Sketchnotes

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.

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) The Wharf Hotel by the river. Southern Cross Station is closest. Ask at the bar to find us. Or call us 0403193785. Tonight's Social Evening Schedule: (Ideas welcome) 6pm to 6.45pm: Socializing​​ 6.45pm to 6.55pm: Introduction and overview of the evening by Jim including go-around introduction​​ 6.55pm to 7pm: A word from Mat our founder​​ 7pm to 7.10pm A paired connection question to get people talking with one another​​ 7.10pm to 7.30pm: Guest Topic: Lee is a very successful podcaster. In May he spoke about podcasting and pitching to podcaster hosts. This month he will share his wisdom on being an interviewee on a podcast and the skills involved for writers wanting to promote their work in this way. 10 mins talk 10 mins Q&A. 7.30pm to 8.15pm: Readings section open to all to read out something from their work up to 4 minutes. Feedback optional.​​ 8.15pm to 9.30pm: Socializing. Optional. Many of us love this as a chance to connect personally in a screen-addicted culture. • Come out and meet some like-minded folks who enjoy writing and other entertainment and creative outlets. We'll hang around until at least 8.30pm, but often later. All age ranges, all writing types (and entertainment types), all the way from never writing and up to published authors. • This night is about you. So chat to people, read out your work, give feed back, get to know everyone... Or, feel free to sit back and chill. It's your night, enjoy it how you see fit. **Please only RSVP if you can make it.** **We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming.** **We have added an attendee limit, so please update your RSVP if you can not make it.** Thank you, Melbourne Writers. The Wharf Hotel food menu: https://www.wharfhotel.com.au/eat-and-drink Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by getting in contact so you can add to these social pages and site - matclarke.author@gmail.com**

The MLAI Meetup is a community for AI researchers and professionals which hosts monthly talks on exciting research. Our format is: * 6:00 - 6:20: Socializing * 6:20 - 6:40: Announcements and AI news * 6:40 - 7:40: Talk(s) and Q&A * 7:40 - 8:00 Networking * 8:00: Head to the nearest pub for dinner **Elena Tartaglia: "Do initial attack models work for triage?"** **Talk description:** Initial attack refers to the first set of firefighting actions undertaken at a newly reported fire, with the aim to control the fire’s spread. When multiple fires are reported and resources constrained, decisions need to be made about triaging fires for an escalated response. We developed empirical initial attack models for grass and forest fires for the specific purpose of triaging fires. Using a recently developed dataset of spreading fires, we tested three statistical modelling techniques to estimate the probability of unsuccessful initial attack. We assessed the models' performance and how practical it would be to use them in an operational setting using statistical techniques and case studies. In this talk, we will discuss how the models have limited skill overall and are unable to distinguish fires where bottlenecks affect the initial attack suppression. We will highlight the importance of taking an application specific approach to developing and validating initial attack models. A preprint of this work can be found on [bioRxiv](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.668020v2). **Speaker bio:** Dr Elena Tartaglia is a Principal Data Scientist at the Victorian government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, where she has worked for the past three years in Bushfire and Forest Services (BFS). BFS works to keep Victorians and the things they care about safe from bushfires, through land management actions and by responding to bushfires on public land. Elena and her team use statistics and machine learning to support data-driven decision-making in BFS. Elena is also the current President of the Victorian and Tasmanian Branch of the Statistical Society of Australia. **Ping Siriamnat: "Impact of fire suppressant drops on fire severity"** **Talk description:** One of the common suppression methods of bushfires is aerial drops, but there is limited research on its effectiveness. Aerial drops refer to aircraft flying over a fire and droping water or fire suppressant to slow or stop the spread of the fire. Through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, aircraft attending to bushfires in Australia are tracked, so we have data on when and where drops were done, along with what type of suppressant was used and how much. In this project, we investigated the impact of drops on fire severity by measuring the association between drops and fire severity level, as calculated by the Arthur Rylah Institute, accounting for the influence of terrain steepness and land cover characteristics. **Speaker bio:** Ping Siriamnat is a Master of Business Analytics graduate (Monash University) and previously interned at DEECA in the DAIS Data Science team. Across his projects, he applies statistical methods and machine learning models, alongside his business acumen, to transform data into actionable insights. He has a strong interest in market analytics, business strategy, and applying data science to uncover opportunities and improve the performance of strategic decisions.

