Postmodernism

We are a multi-disciplinary group of PhDs and academic staff who write together regularly and help one another to achieve our writing goals through supportive community, focus and a structure that works. We welcome anyone who wants to get some writing done in a collegial, supportive, encouraging environment. You don’t have to be from University of Melbourne (you don’t have to be from university at all!). We use the Pomodoro method, which means we write in timed intervals of silence, then chat and catch up for 5 mins and repeat the cycle. Arrive when you like, leave when you like. The goal is to keep our writing projects progressing and reduce the isolation that can be part of the academic and/or writing life. **Session Outline:** Welcome: 9.00-9.05 (5 mins) Pomodoro 1: 9.05-9.30 (25 mins). Break: 9.30-9.35 (5 mins) Pomodoro 2: 9.35-10.00 (25 mins) Break: 10.00-10.05 (25 mins) Pomodoro 3: 10.05-10.55 (50 mins) Break: 10.55-11.05 (10 mins) Pomodoro 4: 11.05-11.30 (25 mins) **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: There is free public wifi available at the Melbourne Connect Superfloor (speak to the concierge for details). University of Melbourne staff and students can connect to the university wifi; staff and students from other universities can join Eduroam using their home institution's log in credentials. Travel / Parking info: Public bike parking along Swanston and Grattan Streets. Tram routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 16. 16, 64, 67, 72 along Swanston Street (Stop 1) and 19 along Royal Parade (Stop 10). The nearest train station is Parkville Metro Station. Bus routes include 200, 207, 250, 251, 401, 402, 403, 505, 546. There is no public parking available at Melbourne Connect, however the area is well serviced by nearby public carparks, including Cardigan House Parking at 96 Grattan Street and the University of Melbourne Eastern Precinct Car Park at 375 Grattan Street. A taxi rank is located on Grattan Street.

## **What every property investor needs to know about the changes happening to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trust taxation — BEFORE the rules change.** The Federal Budget contained several major proposals that could significantly impact how Australians invest in property. Changes have been proposed to: * Negative gearing * Capital gains tax * Discretionary trusts For many investors, these structures form the foundation of their wealth creation strategy. But how would these changes actually work? Who could be affected? What opportunities still exist? And what should investors be thinking about now? At our [Melbourne meetup](https://events.resultsmentoring.com/meetup-vic.html?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=drn), **tax specialist Brent McCartney** will break down the proposed changes and explain what they could mean for property investors, developers, renovators and business owners. **What you'll learn...** **Negative Gearing Changes** **Discover:** ✓ What the Government has announced ✓ Which properties may be protected under grandfathering provisions ✓ How the proposed rules could affect future purchases ✓ The implications for investors buying established versus new properties **Capital Gains Tax Changes** **Learn:** ✓ How the current 50% CGT discount could change ✓ The proposed inflation-indexed alternative ✓ What the changes could mean for future property profits ✓ How transitional rules may apply to existing properties **Trust taxation Changes** **Understand:** ✓ The proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts ✓ Why the Government says the changes are necessary ✓ How family trusts may be affected ✓ Potential restructuring opportunities available during the transition period ✓ Real-world examples illustrating the potential financial impact **[RSVP now to attend FREE in-person or via Zoom](https://events.resultsmentoring.com/meetup-vic.html?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=drn)** **Why This Matters** Many investors spend years building portfolios based on rules that can change with a single Budget announcement. The investors who understand the implications early have more options, more time to plan and greater confidence when making future decisions. This session is not about politics. It's about understanding the proposed changes and making informed investment decisions. The proposed Budget changes could have significant implications for how Australians invest, structure and grow their wealth through property. Whether you own one investment property or a large portfolio, this is an opportunity to understand the potential impact before important decisions need to be made. **Important:** If you plan to attend, please click the RSVP link below and register. This helps us manage venue numbers and ensures you receive event reminders. **[RSVP now to attend FREE in-person or via Zoom](https://events.resultsmentoring.com/meetup-vic.html?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=drn)** **FAQ's** **-> Can I bring someone else along?** Yes, you are welcome to bring anyone who is interested in property investing, renovating, developing - it's all about learning and networking with like-minded investors. Please ask them to RSVP so that we know how many people are coming. **-> What are you selling?** Nothing, these meetups are all about learning and networking with like-minded people. **-> What are my Parking options?** There is plenty of parking in the street. We look forward to seeing you there. Best regards, – Tony **PS** You can attend in person or online by **[clicking here](https://events.resultsmentoring.com/meetup-vic.html?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=drn)**

