested in woodworking, 3D printing, CNC, cosplay or Electronics? Come visit Maker Community to get a tour of our space, learn about our memberships, have a chat with our members and discuss your dream projects.

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.

👉🏻 [GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE) ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1986286647833?aff=oddtdtcreator)👈🏻 **🗓️ Date:** Sunday, 24 May 2026 📍 **Location:** George Bass Coastal Walk (Approximately 1 hour & 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD on Sundays) **🚙 Need a lift?** [Tap here to see the carpool drivers and organise your ride.](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ICb-x0TqmtUIr_Ya-laGR4p0FRoU_MFGoCOoACd4TTs/edit?gid=0#gid=0 "https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ICb-x0TqmtUIr_Ya-laGR4p0FRoU_MFGoCOoACd4TTs/edit?gid=0#gid=0") 📏 **Hike Distance:** Around 15 km total. 🔗 **Trail Map:** [George Bass Coastal Walk.](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/george-bass-coastal-walk-kilcunda-punchbowl "https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/george-bass-coastal-walk-kilcunda-punchbowl") 🕙 **Start Time:** 10:15 AM. Please arrive 15 minutes early at the hike/parking location (shared via a private Instagram group chat). This gives time for a quick check-in, icebreaker and if available, a toilet break before we kick off at 10:30 AM. 🕔 **End Time:** 5:00 PM. (30-minute extra time allocation for the game). 🚶‍♂️ **Pace/Difficulty:** Friendly and social / Easy. ⌛️ **Average Hike Duration:** 4–6 hours, depending on the group’s pace + including breaks to admire nature and a lunch break along the trail. 💬 **Community Chat Access:** You'll be added to our private Instagram group chat after booking! This is where we share final hike details, updates, and a fun space to connect before and after the hike. 👉 To make it easy for us to add you, please follow us on Instagram [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") prior to booking. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🤝 **Collaboration** We’re excited to be collaborating with **[Columbia Sportswear AUS & NZ](https://www.instagram.com/columbiaaustralia/ "https://www.instagram.com/columbiaaustralia/")** on this upcoming hike 🌿 There will be a mini game called human bingo (details for the game will be provided in a private group chat) Prizes * 🥇 Place: Jacket * 🥈 Place: Items valued at $200 * 🥉 Place: Items valued at $200 Follow [Columbia Sportswear AUS & NZ](https://Columbia Sportswear AUS & NZ "https://Columbia Sportswear AUS & NZ") on Instagram \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- *Looking to meet new people, explore nature, and have a good laugh along the way?* This is your perfect Sunday plan! 🎉 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Melbourne Social Hike. A welcoming day out where the focus is all about fun, friendships and fresh air. Whether you come solo or bring a mate, you’ll leave with new connections and memories! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🚙 Carpooling Makes It Happen** At Social Hikes Australia, carpooling is a big part of what makes our hikes possible. Every extra seat means another person gets to join. Fewer cars, easier logistics, and a more social, fun start to the day. Carpooling is also a great way to meet people before the hike even begins, share a few laughs, get to know each other, and arrive together. It’s simple, social, and one of the best parts of the experience 🌿 💡 Carpool tickets are offered at a discounted price to encourage drivers to offer seats and make the hikes accessible for everyone. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 👉 **For Drivers** If you’ve got spare seats, offering a lift makes a big difference. It helps others join, reduces parking stress and makes the ride more enjoyable from the start. 👉 **For Passengers** Passengers are to contact drivers directly using the details provided in the carpool sheet (linked at the top of the description). The sheet shows information from carpooler tickets (Drivers Offering Seats). ✨ **Best practice:** Try to organise your ride before purchasing a ticket to avoid last-minute stress. **Please note:** Drivers and passengers should stick to the arrangements they make. We do not recommend swapping drivers or cars after you’ve agreed on a ride. If you do decide to change, please make sure all parties are clearly informed and agree to avoid confusion. If a driver forgets, gets mixed up, or doesn’t pick you up, Social Hikes Australia (and your driver) are **not liable** for any inconvenience caused. For this reason, it is best to keep things simple with the driver you first arranged with. ⚠️ **Important Notes** * Please stick with the carpool arrangement you agree on. * Avoid swapping drivers unless everyone is clearly informed and agrees. * Petrol, parking, and other costs are not included in the ticket price. These should be agreed directly between the driver and passengers. * Social Hikes Australia is not responsible for any issues with private carpool arrangements. 📍 **Pick-Up Info** Drivers will share their preferred pick-up locations, such as major CBD train stations like Parliament, Richmond, South Yarra, Southern Cross, or North Melbourne. For this hike, **the nearest station to the trail i**s [Pakenham](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QcwJAMKQJXzxTQWz9 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/QcwJAMKQJXzxTQWz9"), though drivers choose whichever spot is most convenient for them. Passengers can then join from those locations. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🤩 Why Join?** 🌟 Make new friends in a relaxed, casual way. 