Peer Support

**You are invited to our men's conversation group, the Men Being Well program** run by Relationships Australia Victoria and Life Is Foundation. This free program is for men to meet, discuss and explore wellbeing through **connection**, **reflection** and **peer support**. **IN-PERSON Men's Gathering on Wed 24th JUNE at 7 to 9 PM** Men Being Well hosts monthly Men’s Gatherings or conversation groups and several all-day Men’s Retreats throughout the year. Our events are aimed at positive mental health and wellbeing for men and include regular discussion about life issues and challenges. The relaxed format is welcoming and a safe place to reflect on your personal journey. We hope you can join us in Canterbury, Melbourne and look forward to relaxed and thoughtful discussion. ***Please contact us via email (or message us on Meetup) for address details and a brief chat if you are coming along for the first time.*** Please email us and join our mailing list as well: **menbeingwell@rav.org.au** Visit our webpage for more dates and information about the Men Being Well program: [www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au/relationships-wellbeing-courses/men-being-well/](https://www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au/relationships-wellbeing-courses/men-being-well/) Regards from your Men Being Well Program Facilitators

Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® meetup on **June 24th from 5:30pm**, hosted by Ippon in Melbourne! The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there! **📍Venue**: Ippon Australia Collab Hub Level 8, 607 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 IMPORTANT: Please note that for security purposes, all attendees are required to sign in at the lobby to get into the building. \*\*\* 🗓 Agenda: * 5:30pm: Doors open * 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking * 6:00pm - 6:45pm: Usman Khan, Technical Support Engineer, Confluent * 6:45pm - 7:30pm: Additional Q&A & Networking \*\*\* 💡 Speaker: Usman Khan, Technical Support Engineer, Confluent Talk: Kafka Connect On-Prem Troubleshooting Playbook Abstract: When a Kafka Connect sink stops writing, the failure can be hiding in one of several layers, Database, the connector config, the Connect worker, the schema, or the topic itself. In this session, Usman walks through a live Oracle JDBC Sink troubleshooting demo built on the kafka-docker-playground, showing a repeatable classify → fix → verify approach. We cover how to check connector and task state via the REST API and internal Kafka topics, navigate worker logs efficiently, use the Connect admin logging API for dynamic trace logging without restarts, Grafana metrics, manipulate sink offsets for replay. Bio: Usman Khan is a Technical Support Engineer on Confluent's Global Support team, based in Melbourne and covering the APAC region. He specialises in Kafka Connect, working daily with engineering teams to diagnose and resolve connector and framework issues across both on-premises deployments and Confluent Cloud. \*\*\* ***DISCLAIMER*** BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT IN PERSON, you acknowledge that risk includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including COVID-19, and accept responsibility for this, if it occurs. NOTE: We are unable to cater for any attendees under the age of 18. \*\*\* If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)

Since 2019 Amir and David have been catching up for what they term 'shit sandwiches', exchanging professional and personal trials and successes, sharing sympathy and occasional advice. Should I leave my job; how do I handle a difficult report; how do I get buy in; and do you know a good osteo you could recommend, my back is killing me. They’ve have turned our catch up sessions into a live, high stakes gameshow for the product community's amusement. They will be borrowing from the 'who wants to be a millionaire format' and we will share stories that will hopefully inspire people to step up and lead (when required) in this messy and uncertain world we find ourselves in. Get ready to have some fun and hopefully learn a thing or two. Our Speakers: Amir Ansari: With over 25 years’ of experience in the field of design and design leadership, Amir has worked across the private and public sectors, in-house and agency, managing design practitioners and leaders to build long-lasting and impactful products and services. Amir is passionate about democratising the craft of design and sharing my learnings - doing it with a smile and a hug. David Bacon: After graduating from Monash with a Bachelor of Science, David worked as a penguin keeper in England which somehow lead to a career spanning marketing, behaviour change, innovation and human-centred design. David has experience delivering digital products and services in financial services, healthcare, retail, government. He has the goal of weaving humanity into technology. He still dreams about penguins.

