Rotary Club

**Register here: [https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546728](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546728)** Ready to strengthen your presence and sharpen your communication impact? Speechcraft is a program designed specifically for people who want to refine their speaking skills, enhance communication, and deliver clear, persuasive messages with confidence. Hosted by Alex Stemate and other experienced speakers from Southbank Toastmasters, this focused workshop series provides structured, practical training in speech organisation, delivery techniques, and persuasive strategy, all in a supportive, feedback-rich environment. Who is this for? * Professionals seeking stronger presentation, leadership, and stakeholder communication skills * Job seekers who want to improve their interviewing skills * Toastmasters members working toward Pathways goals or aiming to elevate their speaking impact * Leaders, managers, and business owners who want to communicate with clarity and authority **Program Sessions** April 19, 10 am to 1 pm Organising Your Speech , Vocal Variety & Body Language Learn how to structure compelling speeches and enhance delivery through vocal control and confident body language. April 26, 10 am to 1 pm Speaking with Purpose , Giving & Receiving Feedback Develop intentional messaging and master the art of constructive, growth-focused feedback. May 3, 10 am to 12 pm Persuasive Speech & Motivational Strategies Craft influential speeches that inspire action and apply proven motivational techniques to engage any audience. This series is practical, interactive, and results-focused, equipping you with tools you can immediately apply in professional settings, presentations, and Toastmasters meetings. **Pricing:** $297 for the entire program Are you a Toastmasters member? Reach out to Alex at [education@d73toastmasters.org](mailto:education@d73toastmasters.org) for a **generous** discount Location: Boyd Library, 207 City Road, Southbank Register here: [https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546728](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546728)

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'I'd Rather Not' by Robert Skinner. The blurb: 'From one of Australia’s most wryly funny writers comes an original and utterly hilarious memoir of reaching for the stars while lying in a ditch *I was sleeping in what might reasonably be described as a ditch, though I tried not to think of it in those terms for morale reasons . . .* Robert Skinner arrives in the city, searching for a richer life. Things begin badly and then, surprisingly, get slightly worse. Pretty soon he's sleeping rough and trying to run a literary magazine out of a dog park. His quest for meaning keeps being thwarted, by endless jobs, beagles, house parties, ill-advised love affairs, camel trips and bureaucratic entanglements. Sometimes a book catches the spirit of the times. *I'd Rather Not* is about work, escape and that something more we all need. 'I was told this man came from the Adelaide Plains and so commenced to read his work. By the time I realised I'd been viciously misled and he actually grew up in Magill, it was too late. I was already completely in love with the book. It's an absolute bag of lollies.' —Annabel Crabb 'Robert Skinner writes with humour, intelligence and heart. Pick up this book and you may never put it down.' —Tony Birch 'This book is like a big, properly made gin and tonic drunk outside in a garden on a perfect Saturday afternoon.' —Cate Kennedy '…no other book brought me as much joy as this hilarious and deceptively artful collection, and in these uncertain times that is worth plenty.' —Michael Winkler 'No one writes better when the stakes are lower.' —Sam Vincent 'My heart leaps whenever I see Robert Skinner's by-line; I know I am in for a hilarious literary treat complete with wry pearlers, gallows truths and wicked timing. People will say he is Australia's Sedaris, but he's not. He's Robert Skinner and he's a bloody marvel.' —Anna Krien 'Brevity may be the soul of wit, but the nimble economy of this slim volume will make readers pine for more. A decidedly skewed, hilarious collection of life reflections and colorful storytelling.' —*Kirkus* 'Seriously the funniest book I've read all year. I can't stop thinking about Robert Skinner's forays into the most mundane and frustrating aspects of life - Centrelink, being a tour guide, applying for arts funding - and the shameless truths he not only reveals about himself but about us as a society. Read this book with a bottle of wine, and be alarmed and enlightened!' —Alice Pung 'If only all books were as funny, human and true as *I'd Rather Not*. I raced through it, marvelling and envious all the way.' —Michelle de Kretser 'Skinner has been compared to Oscar Wilde, but his book is as self-effacing as it is quip-witted.' —Beejay Silcox, *The Guardian* 'The best Australian books of 2023' 'Skinner has been called the Australian David Sedaris and it's easy to see why. Both have the same droll, self-deprecating humour and both mine their own lives for maximum mirth-making potential. [...] a book with a several-laughs-a-page quotient.' –Thuy On, *Arts Hub* 'The funniest book I have read for a long time' —Andy Griffiths, author of *The Treehouse* series" Goodreads rating: 3.71 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