🌟Enjoy nature and fresh air while meeting like-minded people your age 🌟Friendly vibes full of laughs, chats and good times guaranteed 🌟You never know. Today’s hiking buddy could be tomorrow’s uni mate, housemate, or travel buddy! 🌟Your safety is our priority. Equipped with a first aid kit on hand. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎟️ **Tickets:** **All tickets are $20 per person.** This helps cover: * Public liability insurance * A $2.40 contribution per ticket directly to Parks Victoria * Experienced guides with a tour operator license who know the trails well * First aid kit and safety equipment for the group 🚗 **Carpoolers Discount** If you’re driving and offer seats to passengers, your ticket is only **$5** 🙌. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🥾 What to Bring:** 👟 Comfy hiking shoes 💧 2–3L of water 🥪 Snacks/lunch ☀️ Sun protection (hat, sunnies, sunscreen) 🦟 Bug spray (always a good idea) 🎒 Optional: hiking poles, wet weather gear/raincoat \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📌 **How It Works:** After purchasing your ticket, you’ll receive a link to our private Instagram group chat. All final details will be shared there: Hike route, meet-up location and any last-minute updates. Friendly pace, friendly faces! This hike is intentionally slow–medium so everyone can enjoy and chat along the way. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍽️ **Food Arrangement** After our hike, we love keeping the good vibes rolling with a meal together. We’ll suggest a café or restaurant that’s usually on the way back toward the city,y so it’s easy for everyone and avoids extra driving. It’s always a highlight of the day swapping stories from the trail, sharing laughs, and getting to know your fellow hikers even better over some good food. Joining is optional, but most people stick around because it’s such a fun way to finish the adventure. Everyone just covers their own meal, and we’ll confirm the spot in the Instagram group chat on the day. When booking, you’ll be asked if you’d like to join: Yes / No / Not Sure. The organisers will confirm the restaurant or bar on the day, based on feedback. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **⚠️ Important:** Must be 18+ years old to attend. Hike at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. Respectful, kind behaviour is a must. We are a positive and welcoming community. Zero tolerance for any unwelcome behaviour. We’re here to have fun, together! For this hike, we recommend that all participants download the AllTrails app before the event. This will help you: * View the trail map in advance * Track your progress during the hike * Stay on course in case you get separated from the group Having AllTrails ensures everyone can enjoy the hike safely and confidently. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📜 Liability & Waiver** By joining this hike, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Social Hikes Australia is not liable for accidents, injuries, illnesses, theft, or transport-related issues. 🚑 If you have previous injuries, medical conditions, or health concerns, discuss with the organiser before purchasing your ticket. Transport/carpooling is a community initiative only, not a service. 👉 Please make sure to read our [Terms & Conditions (click here)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUzOL94hk5Uk5c7FOjiPRHXZz--5H9p5/view?usp=share_link "https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUzOL94hk5Uk5c7FOjiPRHXZz--5H9p5/view?usp=share_link") before purchasing your ticket. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Refund Policy:** Tickets are non-refundable unless the hike is cancelled or rescheduled. Tickets cannot be transferred to another hike unless agreed with the organisers. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌧 Rain Policy** If the forecast shows over 15 mm in 6 hours or 20+ mm during the day, we may postpone or adjust the hike to keep things safe and enjoyable. Slippery trails, flooding, and poor visibility are no fun or safe. We’ll also reschedule for thunderstorms or if trails are still soaked from heavy rain the days before. Light rain (under 5 mm/hour) is usually fine. We’ll check each hike case-by-case. Safety first 🌿 If it changes and gets heavier, we’ll reschedule for the following Sunday, 31 May 2026, instead. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌿 About Social Hikes Australia:** Social Hikes Australia was founded in 2023 with a simple mission: to bring people together through the beauty of nature. Since then, we’ve completed over 45 incredible hikes across Victoria. From coastal trails to mountain summits, we have explored the diverse landscapes Victoria has to offer, fostering connection, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the wild. 🥾🌿 We're excited to announce that fortnightly hikes have officially become part of our schedule! 🚀 Every two weeks, we'll be exploring new locations, creating more opportunities for you to connect, adventure, and be part of a growing, supportive community. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting into the outdoors, Social Hikes Australia is a place where everyone is welcome. Come for the adventure, stay for the friendships. 🤝✨ 👉 Follow us on Instagram for updates and upcoming hikes: [@SocialHikesAU](https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/ "https://www.instagram.com/socialhikesau/") \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💸 Where Your Contribution Goes:** Advertising and outreach – helping us bring in new people to every event. $2.40 per person – paid directly to Parks Victoria as part of the per-day use fee. Public liability insurance – so we’re covered for safety and compliance. First aid kit supplies – keeping our hikes safe and prepared. Tour Operator Licence. Every ticket makes it possible to cover the essentials and keep creating safe, social, and welcoming outdoor adventures. 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📞 Organiser Contact:** We highly encourage you to text our organiser team before purchasing your ticket if you have any concerns about transport: Jacob 📱 [0404 870 123]() l Sebas 📱 [0435 993 237]() 🥳 Ready to make friends, explore Melbourne’s beautiful nature, and have a blast? Spots are limited, so grab your ticket now and let's hike, laugh and connect! 🌿🎉