**Welcome to our Linguas 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**. *** ### 💬 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**

Conversations around the table with the school of life cards. A great conversation usually starts with a great question. The School of Life cards contain questions designed to get a group of people into entertaining and meaningful conversations. Having seen them used well elsewhere, we thought we'd give them a try. This is a casual and fun social event where we share our thoughts and experiences with a group. We may cover topics like: Travel, Family & Friendship, Culture & Taste, Personality & Emotions, Work & Money, depending on the questions that end up being asked on the day. Please arrive hungry/thirsty for us to have a good relationship with the venue that allows us to host this event. Tuesday June 16 Arrive 6/6:15 for a 6:30 start, finishing formally around 7:45pm. Find us at the tables in the back area of the venue: Captain Melville 34 Franklin St, Melbourne, VIC (about 5 min walk from Melbourne Central station, even closer from State Library station)

Just a quick bit of admin. Once we complete this Booker we will have covered every winner from 1978-2023. I purposely wanted to cover that range to then expand the list to International Bookers (so we're not stuck doing some 70s books that didn't stand the test of time). This book is challenging, but this is the reward! Ben Okri was the first black and youngest writer to win the Booker. When he was first published his father gathered the elders of his town so they could buy a pen and he could continue writing. This book is an allegory for the transformation of Nigeria from a British colony to an independent nation. Written as magic realism inspired by *One Hundred Years of Solitude,* the novel follows a spirit child of native myths who is repeatably reborn taking multiple journeys through different realities creating a wise and terrifying character. The time scale is simultaneously a present-day ghetto and a primitive village. So the challenging part? The Guardian describes it as a 574 page dream sequence that is really a nightmare where "hardly anything of note occurs" and "pretty much everything you need to know is expressed in the first paragraph." I hope people are up for the challenge and that this is indeed a "Marmite" book where you either love it or hate it. Since starting this book club a few years ago we have formed a nice core membership. If you haven't come yet, please look out for the books on the table, pull up a chair, order a wine and join us. We like to hear what everyone has to say and enjoy the conversation, we're not cliquey at all! Oh, and to defray the Meetup monthly bill I will accept gold coin contributions or wine if you want to pay for multiple in one hit. I hope to see everyone again at this one with some new faces.

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.

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 ⏰

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. ✨

**F IS FOR FITZROY** (Some context if you're new. At the start of 2026, I floated the idea of using A-Z as inspiration for our monthly activities, and members have been enthusiastic and supportive.) **ITINERARY** 11am - Meet outside Blackcat Fitzroy (252 Brunswick St). Say hi, grab your caffeine fix. 11.15am - 12.30pm - Meander along Brunswick St. This is the unhurried part: we will stop in on bookstores, an art gallery, an artists' market, take photos of interesting street art (there are quite a few side streets notable for street art). **Stops (in no particular order):** The Brunswick Street Bookstore (305 Brunswick St) Through the Looking Glass (341 Fitzroy St) Brunswick Street Gallery (Level 1 and 2/322 Fitzroy St) Rose Street Artists' Market (60 Rose St) If your social battery is still holding up, we'll have lunch nearby. Otherwise, feel free to say you've had enough for the day. Always listen to your body! **Lunch Suggestions:** Tora Dumplings [Our Menu - Tora Dumplings](https://toradumplings.com/menu/) Naked for Satan (very popular and has a great rooftop space with views of Fitzroy and surrounds - if we can get a table!). [Naked For Satan - Naked Upstairs](https://nakedforsatan.com.au/upstairs) Mario's [Menu | Marios Cafe](https://marioscafe.com.au/menu/) P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 for this event. Feel free to bring cash on the day or PayID to 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). Food and drinks are at your own expense.

Charles Burnett’s lyrical debut feature unfolds as a mosaic of Black life in the Watts neighbourhood of Los Angeles, where Stan, a father worn down by his job in a slaughterhouse, and his wife seek moments of tenderness in the face of myriad disappointments. Frustrated by money problems, Stan finds respite in moments of simple beauty: the warmth of a coffee cup against his cheek, slow dancing with his wife in the living room, holding his daughter. The film offers no solutions — it merely presents life, sometimes hauntingly bleak, sometimes filled with transcendent joy and gentle humour. Made on a shoestring while Burnett was still a student at UCLA, and inspired by the Italian Neorealist films he encountered in class, the film defied expectations by documenting everyday lives within a Black community that Hollywood had largely ignored. Largely unseen for decades, it is now recognised as a touchstone of the groundbreaking LA Rebellion movement — a masterpiece that brought Black American lives to the screen with an aching intimacy like no film before it. This is a discussion session, not a screening — please watch the film before attending. Come ready to talk about Burnett’s observational style, the film’s relationship to neorealism, and what it means to find beauty inside exhaustion.

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!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

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!