Sketching

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.

🎟️ **TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT - [CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/impact-pitch-night-tickets-1976033923659)** 🎟️ Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating startups making a difference at our 2026 Impact Pitch Night at The Commons QV! We're excited to showcase four incredible founders building solutions that create meaningful change: 🎤 Sam Freidin – Founder, Wayfarer Mobility 🎤 Brock Hogan – Co-Founder, Places 🎤 Simi Rayat – Founder, Global Joy Mission 🎤 Archana Akhaury – Founder, Social Spectrum Our founders will be pitching in front of an experienced panel of judges: ⚖️ Lucy Lin – Host, Emerging Tech Unpacked ⚖️ Tom Kloosterman – Energy Scaleup Program Lead, EnergyLab ⚖️ Sydney Bentley – CEO & Founder, Next Paws Innovations ⚖️ Robert Gallup – Founder, Oz2US Ventures ### **What to Expect on the Night:** The Impact Pitch Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of changemakers. Guests will: * Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers, and startup operators. * Support four incredible early-stage founders as they pitch their solutions to global challenges. * Vote for their favorite pitch of the night. Secure your spot to witness the innovation and dedication of founders working to create a better world. This is your chance to explore transformative ideas and support startups tackling all kinds of solutions. #### **Reserve Your Seat Today!** Don’t miss out on this evening filled with networking, innovation, and celebration. Register now to be part of The Startup Network's Startups Pitch Night and connect with the changemakers shaping a brighter future

**THEME** At this Deep Work we'll explore **how to tune in to the quiet whispers — and the thunderclaps — that life sends our way.** When Lightning Strikes invites us to **recognise the moments of divine inspiration hiding in plain sight, and learn to trust** the nudges, signs and sudden illuminations that point us toward our truest path. **TIMING** \*Please arrive by 7:00PM for a 7:15PM start. The event will conclude at 8:45PM. **SETUP** You will be seated in small groups of about 5 people. We encourage you to sit with people that you don't yet know. :) **TICKETS** We have 2 ticket options: * Early Bird Tickets - $15 (available up to 7 days before the event) * Standard Tickets - $20 For all tickets, we're happy to provide full refunds for any cancellations received with 48+ hours notice. We will be serving tea, biscuits and soft drinks. **PROGRAM** Through carefully selected quotes and interactive discussions, we will: * Explore the art of deep listening — how to distinguish between the noise of the world and the still, small voice within * **Share stories, laughter and insights:** the hunches we followed, the signs we almost missed, and the unexpected sparks that changed everything * **Create casual and fun art** that captures a moment of personal inspiration — a flash of insight rendered in colour, word or form * Develop practical ways to **cultivate receptivity** in our daily work lives — slowing down enough to hear what the universe might be trying to tell us Come ready to reflect, share and listen — to each other, and perhaps to something a little beyond. **Leave with fresh eyes for the guidance already surrounding you, and the courage to act on it.** **PARKING** 2P parking is available directly adjacent to the venue. [Use this link to navigate there.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wY8cyfrbZxKnireeA) There is also underground parking available directly opposite the venue.

Hey folks, if you're looking for an evening match of 9-a-side, look no further, as we have it happening at Melbourne Uni every Tuesday, from 7:45-9 pm. To join us, download the Stranger Soccer app and use the code WELCOME to book your first game for free. Book your slot now and get involved with us!

Come unwind and connect after work with the R-Ladies+ Melbourne committee and members to celebrate the middle of the year! 🕕 Time: 6pm 📅 When: Tuesday 30th June 2026 📍 Where: Quarterhouse, 693 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008 (right near Southern Cross Station). Great opportunity to meet others that are using R. The idea is build our community and network with like minded coders. Whether you have been to our past events, or want to join for the first time, please come and join us. 🎉 Everyone is welcome! 🎉 \*Please note that food and drinks are not provided at this event and are at the attendee’s expense. It's more of an opportunity to come and socialise with the group and learn more about upcoming events and opportunities. **‼️ Please RSVP** (and update your RSVP if your circumstances change). **‼️**

**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 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**

Jewellers can hire a desk in our workshop to make or finish off their own pieces. This workshop is self run, you need to attend a health and safety induction before working daily unattended. Basic jewellery making tools are provided and some consumables such as flux, borax, tumbling polish, lathe polish and some drill bits. Aprons and safety glasses are provided, tie up loose hair, wear enclosed shoes. Please email claw.creative.studios@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries. Clara Carija, Director CLAW CREATIVE.

Join us for a chill artsy afternoon, bring any art supplies you like 👩‍🎨🎨📝✨ Access to O3Space requires you to have the minimum ( FREE! ) membership that you sign up for when you download their app. Simply download the O3Space app, create a profile and use the QR code at the gate to enter/exit the building. The gate is located inside the tram on the right side of the cafe ☕️🚊 The free membership allows you in the building for up to 3 hours per week, if you go over they might charge you so make sure to use the QR code on your way out!! There is a timer countdown in the app so you know how long you have been there ⏰

New friends - join us for a soul warming catch up enriched with insightful spiritual conversation, good vibes and camaraderie. I will throw in a few intuitive coffee (or other) cup readings and uplifting guidance. It would be fantastic to catch up with you!