Manningham Toastmasters is a public speaking group that helps people improve their confidence, communication, and leadership skills Join us at Manningham Toastmasters for an engaging and supportive meeting designed to help you grow your public speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, encouraging environment. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, improve presentation skills, enhance communication at work, or simply challenge yourself in a safe space, our meetings provide practical, hands-on experience. ### What to Expect When You Attend 🔹 **Prepared Speeches** Members deliver speeches they’ve been working on as part of the Toastmasters educational program. These range from icebreaker introductions to persuasive speeches, storytelling, leadership presentations, and more. 🔹 **Impromptu Speaking (Table Topics)** Guests and members are invited to participate in short, fun, impromptu speaking exercises. You’ll be given a surprise topic and 1–2 minutes to respond a great way to think on your feet in a low-pressure setting. 🔹 **Constructive Feedback** Every speaker receives supportive and structured feedback. Our evaluation process highlights strengths and provides practical suggestions for improvement, helping members grow with each speech. 🔹 **Leadership Opportunities** Meetings are run by members, giving everyone the chance to develop leadership, organization, and facilitation skills in real time. 🔹 **Welcoming Environment** We pride ourselves on being warm, inclusive, and encouraging. Guests are never pressured to speak, though you’re welcome to participate as much as you feel comfortable. ### Who Should Attend? * Professionals wanting to sharpen presentation skills * Students preparing for interviews or academic presentations * Business owners and leaders developing communication confidence * Anyone looking to overcome fear of public speaking * Individuals wanting personal growth in a supportive community ### Why Attend? By attending Manningham Toastmasters, you’ll gain: * Greater confidence when speaking in front of groups * Improved clarity and structure in your communication * Enhanced listening and feedback skills * A network of motivated, growth-focused individuals Guests are always welcome to attend and observe a meeting before deciding to join. We’d love to see you and support you on your communication journey.

A11y Bytes is back for its fourteenth year, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. [Register for A11y Bytes Melbourne 2026](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-bytes-2026-melbourne) The heart of digital accessibility and inclusion is not about guidelines, codes or regulations. It’s about people, and life, and how we live, how we access information, and how our lives are affected by the technologies of today. As many as 500 people have attended online Bytes events, as well as physical events in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney attended an A11y Bytes event, making this the largest community run accessibility event in Australia. The event has since branched out into parts of New Zealand and it continues to grow. You don’t have to be an accessibility aficionado to attend. This event is about us all talking, thinking and learning about digital accessibility and inclusion together. Take part in A11y Bytes and connect, be inspired and have some fun as we talk, learn, grow and change the world. A big thank you to **Bupa** for being the Melbourne venue sponsor for this year's A11y Bytes. **Time and date** A11y Bytes Melbourne will be held on **Thursday 21 May 2026**, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. **Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start** **Register** RSVP through humanitix to register. [Register for A11y Bytes Melbourne 2026](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-bytes-2026-melbourne) **Presenters** * Scott Herschberger – From Insights to Action: Transforming Accessibility Through Data-Driven Mapping * Balram Singh – AI and Accessibility * Sam Sabour – Beyond Contrast: Rethinking Accessibility in Design Systems * Ayesha Semfel – Where to Start (and Stop) with Screen Reader Testing * Jamila Savoy * Xavier Vella – Early Findings from an Accessibility Audit of Hiring Systems.

Develop your public speaking skills in a safe, fun, learning environment. North Melbourne Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. You join a community of learners, and in Toastmasters meetings we learn by doing. Whether you're an executive or a stay-at-home parent, a college student or a retiree, you will improve yourself; building skills to express yourself in a variety of situations. You'll open up a world of new possibilities - Gain confidence, courage and poise - Overcome nerves - Express yourself in any situation - Deliver engaging presentations - Communicate what you really mean - Enhance your professional and personal development - Learn managerial and leadership skills Join us at North Melbourne Toastmasters for this Toastmasters meeting. This is the perfect place to develop your public speaking skills in a safe, fun, learning environment. Come along for free as our guest to experience a North Melbourne Toastmasters Club meeting. North Melbourne Toastmasters meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays- 7:30pm-9:30pm. Come as a guest and get a feel of Toastmasters and our amazing club!