Hi all, Welcome to the April Paranormal Book Club and our book club birthday meetup!! We are going to meet at the seats inside the foyer near the ticket booths, before going into Melbourne Museum. After book club, we will go to the Rome: Empire, Power, People exhibition. To find out more about the exhibition and ticket prices, check out the website here: [ROME: Empire, Power, People | What's on | Melbourne Museum](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/rome-empire-power-people/). If you would like to pre-book your tickets, I would book the 12:00pm or 12:15pm session. Adult tickets are $35.00. Otherwise you can just get an Adult entry ticket for $18.00. The books for Sunday 19 April 2026 are: Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes [Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215963754-fangs-for-nothing) What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown [What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215353471-what-comes-of-attending-the-commoners-ball) Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson [Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60531416-yumi-and-the-nightmare-painter) If you would like to look at all the books that we have read so far, click [here](https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am2wjNpl1c1ijCNvt-hrWM8gPaem?e=riV48x). Finally, if you can't make it, please change your RSVP to a NO. Happy reading until then!! 🤓

Start point: WE HAVE A NEW CAFE! **Truffles Patisserie** **192/194 Carlisle St, St Kilda, 3182** It's at the corner of Carlisle and Chapel St's. End point: Who knows? Distance: Approx 4 to 6km (each way) Estimated time: 60 to 90 minutes (stopping and starting).

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

We are heading to Dandenong Ranges to take in the stunning Autumn Colours in Dandenong Ranges - Alfred Nicholas, Tindale & Gardens. Please carry takeaway lunch and water. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP (click going) to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($20) via Trybooking - [https://www.trybooking.com/DIMXQ](https://www.trybooking.com/DIMXQ) This includes 10% GST and Parks VIC fee of $2.40 per person. Trybooking Tickets will be scanned at the meeting point. The tickets are non refundable and there is no option to transfer the ticket to a different event. The ticket will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet infront of the black directions sign at Federation Square at 10:00 AM. Meeting Point Photo: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_TULglixHSnN4N9OBXos6rCuCVuICGe/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_TULglixHSnN4N9OBXos6rCuCVuICGe/view?usp=sharing) Everywhere in the Dandenong Ranges will be awash with bright autumn colours and fallen leaves in late April/May. We will be visiting Alfred Nicholas, George Tindale and Dandenong Botanic Gardens. **George Tindale Gardens** \- One of the more beautiful gardens in the Dandenong Ranges\. This picturesque gardens boasts enviable collection of rare and exotic plants and flowers\, set under the shelter of the massive Mountain Ash Trees\. **Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens** \- The gardens are known for their picturesque waterfalls\, water features and its iconic ornamental lake and boathouse\. **Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden** \- 36\-hectare garden with extensive paths past diverse plants\, trees & water features\, plus a cafe\. Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an "Unpaid" status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. Cost: Organizer Fee: $20 Public transport is free this weekend. Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have eight simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience. ❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please! 📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups. 😅 Don’t be a social octopus! – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy. 🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents. 💰 No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free. 📸 Cameras welcome, but… – please refrain from taking photos of our members for privacy reasons. By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. Let’s keep it fun, friendly, and drama-free! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

Hi everyone :) come and join us for our fifth Melbourne Craft Circle event! Bring along a craft or artform of your choice. Last time we added cross stitch, diamond art, and knitting to the list. If you have any accessibility needs or questions about the group feel free to message me. Hope to see you there! 🧶

A gentle space to slow down and connect — Soulful Sundays is about real conversations, shared presence, and meaningful human connection. We meet in person for heart-to-heart conversations in a welcoming, respectful environment. This group is for those who value sincerity, depth, and mutual support. Conversations often explore life, purpose, growth, and the human experience — grounded, open, and real. If you’re looking to build authentic, lasting connections with like-minded people, you’re warmly welcome. Carlton Gardens, **Address:** 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053 **Where we meet: Royal Exhibition Building front steps.**

Let's check out the Upcoming Horse Race Event at Worthington Hills Country Club with the Dublin-Rotary Worthington Club! Food will be served along with a cash bar! Cost is only $40.00 per Ticket plus a small fee: [Night at the Races - Dublin-Worthington Rotary - 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 22 from 6 pm to 9 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-at-the-races-dublin-worthington-rotary-2026-tickets-1980210210044?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) Purchase your tickets ASAP because they will stop selling them on April 7th. I haven't been to a Horse Race Event in awhile and feel that this will be an extremely fun and exciting opportunity! Horse racing is a thrilling sport. Worthington Hills Country Club is a Beautiful Club in Worthington, Ohio with Captivating Scenery and Prestigious Charm. Parking is FREE and widely available in the Large Parking Lot in front of Worthington Hills Country Club. We will meet at 6:00 PM the Main Front Entrance at Worthington Hills Country Club. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

⛳ **Tuesday Golf League – Registrations Open!** Join our 2-Player Scramble league with 15 men and 15 women, featuring new partners every week. 📅 Every Tuesday, April 21–Aug 18 ⏰ 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Champions Golf Course (3900 Westerville Rd) 💲 Pricing: • 12 weeks – $450 • 9 weeks – $345 YOU MUST SIGN UP AND PAY USING BELOW LINK TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT: [Tuesday Golf - 2026 - Calendar - Columbus Ski Club](https://columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=686961&item_id=2870039&actr=3) Great way to meet new golfers, mix up teams weekly, and enjoy competitive fun all season long. Questions - contact Bob Kaplan 614-286-8463 [gah97@aol.com](mailto:gah97@aol.com)

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!