Nurture your Tarot-loving light as we gather together each fortnight with our cards to engage in conversations that aim to keep our connection with our decks lively, prescient, insightful, and exploratory. Develop your own dialogue in respectful relationship with one another and the cards feeling empowered to participate irrespective of your ‘level’ of card-conversing ability. Each conversation shall be instigated via creative prompts, questions, and pithy talks on a broad range of Tarot-related influences in a ritually-held circle that ensures ample time is provided for reading the cards for one another and sharing our own unique perceptions, wisdom's, experiences and reflections on life. All Tarot decks and levels of experience are welcomed. *‘The Tarot is a nomadic cathedral and constitutes first and foremost an apprenticeship in seeing.’* Marianne Costa from **The Way of the Tarot; the Spiritual Teacher in the Cards** **PLEASE NOTE: ATTENDANCE ON THE NIGHT FOR THIS CLASS COSTS $15 TO BE PAID AT THE DOOR UPON ENTRY.** **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **Fathers Office QV-249 Little lonsdale st (Melbourne CBD).** We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3.5 at entry** to support the venue. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### 📲 Join our WhatsApp Community Stay connected before and after the event, meet people, and find language partners: 👉 **Join here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ) *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

Join us for an informal round-table on some of philosophy's oldest questions lead by Sean Crowley: What is a thing? Where do identities begin and end? Is perspective a limitation on reality, or a fundamental feature of it? And what might it mean to speak of an Absolute beyond all finite distinctions? Drawing on Spinoza, David Bohm, Carlo Rovelli, George Spencer-Brown, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Sean will give a condensed introduction to Groundless Perspectival Realism — a metaphysical framework that questions absolute intrinsic identity, exploring reality instead through relation, perspective, and wholeness. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc. 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 to the Philosophy Circle group. Topics include: * Identity & thinghood * Perspective & observation * Relationality and continuity * Truth & reality * The nature of the Absolute Sean Crowley is the author of the forthcoming book The Infinite Now and host of The Infinite Now with Sean Crowley, exploring metaphysics, consciousness, science, and the philosophical implications of non-duality. Hope to see you there!

Come join us and practise public speaking! All levels are welcome. Take the first step to overcome your fears, build confidence and learn to speak with impact in a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment. Start you public speaking journey with us now to improve your communications skills and elevate all aspects of your life. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can settle everyone in for a 5.30pm start. See you soon!

Welcome to the Melbourne Sci-Fi & Fantasy Meetup's first gathering for magic realism and creative writing! If you've read or are new to Haruki Murakami, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Susanna Clarke, please come along. And for writers, this is also a space to talk about the craft of writing (any genre, fiction and non-fiction). I hope to make this a regular monthly or fortnightly event at other locations around Melbourne when the weather is warmer. But it's winter, so we'll have our first meetup at the Mitre Tavern in the CBD. Easy to find, and we don't have to wait outside in the icy wind waiting for tables. Join us for a coffee or glass of wine that stops time, cats with secret names, and good conversation about the books we love. After the event, we can kick on at the Mitre or maybe stroll over to a nearby wine bar or restaurant to continue the socialising. What to Bring: Paper, pen, and a story to share. I'll be giving you all some small, fun writing exercises and we'll see where the day takes us.