IMPORTANT: PLEASE RSVP ON BEVY FROM THIS LINK Join GDG Melbourne this month to Build with AI (#BuildwithAI)? 💻 What do you need to bring? - Make sure to bring your laptop (better if fully charged) for hands-on training. Also, check the workshop descriptions and prerequisites to stay ahead of the game! Join us for an evening of not 1 but 2 hands-on workshops, delicious food, awesome networking, and some surprise swag you won’t want to miss. 🎉 Whether you're a seasoned developer, a cloud enthusiast, or just dipping your toes into the world of AI and tech, this is the place to be. 📍 Where? Mantel Group Office, Level 2/452 Flinders St, Melbourne Doors open at 5:45 PM—message us on Meetup or Slack if you're arriving after 6:00 PM, as the lifts won’t let you up. 🎤 Agenda: 6:10 - 6:20  Welcome &Intro6:20 - 6:30  Cloud Credits setup6:30 - 6:55  Talk: Patrick Haralabidis6:55 - 7:05   Break7:05- 8:00  Hands-on Workshop: The Self-Curation Engine (Gemini + Cloud Run + EventArc) : Anupam Phogat8:00 - 8:15  Closing and Door prizes From 8:15 Continue networking, chat & drinks at Insignia on Flinders, 502 Flinders St. 🍻 Handson Workshop: The Self-Curation Engine (Gemini + Cloud Run + EventArc) - Anupam Phogat Data arrives from disparate sources with inconsistent schemas to our warehouse. To solve this, we present a serverless Cloud Run agent that uses the Gemini API to automate schema mapping. Triggered by new data, the agent compares raw schemas to a BigQuery target and dynamically generates the required SQL or Dataform transformations. This talk highlights how AI automates the most manual parts of data engineering: schema maintenance and logic generation. 🎁 What’s in it for you? ⚡Workshop on AI from industry experts 🍕 Cloud-shaped snacks (okay, maybe not literally, but the food will be delicious!) 🤝 Networking that’s as smooth as a well-architected cloud solution 🎁 Surprise swag 💡 NOTES: This is an in-person-only event, but if you have any accessibility requirements, reach out to us via Meetup or Slack, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Doors open at 5:45 PM at our host, the Mantel Group, Level 2/452 Flinders S,t Melbourne. Message via Meetup or Slack if you are arriving after 6:00, as the lifts won't let you up. Don’t miss this epic night of learning, networking, and fun! RSVP now and we’ll see you there! 👋 #gdgMelbourne #BuildwithAI #fluttermelbourne Agenda --- Speakers Patrick Haralabidis Patrick is a Google Developer Expert (GDE) in AI and Machine Learning, a Cloud Champion Innovator, and the Melbourne TensorFlow User Group organiser. He currently leads the ML and Software Engineering Chapter at Flybuys, where he leverages his extensive experience spanning backend, mobile, cloud, and AI technologies. Patrick excels at developing solutions in emerging tech fields, focusin… Anupam Phoghat - Core-X (Founder) I am a seasoned IT professional with years of experience in the field. I have extensive experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and currently hold many professional level Google Cloud and other industry certifications. I am also certified in Kubernetes, and have a deep understanding of the core concepts of Kubernetes. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others by activel… Hosted By Katie Barnett, GDE Android / GDG Organiser Katie is passionate about all things Android. She has taken on a wide variety of challenging projects including in the live event, media and travel space. Her favourite thing is to see someone having a delightful experience using something she has worked on. Katie is very active in the development community, she is a Google Developer Expert for Android, one of the organisers of GDG Melbourne and is a Women Techmakers Ambassador. She frequently runs events, speaks on technical and non-technical topics and enjoys writing blog posts to share her experience with others. Katie is based in Melbourne, Australia but loves to travel the world and outside of tech she enjoys boardgaming and attempting to finish many craft projects. Suesi Tran, Senior Flutter Developer Google Developer Expert in Dart, Flutter & Firebase, Women Techmaker Melbourne ambassador, GDG Melbourne & Flutter Melbourne co-organiser. In short: Flutter is love, and mobile is life. Poornima Sivakumar, GDG Organiser Lovee Jain, GDG Organiser Lovee is a Software Engineer at Prezzee, a GDG Melbourne Organiser and also a Women Techmakers Ambassador. A tech inquisitive philomath, she loves problem solving and solution design. She has worked at a city council where she developed a lot of useful system integrations and while at Prezzee she develops and works on multiple gift card solutions to cater the B2B2C market. Zach Jensz, GDG Organiser Passionate about the web, seamless UX and accessibility. I love attending meetups, find me and come say hi! Ujjawal Raj, GDG Organiser Bramley Turner-Jones, GDG Organiser Yuba Raj (UV) Panta, GDG Organiser Kartik Arora, Android Engineer Google Developer Expert in Android Android Engineer @ Bilue Carolyn Ai Chi Wong, Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-melbourne-presents-gdg-melbourne-build-with-ai-event-may/.