Hello everyone 👩‍🎨 Bring any art supplies you like and a picnic blanket or chair. We will just be sat on the grass outside the main yellow building doing art together. If you aren’t sure what to draw the club has a weekly drawing theme, just ask me what the prompt is 😊 There is also a small cafe inside the building for those who want a drink while they draw ☕️ ✏️ We welcome all artists of any skill level or medium, Whether you’re a beginner or pro, traditional or digital, absolutely anyone can join. ⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick. I have multiple chronic illnesses so my immune system is extremely weak. Keep everyone safe by staying home if you are unwell. ☔️ If the weather changes there is a small cafe inside we can move into. —————————————————— Check out our instagram @shypeoplesdrawingclub to see more about our awesome group. We also have a Discord group for online events if you would like to join and chat with more artists. ✨

‘*Mandalas have been used as an aid to contemplation and meditation by various cultures all over the world for over five thousand years. The word ‘mandala’ comes from the Sanskrit word for ‘sacred or magic circle’ and represents symbolic drawing inside a circle.’* Georgina Fode Join Art Therapist and Theosophist Nina Mazurek on the first Thursday of each month for an hour of hands-on mandala work - a Melbourne Theosophical tradition first established by Georgina Fode. Within a safely held and respectful space, each attendee will be guided to create an oil crayon mandala at their own pace, in response to a chosen topic and preceded by a ‘remember who you are’ meditation. Each class will be a nurturing opportunity to explore our inner yearnings for wholeness and containment, that may help to propel self-healing and enable further understanding of the self. Drawing ability is not necessary. People with all levels of drawing skills, including those who think they can not draw at all, will benefit and progress through this work, producing mandalas with deep personal meaning; reflections of their inner journeys’ progress. Accept your mandala with love – as a gift from your unconscious. **Nina Mazurek** is an experienced presenter and workshop facilitator who has been offering beautiful creative healing services at the Melbourne Theosophical Society for over 20 years. 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.art

Your fav event is back!! Join us for a coffee and connections as the most popular events for the group, Caulfield park. Tickets here: [Coffee and connections - Caulfield](https://www.trybooking.com/DNICI) It’s very casual and staying in the theme of non-alcohol events, grab your coffee and come make some connections. Meeting at 1:30pm and go until 3:30pm or so but people tend to hang around Oscar, who’ll be in rainbow, in the middle over by the lake. Balaclava Rd Side. **SEE PINNED MAP!** You’ll see him in rainbow shirt. It’s a mixer in the park, where the host Oscar will mix and move you around so you’re able to chat, mingle and connect with range of different people. This mixing and moving helps break up dynamics and gets people chatting to array of people. Dogs welcomed as well!

Join us for “Real Talk Night” a deeper, more meaningful kind of meetup built around prompt-based conversations. Each session features thoughtful questions designed to spark honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and genuine connection. This is a space to go beyond small talk, share experiences, and be heard in a supportive, respectful environment. You can participate as much or as little as you like — whether you’re opening up or simply listening, you’re welcome here. To help you get the most out of the event, we ask that you download our app before you arrive (or upon arrival). The app will be used throughout the event for prompts, activities, and other interactive content so having it ready will ensure you can fully participate. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/besocial/id6759604739 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appetiser.besocial&hl=en **Event photography and videography may take place at this event. Images and footage captured may be used in future BeSocial promotional materials.** **If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify Nexaro Group Pty Ltd before the event by emailing support@besocialapp.co or let the event hosts know on the day.**

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

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!

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---

Most people use LLMs by feel: ask a question, read the answer, decide whether it “seems good,” and move on. That works for casual use. It does not work when you are building software, automating workflows, writing important documents, or relying on AI for anything that needs to be repeatable. In this talk, we’ll look at how to improve and evaluate the inputs and outputs of LLMs using practical measurement techniques. We’ll cover how prompt changes affect results, how to compare outputs, how to build simple evaluation sets, and how math-based methods like similarity scoring can help you move beyond guesswork. This will be beginner-friendly, so even if you don't know anything about AI, you should get something out of it. However, this will be a little more technical than our intro talks. You do not need to be an AI researcher, but programmers and technically curious attendees will get a lot out of it. We’ll cover: * Why “it looks good” is not enough * How to improve prompts by changing the input, context, and constraints * How to compare LLM outputs more systematically * Basic evaluation techniques for accuracy, consistency, and usefulness * How embeddings, cosine similarity, and scoring can help evaluate results * Where automated evaluation works — and where humans still need to stay in the loop By the end, you’ll have a practical mental model for treating LLMs less like magic and more like systems you can test, measure, and improve. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

Monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners. One specific topic, one to three actions you can run this week. You can be the best at what you do and still be invisible. If local buyers cannot find you, the phone does not ring. Marketing Monday Lunch + Learn is a monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners focused on building relationships, local networking, and local marketing. Every kind of local business welcome. No pitch round, no pressure, no upsell. **This month** Most local businesses pick one or two places to be visible and call it good. The result is inconsistent calls and a feeling that marketing is not working. We will walk through the three places every local business needs to show up, plus the fourth place most owners ignore that quietly produces the warmest leads. **What to expect** Doors open at noon. Order lunch and drinks at the cafe counter or bring your own. You get real conversation with other local owners and a focused marketing lesson. You leave knowing people and with one to three actions to run that week. The room is reserved through 1:30 PM. **Who this is for** Any local business owner who wants clearer marketing direction and real local relationships. Service businesses, retail, home services, professional services, online owners building local presence, anyone serious about being part of the Columbus business community. **Not the right fit if** You are here to pitch the room or recruit for an MLM. **Details** * Second Monday of every month * 12:00 to 1:30 PM * Good Cafe Easton, 4400 Easton Commons, Ste 150, Columbus, OH 43219 * Order lunch and drinks at the counter when you arrive * Free to attend, RSVP required, space is limited **About the host** Rita Suzanne is a local marketing strategist and the founder of Local Marketing Method. She runs Visibility is Profitability, the membership where local business owners build the system that keeps their phone ringing. Learn more at learnlocalmarketing.com. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.