Join us for the next **Men Unplugged** dinner. A monthly catch-up for separated dads who want to connect, reflect, and just be themselves. Whether you're navigating the early days of separation or further along the journey, this is a relaxed space to meet other men who get what you're going through. No pressure, no expectations. Just real conversation, good food, and the chance to connect with other guys who understand the ups and downs of fatherhood after separation. Each dinner has a theme to guide the conversation, but sharing is completely optional. You can talk, listen, or just enjoy the company. **Spots are limited to 15 men**, so booking is essential. **📅 Date:** Wednesday, 24th of June 2026 **🕢 Time:** 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM **📍 Location:** Hardimans Hotel, 521 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC. We'll be upstairs. **🎟️ Cost:** Pay as you go: Steak, chicken parma, burger or pizza ($20-25). Drinks at bar prices. There is ample free parking in the area. Getting there with public transport: Getting There by Train: Take the Craigieburn Line and get off at Kensington Station. From there, it’s a short 3-minute walk to Hardimans Hotel.

Come along to share ideas, learn together different techniques and Public Speaking, Presentation and Leadership skills. Public Speaking give you confidence and can be used as a marketing tool to attract clients and increase sales to your Business. All skills levels are welcome. People can practice Public Speaking presentations in a safe and nice environment with other members of the group.

Dear STAG members, We are back with **🚀STAG In-Person Meetup!** **Topic: Calculating the Savings with AI-Assisted Performance Testing Using LoadMagic and JMeter** Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way performance testing is performed, but how much time and cost can it actually save? Join us for an engaging and practical session with **[Renard Vardy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/renard-vardy/)**[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/renard-vardy/)as we explore how AI-assisted automation can dramatically reduce the effort and technical complexity involved in creating and maintaining JMeter performance test scripts. In this session, Renard will demonstrate how **LoadMagic** can automatically correlate a JMeter script, showcasing how AI-assisted scripting can simplify and accelerate this process through a live demonstration. 📅 **Date:** Wednesday, 24 June 2026 🕕 **Event** **Time:** 5.30 PM - 7.30 PM 🕕 **Speaker** **Time:** 6 PM - 7 PM 📍 **Format:** **In-Person Meetup** 📍**Venue**: Level 3, 271 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 **Thanks to our Event Sponsor : [Easygo](https://easygo.io/)** 287 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 ***Food & drinks will be provided.*** 🤝 **Networking** before and after the event. Join us from **5:30 PM** for pre-event networking and stay after the session until approximately **7:30 PM** to connect with fellow testing professionals. **About the Speaker – Renard Vardy** Renard Vardy is a highly experienced Software Quality and Performance Testing specialist with more than 25 years of industry experience helping organisations improve the reliability, scalability, and performance of critical software systems. Throughout his career, he has worked across government, enterprise, and large-scale digital transformation programs, with a strong focus on Performance Engineering, Test Automation, and emerging AI-driven testing practices. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/renard-vardy/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/renard-vardy/) If you need any further info, please email at [stag@test-fast.com.](http://stag@test-fast.com./) Join [STAG mailing list](https://test-fast.com/community/stag/membership-for-stag) to not miss any notification & also join the [STAG premium membership](https://test-fast.com/community/stag/premium-membership-for-stag-members) today and unlock a world of exclusive benefits designed to propel your career in software test automation to new heights. [Sign up now](https://test-fast.com/community/stag/premium-membership-for-stag-members) and take advantage! Also, join us on: [Subscribe STAG on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRu6aED3NQbkBW5SxfAF_Lg) (for recordings) [Follow STAG LinkedIn Page](https://bit.ly/3x4mWog) [STAG LinkedIn Group](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6967675/) STAG [WhatsApp channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagLSlQDTkKBtPYfCi1W) We look forward to seeing you there and making this event a memorable and valuable experience for everyone. **Why Attend?** * **Networking Opportunities**: Meet and interact with like-minded professionals in the software test automation field. * **Knowledge Sharing**: Engage in insightful discussions and share your experiences and challenges. * **Collaboration**: Discover potential collaborations and partnerships within the community. Thanks & Regards, **STAG** *{Empowering Test Automation}*