👉 🎥 [WATCH EVENT VIDEO](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNak_cu9CXw) Welcome to Lounge Asia — The premier social exclusively for Global Asians. ⚡ WHY JOIN? (Your Benefits) ✅ Find Your Tribe: Instantly connect with people who share your Asian heritage & values. ✅ Real Conversations: No loud club music. Just a relaxed vibe for genuine chats. ✅ Safe & Chill: Your "Third Place" mid-week to relax and be yourself. ⚡ WHO IS THIS FOR? * This event is exclusively for people with Asian backgrounds. * Global Asians: Living, working, or studying abroad. * Cross-Cultural: Returnees, TCKs, or Mixed Heritage. (We curate this space to share our specific shared experiences. Thank you for respecting this.) 📍 WHEN & WHERE 🗓 Date: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month ⏰ Time: From 6:00 pm 📍 Venue: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Entrance: Enter via Little Lonsdale St only. (No entry from inside Melbourne Central). 💰 Entry: Buy 1 Drink from the bar OR Pay $3 at the door. 🚨 HOW TO JOIN (Mandatory) 1. You MUST RSVP on this page. STRICT POLICY: No RSVP = No Entry. We check the list at the door. 2. Follow Instagram: @_lounge_asia 3. 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Join the VIP list for early access to our official app & special party invites. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ HOUSE RULES (Zero Tolerance) To protect our safe environment, we strictly ban: 🚫 Solicitation: No MLM, business recruitment, or poaching. 🚫 Harassment: No pickup artists or creepy behavior. Violators are removed immediately. 🌏 OUR VISION "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Members) 🌏 2026 Expansion: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ IMPORTANT ID Required: Passport or Driver’s License (18+). Student IDs: NOT accepted. VIC Law: ID checks are required at the licensed bar. 👥 Your Host: 🎤 David – Your friendly Melbourne host! Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 メルボルンでコミュニティをお探しですか？ Lounge Asiaへようこそ — グローバル・アジア人のための最高の交流会です。 ⚡ 参加するメリット ✅ 仲間が見つかる: アジアのルーツや価値観を共有できる人とすぐにつながれます。 ✅ リアルな会話: 騒がしいクラブではありません。リラックスして会話を楽しめます。 ✅ 安心・安全: 平日の夜、素の自分でいられる「サードプレイス」です。 ⚡ 参加対象 * 本イベントは、アジアのバックグラウンドを持つ方限定です。 * Global Asians: 海外在住、勤務、留学中の方。 * Cross-Cultural: 帰国子女、TCK、ミックスの方。 (共通の経験を共有する場を作るため、ご理解をお願いいたします。) 📍 日時・場所 🗓 日程: 毎月 第3水曜日 ⏰ 時間: 6:00 pm から 📍 場所: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: Little Lonsdale St側の入り口からお入りください (Melbourne Central内からは入れません)。 💰 参加費: バーでドリンク1杯購入 または 入場料$3 🚨 参加方法 (必須) 1. このページで必ずRSVP (参加登録) をしてください。 厳格なルール: RSVPがない場合は入場できません。入り口でリストを確認します。 2. Instagramをフォロー: @_lounge_asia 3. 🎁 VIPアクセス (創設メンバー) 公式アプリの先行アクセスと特別パーティーへの招待を受け取るには、VIPリストに登録してください。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ ハウスルール (ゼロ・トレランス) 安全な環境を守るため、以下を厳禁とします。 🚫 勧誘行為: MLM、ビジネス勧誘、引き抜きは禁止です。 🚫 迷惑行為: ナンパ、不快な行動は禁止です。 違反者は即座に退場となります。 🌏 私たちのビジョン "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 オーストラリア: ブリスベン、シドニー、メルボルン (メンバー1,500名以上) 🌏 2026年展開: 東京、ホーチミン、セブ ⚠️ 重要 ID必須: パスポートまたは運転免許証 (18歳以上)。 学生証: 不可。 👥 ホスト: 🎤 David (メルボルン担当) Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 正在墨爾本尋找屬於你的社群嗎？ 歡迎來到 Lounge Asia — 專為全球亞裔打造的優質社交圈。 ⚡ 為什麼要參加？ (你的收穫) ✅ 找到歸屬感: 立即連結擁有相同亞洲背景與價值觀的朋友。 ✅ 真誠對話: 這裡沒有吵雜的夜店音樂，只有輕鬆交流的氛圍。 ✅ 安全放鬆: 週間放鬆身心的「第三空間」，讓你做回真實的自己。 ⚡ 適合誰參加？ * 本活動專為擁有亞洲背景的人士舉辦。 * Global Asians: 在海外生活、工作或求學的亞裔。 * Cross-Cultural: 海歸派、TCK 或擁有混合文化背景者。 (為了分享共同的經歷，我們特別規劃此專屬空間，感謝您的理解。) 