Sketchnotes

Join me for a chill sketch session at Kere Kere Gardens. We’ll be meeting beside Cook’s Cottage at **11:00 am** before finding a suitable place to sit on the lawn. What to bring: \- Art materials\. \- Weather appropriate gear\. \- A picnic rug/towel to sit on\. See you then :)

An opportunity to meet and walk in the Botanic Gardens before sharing a picnic. This is an event for those who loves plants and trees, literature, art, environmental history - the organisers are Michael, a landscape architect and heritage consultant with a vast knowledge of local plants and trees, and Lana, a visual artist and musician. We welcome neurodiverse minds, introverts, newcomers, plant lovers, those who care for insects and animals and growing things, who want to re-connect with the natural world as well as make likeminded friends and build a sense of community. We will meet at the Observatory Café, get coffee if we want to, walk in the Gardens and talk about the plants and trees, and then share a picnic. Don’t stress if you can’t bring anything for the picnic, as we will supply food.

Weather looks reasonable on Sunday. Participants are invited to join us for a walk and talk about science, philosophy, AI and emerging technology. **Schedule** * **10.30** am – Meet outside the entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre (near the Observatory House, and a walk away from the Shrine of Remembrance) * **11.00** am – Venture into the gardens and walk the outer path anticlockwise, spiralling inwards towards the lake * \~1.00 pm – (optional) Lunch by the lake, (BYO or there are Terrace Café options) **Getting there:** If coming by **tram**, get off at Stop 19 - Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd **Parking** is free on Anderson St far side of the Botanic Gardens ([near eastern gate B and Tecoma gate C](https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/interactive-map/)) subject to time limits in some stretches (mostly 3 hrs) - which is the only free parking area near the gardens that I can find. Check signage on the day. See this [PDF for more detail](https://athsvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Tan-Parking-Map.pdf). **Possible discussion topics** * Latest AI models - Anthropic's Mythos and Fable blocked after US bans foreign use * AI Pause / Stop - will it work? (Regulatory catch-up, xrisk, global-coordination & geopolitical arms races, enforcement & logistics, existing capability overhang) * Technical AI safety - Mechanistic interpretability, linear probes, RLHF, behavioural evals * General AI alignment approaches: control vs motivation: \- control \(External Constraints\) focuses on building walls *around* the AI to restrict what it can do, trip wires etc. \- motivation \(Internal Alignment\) focuses on changing the AI’s inner desires so it *wants* to be ethical/help humans/act in accordance with the well-being of all sentience * AI ethics: how is it related to AI safety? What should be the target for AI alignment? Should the target be aggregate human preferences, religious doctrine, moral naturalism or something else? * Metaethics and ethics * Moral realism: a stance-independent moral ontology, useful for capturing non-arbitrary moral choice * Moral anti-realism: error theory, non-cognitivism, moral relativism etc * Can AI be fault-tolerantly aligned to moral realism or anti-realism? * Is sentience required for moral reasoning or moral deliberation? Can it be a hindrance? * Moral progress and indirect normativity * AI safety, automated persuasion, the orthogonality thesis * How epistemics (including science) makes progress * Health, wellness, and how to live a good life * Latest trends in AI: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude * Economic impacts of AGI, automation, and unbounded inequality * UBI and universal wealth redistribution * The likelihood of future doom or utopia * Human augmentation and hacking human potential * Plato's cave * Fun theory and value theory "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking." - Nietzsche, *Twilight of the Idols* Philosophy discussions can feel quite sedentary - hence our experiment in cross-pollinating exercise with engaging discussion. Exerting mind and body together may produce a fascinating dynamic. A sedentary lifestyle (and, by association, philosophy) has been linked to depression, anxiety and chronic stress. Ease the anxieties of the armchair philosopher engaging in mental gymnastics with minimal muscle movement - join our raggle-taggle crew of aspiring philosophers walking the talk. Healthy body, healthy mind. Bring elemental protection (umbrellas, sunscreen, etc).

A painting that brings a person to tears. A banana worth 6.4 million dollars. A photograph ending a war. What is behind these phenomena? Please join us this Sunday to discuss the Philosophy of Art, where it comes from, what makes it powerful and why it is a universal across time and cultures. 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. We will explore the topic through a range of questions, including: **What is Art?** * What comes to mind when we use the word ‘Art’? What are the categories of objects or activities that you would consider to be art? * Which of these are art?: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_1nl2_GKbGzzSbXsRRsnAZlkmNVqWPjm **Emotion** * Is art a luxury or necessity in life? Is it essential to happiness? * Why is art so effective at making us feel powerful emotions, even when we know it doesn’t represent reality? Are these ‘true’ emotions, or somehow different / simulated? * Why do we sometimes seek our art that makes us feel sad? **Objectivity** * Is there such a thing as objectively bad art? * Are there intrinsic properties that make something aesthetic (beautiful)? Are they universal? * Are there objective standards of ‘taste’? Can one person be said to have better taste than another? If so, on what basis or criteria? **Value** * What gives art its value? Why do we consider replicas differently? Is naturally occurring beauty different to art? * What compels humans towards art? Is there an evolutionary / biological explanation for the seemingly wasteful expenditure of resources on outputs that have no practical function? **Creativity** * Are only humans able to appreciate art? * Are only humans creative? * Is there such a thing as something truly new, or is every idea or expression a recombination of existing inputs into a different configuration of outputs? * Can a machine be creative? If not, what is the constraint? * Could we ever regard AI-creativity in the same way as that of a human? Hope to see you there!

A painting that brings a person to tears. A banana worth 6.4 million dollars. A photograph ending a war. What is behind these phenomena? Please join us this Sunday to discuss the Philosophy of Art, where it comes from, what makes it powerful and why it is a universal across time and cultures. 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. We will explore the topic through a range of questions, including: **What is Art?** * What comes to mind when we use the word ‘Art’? What are the categories of objects or activities that you would consider to be art? * Which of these are art?: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_1nl2_GKbGzzSbXsRRsnAZlkmNVqWPjm **Emotion** * Is art a luxury or necessity in life? Is it essential to happiness? * Why is art so effective at making us feel powerful emotions, even when we know it doesn’t represent reality? Are these ‘true’ emotions, or somehow different / simulated? * Why do we sometimes seek our art that makes us feel sad? **Objectivity** * Is there such a thing as objectively bad art? * Are there intrinsic properties that make something aesthetic (beautiful)? Are they universal? * Are there objective standards of ‘taste’? Can one person be said to have better taste than another? If so, on what basis or criteria? **Value** * What gives art its value? Why do we consider replicas differently? Is naturally occurring beauty different to art? * What compels humans towards art? Is there an evolutionary / biological explanation for the seemingly wasteful expenditure of resources on outputs that have no practical function? **Creativity** * Are only humans able to appreciate art? * Are only humans creative? * Is there such a thing as something truly new, or is every idea or expression a recombination of existing inputs into a different configuration of outputs? * Can a machine be creative? If not, what is the constraint? * Could we ever regard AI-creativity in the same way as that of a human? Hope to see you there!

**Join us for a small group Writing Workshop led by a published author, where you can unleash your creativity and improve your writing skills.** NOTE: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT Cost: $30, strictly limited to 20 seats Your ticket includes $20 food & drinks credit $10 goes to the venue the help cover costs. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SEAT](https://MelbourneWriters.eventbrite.com.au) Bring your favourite pen and some paper, or a laptop if you prefer. This session is an exercise-based working session designed to improve your writing and give you (optional) feedback from your peers. RULES: This is a ticketed event due to limited seating capacity. $20 of your ticket price is offset against any bar drinks and food ordered through the venue on the day. No self-promotion allowed. GETTING THERE: We recommend you use Public transport or Rideshare. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. #writers #writing #screenwriting #scriptwriting #shortstories #novels #creativewriting #critiquegroup #fiction #nonfiction #readings #authors #melbournewriters #melbournewriter #melbournetodo

Come and join us for our seventh Melbourne Craft Circle event :) If you have any accessibility needs or questions about the group feel free to message me. Otherwise just click attending and show up with your craft or art. Hope to see you there! 🧶

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 'Mad Mabel' by Sally Hepworth The blurb: "In 1959, at just fifteen years of age, Mabel Waller became the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of murder. In 2025, on a quiet Melbourne lane, an elderly man is found dead by his neighbour, 81-year-old Elsie Fitzpatrick. No one suspects any foul play. Until they discover Elsie's past. In the 1950s, her name was not Elsie. It was Mabel. She is known around the world as Mad Mabel. But is she mad? More importantly, is she guilty? When the police open a new investigation and the media descend upon her, the elderly Mabel decides it's time to set the record straight. In a world first, at the age of 81, Mabel Waller is speaking. New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth is at her finest in this twisty, compulsive thriller of friendship, family and murder. Or is it justice . . . ?" Goodreads rating: 4.40 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).

What happens when two strangers sit down and ask each other the right questions? Most people come for the experience. Some leave with something unexpected. Join us for a relaxed, thoughtfully designed evening for **singles** who want to meet new people beyond the usual small talk. . **✨ What to expect:** * A welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere * Light mingling and easy icebreakers * A guided experience based on the famous “36 Questions” * Time to settle into one meaningful conversation Unlike traditional speed dating, this isn’t about quick rotations. It’s about giving a conversation the space to unfold naturally. You’re free to choose your own partner (or join a small group), or opt for a curated match if you’d prefer a more intentional starting point. . **🕯 Winter Solstice Edition** Taking place on the shortest day of the year — a perfect moment to slow down and connect. . 📍 Melbourne 🕒 3:30pm – 5:30pm 📅 Sunday 21 June 2026 🎟 Tickets are limited and released in stages — early booking recommended. 👉 Book here: [https://events.humanitix.com/36-qs-experiment](https://events.humanitix.com/36-qs-experiment) . Not sure if it’s for you? Message us on WhatsApp: 0406 259 041

**What if psychical abilities (psi) can be cultivated in earlier life?** What are the implications for modern society and our perception of the world? A new theory based on entropy and perception may hold the answers... After 70+ years of controlled studies into psychical phenomena, scholars still lack a cohesive theory of what makes them possible.... **In this presentation, Dr Alex De Foe** draws on his 15+ years of research to model psi as an emergent lifespan experience - understanding it in relation to neural development and entropy, experiences often reported by children. Drawing upon the "free energy model" in perception and social neuroscience, Alex will make the case for cultivation of psi in pivotal states of consciousness. Part 2 will focus on experiential analysis to support the argument, including case studies and a short practice task called 'Image Streaming' that engages aspects of the mind at the periphery of experience. **Image Streaming** is a technique that bridges the divide between the conscious, unconscious, and super-conscious mind, related to Michael Thalbourne's concept of 'transliminality', in which material flows between these dimensions of mind seamlessly. **Case studies will be presented from:** * Research into out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and lucid dreams * A new theory on archetypes and the collective unconscious * Speculative accounts at the bridge between spiritual emergence and spiritual 'emergency' **About Dr. Alexander De Foe (PhD, M Couns):** * Academic at Monash University (2021-2026). * Runs a research program on mindfulness/consciousness * At RMIT University (2016-2021), he managed a virtual reality lab focusing on embodied cognition and social neuroscience. * Published over 30 peer-reviewed studies/papers on consciousness, perception, and general psychology. * Chair of the Australian Centre for Consciousness Studies * Committee Member of the Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research * Associate Editor at the Anthropology of Consciousness Journal. **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** NOTE: TRYING OUT NEW LUNCH VENUE... Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at **Gopal's Restaurant** (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

**We're bringing you a new series in 2026: *Depth, Discovery and Discussion*.** Girls Who Boss Melbourne is creating a space for real talk, shared wisdom and genuine connection — and you’re invited. This new series is all about coming together as a community to explore meaningful topics in a way that feels safe, intentional and refreshingly honest. This month's theme? **Artificial intelligence** \- it's on our mind\, and in the copies of the Harvard Business Review we read\, and it's time we talked about it\. The uses for it\, the fears around it\, the ethics and all\. This isn’t a speech, seminar or expert-led workshop. It’s a guided conversation shaped by all of us. Girls Who Boss will bring a set of thoughtful prompts and questions to spark dialogue, but the insight will come from the stories, perspectives and lived experiences we each bring to the table. Expect a day of: ✨ Deep chats without the pressure ✨ Discovery through shared perspectives ✨ Discussion that feels grounding, supportive and fun ✨ Connecting with women who want to grow, reflect and boss up together Whether you come with something on your mind or simply want to listen and connect, this is a space for curiosity, vulnerability and community-led learning. Come join the conversation — we can’t wait to dive deeper with you.

🥒🎾 **Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!** 🥒🎾 **📢 [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/)** **📢 [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)** **🏓 Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics 🎾** Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people! **👥 Who is it for?** * Members of public and RMIT students * Complete beginners * Intermediate players * Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected) **✅ How to join?** 1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment) 2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session 3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session: **\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before) \- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\) 4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going” **⏳ Priority on waitlist** 1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo 2. RMIT students 3. Regular attendees **📆 On the day** * New players, please **introduce yourself to the host** * New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host * Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day **🔄 Cancellations and Refunds** * No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows * Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability) * Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation * Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome! **👉 Spots are limited, so RSVP early! 👈**

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.

**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 ❤️---

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!

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!

**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** 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 - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. 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** The RSVP count for this event 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. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**