Many people are now hearing about Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, including legal treatment pathways in Australia through authorised medical practitioners. At the same time, there are people who have had significant psychedelic experiences outside formal clinical settings and have nowhere grounded to talk about what happened afterwards. What seems less available is a simple, open space where people who have had, are considering, or are trying to make sense of these experiences can talk with others who understand that psychedelic experiences can be serious, complex, deeply personal, and sometimes difficult to explain to people who have not been through something similar. This meetup is intended as a grounded, respectful peer conversation for people who are trying to make sense of a past psychedelic experience, whether it occurred through a legal therapeutic pathway, a retreat, an underground setting, or personal use. People may come to these experiences through many different life circumstances, including depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, heartbreak, existential questions, or a sense that something in their life needs to change. The focus is not on substances themselves. The focus is on integration: what happened afterwards, what changed, what became clearer, what became harder, what still feels unresolved, and how people are carrying the experience into their everyday life. We’ll meet casually at Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne for an informal outdoor gathering. There is no set agenda. The aim is conversation, connection, listening, and respectful discussion around meaning, mental health, trauma, grief, identity, relationships, spirituality, confusion, insight, and life after a powerful experience. Some people may describe their experience as healing or transformative. Others may feel unsettled, disappointed, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do with it. All of that is welcome. Depending on the group size, we may split into two informal spaces: 1. **A listening circle** A quiet, structured space where people can share their story without interruption, fixing, advice-giving, debate, diagnosis, or analysis. 2. **A casual discussion group** A more open space for free-flowing conversation, questions, reflections, and connection. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you like. You can also simply come to listen. Please bring your own brunch, water, chair, picnic rug, or anything else you need to feel comfortable outdoors. **Important boundaries** This is a peer-based social and educational gathering only. This event is a substitute for professional care. This event does not facilitate, encourage, organise, recommend, supply, sell, exchange, or discuss how to access illegal substances. No promotion of any type of services will be allowed.

Too many kids as well as teenagers and adults have problems with study. Today's meetup will inform you about the basics in STUDY TECHNOLOGY that provides an understanding of the basics of learning and supplies exact ways to overcome all the pitfalls one can encounter during study. This is applicable to young children, teenagers (or their parents that are trying to help them) and adults alike. Study Technology shows how one studies in order to comprehend a subject so one can apply it. Laws on which learning is based and workable methods have also been discovered for anyone to apply for themselves or when teaching others. Too many students graduate from school and college unable to put to use what they’ve learned in school. It’s not that they’re stupid or that their teachers didn’t know how to teach. More than likely it traces back to the one thing missing from most educations—learning how to learn in the first place. We all went to school, yet isn’t it odd that no one taught us how to study? The information presented at this meetup can help anyone improve others or his own ability to learn. It is a practical tool that parents and teachers alike can use to enhance a child's study performance. You’ll learn the barriers that lie between your own or a child's education. And you will very quickly learn how to overcome them. This technology will enable you or a child to pursue any subject with skill and confidence. Teachers who have "hard to handle/distributive " or slow learners in class will absolutely love the amazing turn around most often seen in improved behaviour and student performance in class. If you or your child has difficulties at school (or learning new things at work or online) than this meetup is important to you. If you can not make it to our meetup than contact the organizer and arrange it to suit your time. This technology can if one was to live far away be taught online. (extension course) You may offcourse also opt to have this technology taught to your own child by experienced volunteeer staff or learn about this yourself and transfer this knowledge to those you want to have better grades. Yes it is possible to improve anyone's study performance. All it takes is just 5 steps. See you at this meetup. Pam

Once a month Elni hosts our Port Phillip and Bayside socials. It’s a great opportunity to meet others. Our emphasis is on fun and enjoying each other’s company whilst supporting anyone who might need it. We each pay for our own food and drinks. This time, we’ll meet for dinner at Sons of Mary, a lovely place with a relaxed, elegant vibe. It’s a cosy spot with great service and a warm atmosphere — perfect for a friendly dinner and good conversations. We’d appreciate it if you could update your RSVP the day before so we can provide an exact headcount for the reservation. The table is booked under the name Elni. We hope to see you!

# 🌟 *Breat Procrastination and Staring at The Crowd When at Social Events with Taking a Minimum Viable Step!* Do you want to feel confident stepping into group conversations, knowing exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to build momentum naturally? Do you want a clear structure that makes socialising feel *doable*, while still allowing real, organic, human connection? This session blends **structure with spontaneity**, so you can practise social confidence in a way that actually works for your brain. # 💬 WHAT THIS SESSION IS ABOUT This is a **guided practice lab** for group interaction. Instead of guessing what to say, you will work with: • specific topics chosen by the group on the day • simple, powerful questions to guide conversation • structured rounds that make it easier to start and continue interactions You are not performing or “being social” on command, you are learning a **repeatable process** that helps you enter conversations naturally and build depth from there. The structure gives you clarity. Your responses stay *real, personal, and fully your own.* # 🧠 WHY THIS WORKS ## *Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)* Starting conversations is often the hardest part. So instead of forcing yourself to “be social”, we focus on: ### *Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)* Small, achievable actions like: • approaching a group • listening for context • asking one simple question • sharing one small response These steps reduce overwhelm and help you build momentum naturally. You are not powering through, you are **following a chain of small wins** that lead into flow. # 🔄 HOW THE SESSION RUNS This session is structured into **timed rounds (approx. 8 minutes each)**. Each round gives you a clear, simple objective. ## 🔹 *Structured Group Rounds* • You will begin in small groups with a defined topic • Each round includes suggested questions to guide interaction • You are free to respond in your own way, nothing scripted ## 🔹 *Rotations* At the end of each round: • two people rotate out of each group • each joins a different group This creates: • clarity on where to go next • repeated practice starting new conversations • exposure to different dynamics and people *No guessing. No awkward hovering. Just clear next steps.* # 💡 TOPICS & QUESTIONS At the start of the session, we will: • gather topics participants are genuinely interested in • write them down and use them throughout the rounds Each round will include **simple, open questions** related to the topic, designed to: • spark conversation easily • create direction without rigidity • allow natural sharing and depth You follow the structure, but what you share is always your own. # 🌱 WHAT YOU WILL PRACTISE • starting conversations decisively (again and again) • entering groups with clarity instead of hesitation • listening before contributing • asking simple questions that open conversation • building flow through small, manageable steps • rotating between groups with confidence • staying present without overwhelm Over time, this becomes **automatic**. # 📝 BEFORE & AFTER At the beginning: • you will complete a short reflection on meaningful connection in your life At the end: • you will share what worked, what did not, and what could be improved This helps shape future sessions based on what actually supports you. # 👋 A NOTE FROM THE FACILITATOR This is not about being the most confident person in the room. It is about learning a structure that helps you: • take action • reduce overwhelm • build real connection step by step You do not need to get it perfect. ##*** You just need to take the next small step.***

**"TechWalking" - Networking + Walking** Are you a tech professional looking to network beyond the screen? Look no further than my upcoming #TechWalking event! ‍ Join us for a refreshing walk around the scenic Albert Park Lake. It’s the perfect chance to connect with industry peers while getting in some steps! I know many of you have been tuning in to my online events, but we've never had the opportunity to meet in person. Let's change that! Check out the video from the last event: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/b4skv1sF-vY We'll kick things off at **10 am sharp** at the Albert Park Fitness Station. Please, don't be late! We're hitting the trail around the lake as soon as we gather. And trust me, you won't want to miss it – unless you're up for a bit of a sprint to catch up! (we're going anti-clockwise) This event is pet and kid-friendly, as long as your little ones and furry friends can manage a 5 km walk, they're more than welcome to join. Looking forward to meeting you all in real life! Join the TechWalking group on LinkedIn! [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/) **TechWalking Community page: [https://tech-walking.yanamartens.com/](https://tech-walking.yanamartens.com/)** \*\*\* Follow me on LinkedIn for more information: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/) Just moved to Australia? Grab your FREE guide to land your tech job! [https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/](https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/) Subscribe to YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@ITCareerinAustralia](https://www.youtube.com/@ITCareerinAustralia)

Instagram: @findyourtribemelb Take a pause from the hustle and join us for **The Monthly Reset** \- a space for driven and ambitious people to reflect on the past month\, set fresh goals\, and connect with other growth\-minded individuals\. There’s something powerful about sharing your reflections and intentions with other growth-minded individuals. When you're surrounded by people who value progress, purpose, and self-awareness, it creates a natural sounding board for ideas, clarity, and encouragement. These kinds of conversations can help you see things differently, feel more supported, and stay aligned with the goals that truly matter to you. 🌿**MEETING POINT** Let's meet outside Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 2:00pm. Anyone who would like to grab a coffee can do so, then at 2:15pm, we'll take a walk around the Tan. 🤝**CONNECTION ACTIVITY** During the walk, you’ll be invited to participate in structured conversations with different partners as we rotate every 15ish minutes. We’ll provide reflection prompts to guide your discussions on: * What worked well this past month * What challenged you or stretched your limits * Intentions or goals for the month ahead * What success and balance look like for you This is a space to connect authentically, think intentionally, and feel supported by others who care about growth and alignment - both professionally and personally. 👋**NEW HERE?** Welcome! Find Your Tribe Melbourne is a community mostly around 25-40s who are passionate about connection, purpose, and personal development. We’re open-minded, respectful, and always excited to welcome new faces. Whether you come solo or with a friend, we’ll make sure you feel included and supported. Pushing outside your comfort zone can be tough, but it's where growth and friendship begin. 🌱 If you have any questions or just want to say hi before the event, feel free to message me! ⚠️**LIABILITY DISCLAIMER** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the walk and any related activities. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **PHOTO AND VIDEO DISCLAIMER** Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event. Instagram: @findyourtribemelb

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday June 30th from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

Join us every other Wednesday during the summer at 5:30pm at Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground. Starts Wednesday June 17th. **Agenda** 5:30-6:15 Kids Play & Dad's Meet 6:15-6:45 Snacks & Father/Son Men's Group Circle \- Simple intro Round \- What are Dad & Son working on? \- Various Topics for Fathers and Sons\(What does it mean to be a man? Etc\.\) 6:45-7 Close. Go get food or keep playing. Mario will lead this group and hold the space. Generally, it is a laid-back, open group that can be modified to accommodate those who show up. If people want to go get dinner after, we can :) It's all about making friends and building a positive community. Mario has led men's groups for several years, sponsored by Speak Your Mind, an Ohio Non-Profit organization with a focus on men's mental well-being. Click here to learn more about SYM: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind). All events are non-denominational and donation-based. No one will be turned away for their beliefs or financial position. Suggested donation is $5 per family per meeting (Covers the cost of meetup). **Donation link**: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind **Liability Waiver** to fill out before your first event (Required). This covers the non-profit in the event of any accidents. https://form.jotform.com/242207035182144 Contact Mario with any questions: 808-855-8831 Address: 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road Columbus, OH 43081 Follow signs to the back of the park (Inclusive Playground)