📍 時間與地點 🗓 日期: 每月的第三個星期三 ⏰ 時間: 6:00 pm 開始 📍 地點: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: 請務必從 Little Lonsdale St 入口進入 (無法從 Melbourne Central 內部進入)。 💰 費用: 購買一杯飲料 或 支付 $3 入場費 🚨 如何參加 (必須遵守) 1. 你必須在此頁面報名 (RSVP)。 嚴格執行: 無報名 = 無法入場。我們將在門口核對名單。 2. 追蹤 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 會員 (創始成員) 加入 VIP 名單，搶先體驗我們的官方 App 及獲得特別派對邀請。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 規範 (零容忍政策) 為了維護安全的環境，我們嚴禁： 🚫 推銷招攬: 禁止直銷 (MLM)、商業招攬或挖角。 🚫 騷擾行為: 禁止搭訕騷擾或任何令人不適的行為。 違規者將被立即請離。 🌏 我們的願景 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 澳洲: 布里斯本、雪梨、墨爾本 (成員超過1,500人) 🌏 2026年擴展: 東京、胡志明市、宿霧。 ⚠️ 重要事項 必須出示 ID: 護照或駕照 (須滿18歲)。 學生證: 不接受。 👥 主辦人: 🎤 David (墨爾本負責人) Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 멜버른에서 커뮤니티를 찾고 있나요? Lounge Asia에 오신 것을 환영합니다 — 글로벌 아시안을 위한 프리미엄 소셜 모임입니다. ⚡ 참여해야 하는 이유 (혜택) ✅ 공감대 형성: 아시아의 문화적 배경과 가치관을 공유하는 사람들과 즉시 연결됩니다. ✅ 진솔한 대화: 시끄러운 클럽 음악이 아닙니다. 편안한 분위기에서 진짜 대화를 나누세요. ✅ 안전과 휴식: 주중의 피로를 풀고 온전한 나로 돌아갈 수 있는 '제3의 공간'입니다. ⚡ 참여 대상 * 본 이벤트는 아시아 배경을 가진 분들만을 대상으로 합니다. * Global Asians: 해외 거주, 근무, 유학 중인 아시아인. * Cross-Cultural: 귀국 유학생, TCK, 또는 다문화 배경을 가진 분. (공통의 경험을 나누기 위한 자리이므로, 이 점 양해 부탁드립니다.) 📍 일시 및 장소 🗓 날짜: 매월 셋째 주 수요일 ⏰ 시간: 6:00 pm 부터 📍 장소: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 입구: 반드시 Little Lonsdale St 쪽 입구로 입장해주세요 (Melbourne Central 내부 연결 불가). 💰 비용: 바에서 음료 1잔 구매 또는 입장료 $3 🚨 참여 방법 (필수) 1. 이 페이지에서 반드시 RSVP(참가 신청)를 해야 합니다. 엄격한 규칙: RSVP 없음 = 입장 불가. 입구에서 명단을 확인합니다. 2. Instagram 팔로우: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 멤버 (창립 멤버) VIP 리스트에 등록하고 공식 앱 조기 사용 권한과 특별 파티 초대장을 받으세요. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 운영 규칙 (무관용 원칙) 안전한 환경을 위해 다음을 엄격히 금지합니다: 🚫 영업 금지: 다단계(MLM), 비즈니스 권유, 스카우트 행위 금지. 🚫 괴롭힘 금지: 헌팅 목적이나 불쾌한 행동 금지. 위반 시 즉시 퇴장 조치됩니다. 🌏 우리의 비전 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 호주: 브리즈번, 시드니, 멜버른 (멤버 1,500명 돌파) 🌏 2026년 확장: 도쿄, 호치민, 세부. ⚠️ 중요 사항 신분증 필수: 여권 또는 운전면허증 (18세 이상). 학생증: 불가. 👥 호스트: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 正在墨尔本寻找属于你的社群吗？ 欢迎来到 Lounge Asia — 专为全球亚裔打造的优质社交圈。 ⚡ 为什么要参加？ (你的收获) ✅ 找到归属感: 立即连接拥有相同亚洲背景与价值观的朋友。 ✅ 真诚对话: 这里没有嘈杂的夜店音乐，只有轻松交流的氛围。 ✅ 安全放松: 周间放松身心的“第三空间”，让你做回真实的自己。 ⚡ 适合谁参加？ 本活动专为拥有亚洲背景的人士举办。 Global Asians: 在海外生活、工作或求学的亚裔。 Cross-Cultural: 海归派、TCK 或拥有混合文化背景者。 (为了分享共同的经历，我们特别规划此专属空间，感谢您的理解。) 📍 时间与地点 🗓 日期: 每月的第三个星期三 ⏰ 时间: 6:00 pm 开始 📍 地点: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: 请务必从 Little Lonsdale St 入口进入 (无法从 Melbourne Central 内部进入)。 💰 费用: 购买一杯饮料 或 支付 $3 入场费 🚨 如何参加 (必须遵守) 1. 你必须在此页面报名 (RSVP)。 严格执行: 无报名 = 无法入场。我们将在门口核对名单。 2. 关注 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 会员 (创始成员) 加入 VIP 名单，抢先体验我们的官方 App 及获得特别派对邀请。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 规范 (零容忍政策) 为了维护安全的环境，我们严禁： 🚫 推销招揽: 禁止传销 (MLM)、商业招揽或挖角。 🚫 骚扰行为: 禁止搭讪骚扰或任何令人不适的行为。 违规者将被立即请离。 🌏 我们的愿景 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 澳洲: 布里斯班、悉尼、墨尔本 (成员超过1,500人) 🌏 2026年扩展: 东京、胡志明市、宿务。 ⚠️ 重要事项 必须出示 ID: 护照或驾照 (须满18岁)。 学生证: 不接受。 👥 主办人: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Bạn đang tìm kiếm cộng đồng tại Melbourne? Chào mừng đến với Lounge Asia — Cộng đồng hàng đầu dành riêng cho Global Asians. ⚡ TẠI SAO NÊN THAM GIA? (Lợi ích của bạn) ✅ Tìm thấy sự thuộc về: Kết nối ngay lập tức với những người chia sẻ di sản và giá trị Á Đông. ✅ Trò chuyện chân thực: Không ồn ào như vũ trường. Một không gian thư giãn để trò chuyện thật sự. ✅ An toàn & Thoải mái: "Không gian thứ ba" giữa tuần để thư giãn và là chính mình. ⚡ DÀNH CHO AI? Sự kiện này chỉ dành riêng cho những người có nguồn gốc Châu Á. Global Asians: Đang sống, làm việc hoặc học tập ở nước ngoài. Đa văn hóa: Du học sinh về nước, TCK, hoặc người có dòng máu lai. (Chúng tôi tạo ra không gian này để chia sẻ những trải nghiệm chung cụ thể. Cảm ơn bạn đã tôn trọng điều này.) 