Want to be able to articulate your thoughts with clarity and precision? Want to overcome your public speaking anxiety and become a confident presenter? Want to develop leadership skills and become a better communicator? Join Elsternwick ToastMasters Club! Toastermasters is a not-for-profit organisation that is run by volunteers. We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We have meeting regularly, each meeting has a range of activities for you to participate in, such as impromptu speaking, prepared speech, debate,etc. You will also receive constructive feedback which helps you improve your performance. Guests are welcome! We offer three meetings for free to our guests before joining as a member,so you can get a taste of how ToastMasters works and decide if it's right for you. When: 2nd and 4th Thursday, 7pm-9pm Where: 450-452 Kooyong Rd, Caufield South Visit our website to find out more: https://elsternwick.toastmastersclubs.org/ Send us an contact form through our website to reserve your spot if you'd like to attend our meeting as a guest.

Join us for an informal round-table on some of philosophy's oldest questions lead by Sean Crowley: What is a thing? Where do identities begin and end? Is perspective a limitation on reality, or a fundamental feature of it? And what might it mean to speak of an Absolute beyond all finite distinctions? Drawing on Spinoza, David Bohm, Carlo Rovelli, George Spencer-Brown, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Sean will give a condensed introduction to Groundless Perspectival Realism — a metaphysical framework that questions absolute intrinsic identity, exploring reality instead through relation, perspective, and wholeness. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc. 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 to the Socrates Cafe group. Topics include: * Identity & thinghood * Perspective & observation * Relationality and continuity * Truth & reality * The nature of the Absolute Sean Crowley is the author of the forthcoming book The Infinite Now and host of The Infinite Now with Sean Crowley, exploring metaphysics, consciousness, science, and the philosophical implications of non-duality. Hope to see you there!

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.

When people think of shamanic journeying, psychedelics are often the first association. Yet in most traditions, altered states of consciousness are more commonly entered through other methods. These practices shift awareness away from linear and rational thinking into symbolic and imaginal ways of experiencing the world. A central focus of this talk is the role of mythology and symbolism as a map and compass for navigating these inner states. Mythology is not treated as abstract story or merely superstition, but as a living framework that helps organise experience, guide inner journeys, and support processes of healing and transformation. Archetypes, symbols, and mythic narratives form a structured language for making sense of what is encountered in altered states, both for individuals and communities. The talk also explores how these traditional mythological maps overlap with modern psychology. Contemporary approaches to the mind increasingly recognise symbolic processes, layered identity, trauma patterns, and the need for integration - areas long addressed within myth-based systems of understanding. We will look at how altered states are safely accessed and navigated, and how myth and symbolism provides orientation within them. Finally, the talk considers the relevance of these approaches in the modern world, particularly in contemporary Australia - offering ways of engaging meaning, psychological insight, and connection to self, others, and place through direct experience. **Guy** is a traditionally trained and initiated sangoma. A sangoma is a traditional healer of Southern Africa, effectively a shaman of the Zulu and related Nguni cultures. Born and raised in South Africa, he is one of only a handful of westerners that have undergone the long and intense ordeal of thwasa (the formal traditional training and initiation process) in order to become initiated into the traditions of the Southern African traditional healers. Guy is also a Ceremonial Leader and initiated shaman in the Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society (SOTEMS), a non-profit Australian organisation which is dedicated to developing new forms of Australian Spirituality and healing based on traditional healing (shamanic) methods for contemporary Australians. **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.

We've moved to guild.host Look for us there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-nscoders-tcbrk5

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Do **NOT** sign up to this one and sign-up at https://www.meetup.com/columbusjs/events/313386504/ ======================================= A hand tracker gives you joints, not a gesture. This talk shows how you get from raw joints to a "thumbs-up" in Unity: the pipeline that cleans up the data, how a gesture becomes a few 0-to-1 values within tolerance, and why orientation matters as much as finger shape. Includes a live demo of tuning gesture thresholds. Food and drinks will be available. **LOCATION:** 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017 **FREE PARKING:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!