Politics

**Speaker:** Kelly O’Shanassy, former Chair of Australian Conservation Foundation and incoming Chair of Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. **Topic:** The Nature Positive Plan, launched in 2022, sets out the government’s commitment to reform Australia’s environmental laws. These reforms are wide-reaching and ambitious. When will we see measurable improvements? Will they be enough to protect and restore our unique environment? What are the challenges? **Note** this event will be preceded by the Victorian Fabians AGM at 7:00pm - all Victorian financial members of the Fabians are invited to attend - [details here.](https://www.fabians.org.au/fabians_victoria_agm_2026_20260423?e=277add52a01e9b78e1bc863a51d2cd66&utm_source=australianfabians&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=australia_s_nature_positive_1&n=4) **Cost:** Fabians financial members - Free; Non members - $5 (pay at door) Please [RSVP at this link](https://www.fabians.org.au/australia_s_nature_20260423) or on this meetup as places are limited. **After Event Dinner & Drinks:** all attendees are welcome to join us at a nearby venue for dinner/drinks after the event. **Support the Fabians** We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our members for all our events. Anyone who is not a member can support us by [joining up at this link.](https://www.fabians.org.au/become_a_member) Contributions are to help cover event and guest speaker costs etc.

How can we understand the situation of truth and its relation to power today? \*Please note you must book your ticket from https://www.voicecraft.io/events On Thursday April 23rd we make space for conversations that rarely happen anywhere else. Underground Philosophy is where spectators become participants. Spoken participation is optional. Guiding this collective inquiry is Tim Adalin, supported by members of The Voicecraft Network. 5:30pm — Doors 6:00pm — Start 8:00pm — End 8:00pm onwards — Optional speakeasy upstairs Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets, Collingwood. Tickets must be booked before arrival. Full details: https://www.voicecraft.io/events (payments are handled by Humanitix)

Salsa Thursdays @ The German Club Tivoli. We create a great atmosphere to meet new people and have some fun. 4 levels of Salsa classes from 7pm or come along for the dance social from 9pm. Club Tivoli is an amazing venue with an established restaurant and bar and loads of onsite parking, this is a one-stop-shop for dancing, dinner and drinks. Make Thursdays the highlight of your week. LEVELS: SALSA Beginner 1 7:00PM (Suggested duration 6 weeks) This class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. This class can also be used as a revision or warm-up for the beginner class. No experience required. *** SALSA BEGINNER PLUS 8:00PM (Suggested duration 3 months) This level is not for first time Salsa students, to enter this level you must have previously completed at least 4-6 lessons in Salsa. With an emphasis on timing and more leading and following techniques, this is a faster-paced class with weekly easy to learn moves. Requirement: First Timer level or understanding of Basic footwork, timing & turn patterns. *** SALSA INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 7:00PM (Suggested duration 12 months) This level expands on lengthy routines with double turns and spinning for males and females. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 3 months in Beginner level 1, dance in time and can pick up complicated new moves with ease. *** ADVANCED LEVEL 8:00PM (Suggested duration on-going) A very challenging class, fast-paced with intricate turn patterns, routines, Salsa styling and Shines. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 6-12 months in Intermediate level. For dancers who have a greater understanding of modern salsa. *** SOCIAL DANCING Featuring Various DJ's playing Salsa & a little Bachata from 9pm till late Dance Social is FREE The bar is open so drink, dance and be merry. *** DETAILS • Our classes are structured so that you can start at any time throughout the year and you can come & go as you please. • No partner or bookings required. • The dress code is smart/casual. • Ideal footwear for ladies- a medium to high heel. • Ideal footwear for men – leather or hard rubber sole shoe. • Classes are subject to change without notice. FEES $20 FOR ONE CLASS OR $30 FOR TWO CLASSES ON THE SAME EVENING. MS Dance cards can be used at these classes. ***FREE PARKING ONSITE*** For additional information email us at info@melbournesalsa.com.au

Join the Melbourne TED Talk Community for an engaging session and meet people who like being an ideator, who want to bring their voice to a larger community. In contrast to a typical public speaking training event, where you receive feedback on your amms and aas and the way you present, this goes beyond that. **The objective of this community is to get inspired by some of the best ideas serving humanity, find your own calling and voice, be an ideator, and share your ideas clearly and persuasively.** The talk we will play is one of the amazing talks from the TED Library. In this session, we will delve deeper into the topic and gain perspective, and learn from each other. Be prepared to network, engage in meaningful conversations, and embark on a journey of professional development and leadership growth. **Mark your calendars and don't miss this opportunity to refine your public speaking abilities with the Melbourne TED Talk Community!** **TED Talk link to watch together:** **TBA** **Agenda (as a guide)** 6.00 PM Registration 6.10 PM Introduction by Attendees 6.20 PM 10 min talk on screen (optional) 6.30 PM Breakout session (Group / Individual) based on topic 6.45 PM Individual / Group shares their takeaways 7.00 PM Practice the Art of Public Speaking - 2-3 talks of 2.5 minutes 7.10 PM Feedback to the Presenters and overall session 7.20 PM Event Concludes & floor opens for Networking **Fees: The event has a $5 contribution towards hiring the hall and Audiovisual. This can be paid through PayPal at the time of registration.** Looking forward to seeing you there. The Organisers Raj

Join us this month for a panel with PMs who have experience shipping and working daily with Ai. Bring your stories and questions as there will be plenty of time for Q&A. **Our Panel** * [Daragh Kan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daraghkan/) \- Head of Product at Cuttable * [Dave Slutzkin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveslutzkin/)\- Co\-founder and CEO at Cadence * [Melissa Cupples](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcupples/) \- Head of Product \(AI & Automation\) Doors 6pm Start 630pm Thanks to our fabulous hosts for our location **InvestorHub.** [InvestorHub](https://www.linkedin.com/company/invhub/) is a Melbourne-based scale-up with the mission to make being listed a superpower. Our software allows listed companies in Australia and the UK to manage their end-to-end investor relationships, from their investor-facing website, a detailed investor CRM, analytics, and more. We're [hiring](https://investorhub.pinpointhq.com/) for Product Managers, Product Designers, Engineers and more right now! If you're interested in co-sponsorship please let us know. Some beverages will be provided but right now it's BYO food.

It's a public café, so come earlier if you wish. I will be there from midday. Look for the Atheist t-shirts/windcheaters or call Andrew - 0438 043 050. I recommend their food and coffee. **You are invited and welcome.** **[Melbourne Atheists Meetups](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/)**

Please join us this Sunday. It is an open social session where we will discuss any topics attendees are keen to discuss. I will also prepare some philosophical prompts for us. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Socrates Cafe group. Hope to see you there!

Live ANZ vibes from both sides of the ditch 🇦🇺🇳🇿 Kicking off 8:15pm with Jetsons, followed by Charming Sons bringing the heat 🔥 Tonight’s all about good tunes, great company, and celebrating the camaraderie between our two countries through music. And because we love looking after our people — Craig R has hooked our Unique Events crew up with 30% off drinks 🍸 P.S. You need to show the Orange ANZAC day picture for your discount at the bar. So really… what’s your excuse? 😉

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our THURSDAY Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have between 250 - 350 people attending our THURSDAY event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. 👉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. 🍺: Discounted 15% house beers and wines 🍸: Extra cost for cocktails and spirit 🍲: Food available is to purchase at the bar with 15% discount on menu. 👉**Fee** of **$4.50** to be paid at the entrance OR you can buy anything 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.

The discussion topic for this meetup will be identity and whether or not history is a necessary condition for consciousness as Dretske proposed. James

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!

In the spirit of Anzac Day, this Sunday's conversation will be about the subject of War and Peace. The discussion will be stimulated by quotations from the world's leading thinkers. As a special one-off offer, **meals and coffees will be on me.** **That's right, I am shouting!** So hope to see you on Sunday, note the new time of 10 am. Please RSVP by Saturday 10am if you are coming. Regards Vahid

Please go to your Meetup account and make sure you have elected to receive "EVENT UPDATES FROM ORGANIZERS" so that we may e-mail you additional information on this and other events. Thank you! Here's how... Go to "Settings" Then go to "Email updates" Scroll down to "Updates about your groups" Then go to the name of the group and click "Edit" Then select "Event updates from organizers"

Please go to your Meetup account and make sure you have elected to receive "EVENT UPDATES FROM ORGANIZERS" so that we may e-mail you additional information on this and other events. Thank you! Here's how... Go to "Settings" Then go to "Email updates" Scroll down to "Updates about your groups" Then go to the name of the group and click "Edit" Then select "Event updates from organizers"

**Polska Dyskoteka: May Madness is coming to Vienna! 🇵🇱💃** **(Scroll down for English version ⬇️)** **BILETY:** **https://tinyurl.com/PolskaDyskoteka** **Maj to najbardziej radosny miesiąc w Polsce, a my przenosimy tę niesamowitą energię Majówki prosto do Northern Virginia!** **Od świętowania Konstytucji 3 Maja po wyjątkowy klimat Dnia Zwycięstwa, który przypada właśnie 8 maja – nie ma lepszej daty, aby zjednoczyć Polonię i wspólnie ruszyć na parkiet.** **Dołącz do PLAC SOCIAL CLUB, aby wspólnie uczcić nasze dziedzictwo i wolność do radosnej zabawy! 🥂✨** **Szczegóły wydarzenia:** ***** **📅 Kiedy: Piątek, 8 maja 2026 (Dzień Zwycięstwa!)** ***** **⏰ Godzina: 18:30 – 22:30** ***** **📍 Gdzie: The O Lounge, 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA** ***** **🎧 Zagra dla Was: DJ KAAT** **Niezależnie od tego, czy świętujesz przedłużony weekend majowy, czy historyczną wagę tego dnia, May Madness to miejsce, w którym musisz być. Spodziewaj się najlepszych polskich hitów, ogromnej dawki energii i morza biało-czerwonych barw!** **Zapiszcie tę datę i do zobaczenia na parkiecie! 🔴⚪️** **IN ENGLISH:** **May is the most festive month of the year in Poland, and we are bringing that Majówka energy straight to Northern Virginia!** **TICKETS:** **https://tinyurl.com/PolskaDyskoteka** **From celebrating the Constitution on May 3rd to the spirit of Victory Day (Dzień Zwycięstwa) on May 8th, there is no better day to gather the community and dance. Join PLAC SOCIAL CLUB as we honor our heritage and celebrate the freedom to party! 🥂✨** **Event Details:** ***** **📅 When: Friday, May 8, 2026 (Victory Day!)** ***** **⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM** ***** **📍 Where: The O Lounge, 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA** ***** **🎧 Featuring: DJ KAAT** **Whether you're celebrating the "Long May Weekend" or the historical significance of the day, May Madness is the place to be. Expect the best Polish hits, high energy, and a sea of white and red!** **COME JOIN US! 🔴⚪️**

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

Join us for another optional writing session! Feel free to bring a project you're already working on or start something new with us. If anything interesting comes up while you're writing, you can share it with the group, but no pressure!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Twister Talk,”** on tornadoes and advances in our understanding of them, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk) .] Springtime brings tornado outbreaks and devastation across the United States. The good news for those of us who anxiously eye the skies: Tornado science is rapidly evolving and improving, as are the means by which we detect funnel clouds and warn of their approach. Get up to speed with what’s known about tornadoes with the help of Dr. Jeffery Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post* Capital Weather Gang who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on hurricanes and snowstorms. He’ll describe how, with the help of research conducted by tornado hunters, meteorologists are using ever more sophisticated computer simulations and datasets to try to “crack the code” when it comes to how and where tornadoes form. We’ll look at how science teams wielding Portable Doppler Radars on small trucks are learning that tornado wind speeds are much stronger than once presumed. We’ll consider how decades of data are changing how we think about “Tornado Alley,” and we’ll review what’s known about the relationship between tornadoes and climate change. Professor Halverson will conclude by discussing the technological strides being made in terms of tornado warning and detection, and how tornado scientists are teaming up with social scientists to gain a better understanding of what leaves us vulnerable to natural hazards. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: An F5 tornado over Elie, Manitoba in June 2007 (Photo by Justin Hobson / Wikimedia Commons).

Important: Register on [AICamp website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026043014) is required for admission. **Description:** Join us for a community-led developer event focused on AI-assisted coding with GitHub Copilot. This event brings together developers to explore practical workflows, real-world use cases, and hands-on experiences using GitHub Copilot. Whether you are new to GitHub Copilot or already using it, this event will help you better understand how to apply AI-assisted coding techniques in everyday development. **Speakers/Topics:** \- Reynald Adolphe\, Microsoft\. Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA) **Sponsors:** We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in D.C and 500K+ worldwide.