📍 THỜI GIAN & ĐỊA ĐIỂM 🗓 Ngày: Thứ Tư tuần thứ 3 hàng tháng ⏰ Thời gian: Từ 6:00 pm 📍 Địa điểm: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Lối vào: Vui lòng chỉ vào từ đường Little Lonsdale St (Không có lối vào từ bên trong Melbourne Central). 💰 Vào cửa: Mua 1 đồ uống tại quầy HOẶC Trả $3 tại cửa. 🚨 CÁCH THAM GIA (Bắt buộc) 1. Bạn PHẢI đăng ký (RSVP) trên trang này. CHÍNH SÁCH NGHIÊM NGẶT: Không RSVP = Không vào cửa. Chúng tôi kiểm tra danh sách tại cửa. 2. Theo dõi Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 THÀNH VIÊN VIP (Sáng lập) Tham gia danh sách VIP để truy cập sớm ứng dụng chính thức & nhận vé mời tiệc đặc biệt. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ NỘI QUY (Không khoan nhượng) Để bảo vệ môi trường an toàn, chúng tôi nghiêm cấm: 🚫 Chèo kéo: Cấm đa cấp (MLM), tuyển dụng kinh doanh, hoặc lôi kéo. 🚫 Quấy rối: Cấm tán tỉnh làm phiền hoặc hành vi khiếm nhã. Người vi phạm sẽ bị mời ra ngay lập tức. 🌏 TẦM NHÌN CỦA CHÚNG TÔI "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Úc: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (Hơn 1,500 thành viên) 🌏 Mở rộng 2026: Tokyo, TP.HCM, Cebu. ⚠️ QUAN TRỌNG Yêu cầu giấy tờ: Hộ chiếu hoặc Bằng lái xe (18+). Thẻ sinh viên: KHÔNG được chấp nhận. 👥 Chủ nhà của bạn: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Naghahanap ka ba ng iyong komunidad sa Melbourne? Welcome sa Lounge Asia — Ang premier social na eksklusibo para sa Global Asians. ⚡ BAKIT DAPAT SUMALI? (Ang iyong Benepisyo) ✅ Find Your Tribe: Agad na kumonekta sa mga taong kapareho mo ng Asian heritage at values. ✅ Real Conversations: Hindi maingay na club. Relaxed na vibe para sa totoong kwentuhan. ✅ Safe & Chill: Ang iyong "Third Place" sa kalagitnaan ng linggo para mag-relax. ⚡ PARA KANINO ITO? Ang event na ito ay eksklusibo para sa mga taong may Asian background. Global Asians: Nakatira, nagtatrabaho, o nag-aaral sa ibang bansa. Cross-Cultural: Returnees, TCKs, o Mixed Heritage. (Ginawa namin ang space na ito para maibahagi ang aming shared experiences. Salamat sa pagrespeto nito.) 📍 KAILAN AT SAAN 🗓 Petsa: Tuwing ika-3 Miyerkules ng buwan ⏰ Oras: Mula 6:00 pm 📍 Venue: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Entrance: Pumasok sa Little Lonsdale St lamang (Walang entry mula sa loob ng Melbourne Central). 💰 Entry: Bumili ng 1 Drink sa bar O Magbayad ng $3 sa pinto. 🚨 PAANO SUMALI (Mandatory) 1. KAILANGAN mong mag-RSVP sa page na ito. MAHIGPIT NA PATAKARAN: Walang RSVP = Hindi Makakapasok. Tinitingnan namin ang listahan sa pinto. 2. I-follow ang Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Sumali sa VIP list para sa early access sa aming official app & special party invites. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ HOUSE RULES (Zero Tolerance) Para maprotektahan ang aming safe environment, mahigpit naming ipinagbabawal: 🚫 Solicitation: Bawal ang MLM, business recruitment, o poaching. 🚫 Harassment: Bawal ang pambabastos o creepy behavior. Ang mga lalabag ay tatanggalin agad. 🌏 ANG AMING BISYON "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Members) 🌏 2026 Expansion: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ MAHALAGA ID Required: Passport o Driver’s License (18+). Student IDs: HINDI tinatanggap. 👥 Ang iyong Host: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Mencari komuniti anda di Melbourne? Selamat Datang ke Lounge Asia — Sosial premier eksklusif untuk Global Asians. ⚡ KENAPA SERTAI? (Manfaat Anda) ✅ Cari Geng Anda: Berhubung segera dengan orang yang berkongsi warisan & nilai Asia anda. ✅ Perbualan Sebenar: Bukan muzik kelab yang bising. Suasana santai untuk borak sebenar. ✅ Selamat & Santai: "Tempat Ketiga" anda pada pertengahan minggu untuk berehat. ⚡ UNTUK SIAPA? Acara ini adalah eksklusif untuk mereka yang berlatarbelakangkan Asia. Global Asians: Tinggal, bekerja, atau belajar di luar negara. Silang Budaya: Mereka yang kembali, TCK, atau Warisan Campuran. (Kami menyediakan ruang ini untuk berkongsi pengalaman bersama. Terima kasih kerana menghormatinya.) 📍 BILA & DI MANA 🗓 Tarikh: Setiap Rabu ke-3 setiap bulan ⏰ Masa: Dari 6:00 pm 📍 Lokasi: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Pintu Masuk: Sila masuk melalui Little Lonsdale St sahaja (Tiada laluan masuk dari dalam Melbourne Central). 💰 Masuk: Beli 1 Minuman dari bar ATAU Bayar $3 di pintu. 🚨 CARA MENYERTAI (Wajib) 1. Anda MESTI RSVP di halaman ini. POLISI KETAT: Tiada RSVP = Tiada Masuk. Kami semak senarai di pintu. 2. Ikuti Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 AKSES VIP (Ahli Pengasas) Sertai senarai VIP untuk akses awal ke aplikasi rasmi kami & jemputan parti khas. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ PERATURAN RUMAH (Toleransi Sifar) Untuk melindungi persekitaran selamat kami, kami melarang keras: 🚫 Solicitation: Tiada MLM, perekrutan perniagaan, atau curi tenaga kerja. 🚫 Gangguan: Tiada gangguan seksual atau kelakuan yang tidak menyenangkan. Pelanggar akan dikeluarkan serta-merta. 🌏 VISI KAMI "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Ahli) 🌏 Pengembangan 2026: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ PENTING ID Diperlukan: Pasport atau Lesen Memandu (18+). ID Pelajar: TIDAK diterima. 👥 Hos Anda: 🎤 David

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa HAS MOVED TO EVERY FRIDAY, NO MORE SATURDAYS!** **🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa @ 1717 Brice Rd, Reynoldsburg 43068** **🔥 Salsa, Bachata, Merengue Dancing!** **🔥 NO PARTNER OR EXPERIENCE NEEDED!** **🔥 Every FRIDAY, 8 pm - 1 am** **🔥 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm = Registration** **🔥 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm = Beginner Dance Class** **🔥 9:30 pm - 1:00 am = Open Dance Party** **🔥 LincolnStreetSalsa.com** **🔥 Questions? Text Todd 614-774-8146**

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Short North Street Skates return Saturday, April 4 and we’re excited to get back rolling together. These weekly rollouts are a chance to move through the city as a group, build community, and create more visibility for skating and small-wheeled movement in Columbus. Details: Meet: 1160 N High St 9:30 AM meet 10:00 AM rollout All wheels welcome We’ll be skating through the Short North and surrounding areas at a steady, social pace. Routes will use a mix of streets and bike lanes, so comfort navigating the city is helpful, but you don’t need to be an expert. If you’ve been meaning to come out, this is a great place to start. Come solo or bring a friend!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg