Venture Capital

Meetup Event organizers wanted. If you have something to help people in this group that you want to invite them to step up as event organizer. Contact me via meetup and let me know what you have in mind organizing how often and where.

# **Hck4G Meetup #0x15** ## **"Stop Spying On Me!" – Disrupting Adversarial DNS Queries** Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/hck4g-meetup-0x15-stop-spying-on-me-disrupting-adversarial-dns-queries ### **Event Overview** Hck4G returns with Meetup #0x15, continuing our mission to build practical, community-driven cybersecurity capability that provide legitimate pathway into cybersecurity for young people. This session explores the hidden risks behind everyday internet usage; specifically, how online advertising and tracking ecosystems have evolved into security and privacy threats, and what defenders can do about it. ### **Talk Overview** Online advertising is no longer just an annoyance — it has become a significant attack surface for both individuals and organisations. Ads and trackers consume large amounts of data, profile users, and are increasingly leveraged for malware delivery and cybercrime activity. This session follows the journey of building a whole-of-home advert and threat blocking system using a DNS blackhole, highlighting both the effectiveness of DNS filtering and the ongoing challenges defenders face. What starts as a simple setup quickly becomes an arms race, as modern devices and operating systems bypass traditional controls using: * **Hard-coded DNS resolvers** * **DNS over TLS (DoT)** * **DNS over HTTPS (DoH)** Attendees will gain practical insight into how DNS filtering works, why it remains relevant, and how encryption is reshaping both privacy and network security. ### **Speaker** **Dr Joel Panther** Joel is a cybersecurity researcher, offensive security specialist, and educator with over 15 years of experience across system administration, penetration testing, and security consulting. In his consulting work, Joel specialises in offensive security practices, including vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and security training. His approach bridges technical execution and strategic insight, combining hands-on exploitation techniques with a broader understanding of organisational risk. Joel is an active contributor to the cybersecurity community as a speaker, mentor, and educator. He regularly presents on topics spanning security, privacy, and ethics. His work often explores the intersection of cybersecurity and societal impact, with a particular focus on emerging threats in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybercrime. His PhD produced a framework for designing dynamically generated penetration testing laboratories, and his current research focuses on offensive security skills development. Joel is deeply committed to education and workforce development, supporting initiatives that strengthen pathways into the cybersecurity profession. He has led the design and delivery of CyberCX’s security testing training program, which provides early-career professionals with a structured blend of formal training and practical, real-world experience. When he’s not in the basement hacking, he can be found at cybersecurity community events across Australia. Known as one of the top offensive security education voices in Australia. *** ### **Who Should Attend** * Cybersecurity practitioners (offensive and defensive) * Network and system administrators * Privacy-conscious technologists * Students and early-career professionals * Anyone interested in practical, real-world cyber defence *** ### **Event Details** * Date: 20th April 2026 * Time: 5:30pm - 8pm * Venue: RMIT University – Building 80, Melbourne * Online: Livestream available * Cost: Free (registration required) *** ### **Event Schedule** * 5:30 – 5:40 PM: Welcome, Intro & Networking * 5:40 – 6:00 PM: Networking & Cyber pizzas 🍕 * 6:00 – 6:45 PM: Presentation * 6:45 – 8:00 PM: Discussions and Q&A ### **Thanks to Our Sponsors** RMIT University – World-class certificates, degrees, Masters and Postgraduate programs BridgeLynk.io – Attack-informed cybersecurity services for NFP, SMB and Enterprise CyLynk.com – Job-ready cybersecurity training led by expert coaches *** ### **What to Expect** * Practical, real-world cybersecurity insights * Community-driven learning and discussion * Networking with peers across experience levels * Food and refreshments (in-person attendees) *** ### **About Hck4G** Hck4G is a not-for-profit organisation focused on disrupting the human impact of cybercrime through awareness, education, and community capability building. Diversion - Victim Support - Community Education.

**Skeptics Cafe.** Vic Skeptics Pub Night - Third Monday of every month. Skeptics Café will be held in the Function Room at [The Stolberg Hotel](https://stolberg.com.au/), 197 Plenty Road, Preston. Each month, Victorian Skeptics hosts a social night in the pub. We get together for dinner, drinks and good conversation with like-minded individuals. We have a different speaker each month. Speaker and topic to be announced. **Start Time:** 6:00pm for dinner and a chat. 7:30pm for beginning of the talk. **[Vic Skeptics](https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events/)** \- \- **[Australian Skeptics](https://www.skeptics.com.au/)**

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy. 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is specifically for games only (no training). There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing for 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points, with a cap at 18 points. These games are intended to be played at a high-intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level. Please see an explanation of skill levels on our website here: https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for Intermediate players. Players should be able to: * Have strong fundamentals for all volleyball techniques * Serve receive a majority of serves well & serve over the net consistently * Basic understanding of 5-1, and 6-2 systems (we do not play a pass middle 4-2 system in this session) * Have an understanding of base defense * Know all/most volleyball rules Players that are not of the intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level will be asked to leave as we want to ensure that all players have an enjoyable time playing. **[[HOW MUCH $$]]** $14 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked from 7 PM-9 PM weekly, every Monday. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. Last minute dropouts and no shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advanced if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted into the gymnasium.

Please note that **this event is not open for photographers** (no option to bring Camera/GoPro or tripod). I will be taking photos of people with the Milkyway. Cameras and tripods aren’t allowed due to past accidents that led to damaged cameras/lenses and injuries in the dark. We have done over 200 Milkyway events. Please read the group rules before signing up. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your ticket on Trybooking ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular): [https://www.trybooking.com/DLMZV](https://www.trybooking.com/DLMZV) We will scan Trybooking tickets at the meeting point. Please note that Trybooking tickets will only be refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. Trybooking Tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to also transfer the ticket to a new date. 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. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 6:10 PM and head to one of the **premium locations** (100km away from Melbourne). Driving to the destination is not an option for any of our stargazing events. We should be back in the CBD around 11:30 PM. **Meeting Point Photo**: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2) Please carry a warm jacket as the temperature is expected to be around 12-13°C. Please carry takeaway dinner as there are no food options at the destination. **Cost:** Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular Public Transport: Free for the month of April Taxi/Uber: $50 (In an unlikely event where Vline services are cancelled ) Photos: All the images will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) and meetup. I take one solo photo for everyone with the Milkyway. These events are not aimed at photographers. Location: For the safety of people attending the event and flexibility to change location at the last minute based on the weather forecast, we will only share the location details with people at the meeting point. For the safety of people attending future events, please do not share the Milkyway location with anyone. Also, please do not tag the location when sharing photos on Social Media. The Milky Way Galaxy is one of the most interesting naked eye sights in the night sky. We live under light-polluted skies, and to see a glimpse of the Milkyway, we need to travel outside the city. We run Milkyway events near Melbourne (40-50km away) and events in premium locations (over 80-100km from Melbourne CBD). We will mention premium events on the title of the event. Many Solo and some group photos from previous events: [https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3](https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3) 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 seven 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. 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/)

We meet at the Essendon Bowls club, 50 Raleigh St, Essendon VIC 3040. Toastmasters is an opportunity to refine the various aspects of public speaking and a very encouraging environment to experience growth.

Please reserve your spot at bit.ly/bnitickets - do not RSVP here on MeetUp. Please mention Jerry invited you. BNI Momentum are a motivated group of business owners and business professionals who meet weekly to refer business to each other. (ordinarily we meet in Brighton, Bayside Melbourne). And now more than ever you can't afford to be losing connections you would have normally made face to face. BNI has embraced online networking, so come and join us! BNI is business as usual, but currently we are meeting online, and already our meetings still have the same amazing buzz with loads of Referrals, business and 1:1 meetings go ahead every week. Please arrive online by 10.15am (but from 10am) so you have plenty of time network and before our meeting officially starts at 10.30am. You will be emailed the weekly online link from the BNI Momentum Visitor Host team. So look out for an email from bnimomentumvisitorhosts@gmail.com - or please email that address if you have not received something by the Monday night before your chosen event date. Come along and network with people who want to refer you business. Learn the system, get some business education, hear from our weekly speakers. If you want to grow your business through referrals in a system guaranteed to work, then come along and see why BNI is the World's most successful networking organisation.

**Most networking events are easy to attend - and easy to ignore.** **This is a working session for founders who are serious about moving something forward.** **What this is:** This is a small, in-person founder roundtable. One or two real business situations are presented and worked through live. Not hypotheticals. Not theory. Actual constraints. **What we work through:** * What is actually trying to be achieved * What is getting in the way * What may be misdiagnosed * What the real constraint is * What should happen in the next 7 days **Then: Structured Founder Conversations** You won’t be left to casual networking. You’ll take part in short, focused discussions where: * you apply the same thinking to your own situation * you speak with multiple founders * you leave with one clear next step **WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT** Most events optimise for: * attendance * volume * energy This one optimises for: **clarity, constraint, and follow-through** **WHO THIS IS FOR** * founders * business owners * consultants * operators * people actively building something **WHO THIS IS NOT FOR** * casual networking * passive attendance * startup pitching * people “just exploring ideas” **IMPORTANT — THIS IS NOT A STANDARD RSVP** To keep the room focused and intentional: 👉 You must register via a private page 👉 Spaces are limited **Register here:** https://meetups.aqmeets.com/ **VENUE SECTION** 📍 Melbourne (CBD location — confirmed after registration) This is a small, in-person session. Details are shared after registration to maintain a focused group. **FINAL NOTE:** If you’re tired of thinking about what to do next - and want to actually decide and move - this will feel different.

Break up the week with a relaxed morning exploring the Museum of Australian Photography. There’s no rigid itinerary here, we’ll wander through the galleries, and if time permits, we can grab a coffee afterward, but we'll just see where the morning goes. Come for 15 mins or however long you can spare!

Join us this month for a panel with PMs who have experience shipping and working daily with Ai. Bring your stories and questions as there will be plenty of time for Q&A. **Our Panel** * [Daragh Kan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daraghkan/) \- Head of Product at Cuttable * [Dave Slutzkin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveslutzkin/)\- Co\-founder and CEO at Cadence * [Melissa Cupples](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcupples/) \- Head of Product \(AI & Automation\) Doors 6pm Start 630pm Thanks to our fabulous hosts for our location **InvestorHub.** [InvestorHub](https://www.linkedin.com/company/invhub/) is a Melbourne-based scale-up with the mission to make being listed a superpower. Our software allows listed companies in Australia and the UK to manage their end-to-end investor relationships, from their investor-facing website, a detailed investor CRM, analytics, and more. We're [hiring](https://investorhub.pinpointhq.com/) for Product Managers, Product Designers, Engineers and more right now! If you're interested in co-sponsorship please let us know. Some beverages will be provided but right now it's BYO food.

**🍻 The Entrepreneur Club – Last Friday of the Month Drinks** **Not your average knock-off drinks.** Join us for a monthly gathering of entrepreneurs, builders, creatives, and self-starters who believe business is more than just work, it’s a personal growth journey. Whether you're scaling something or just starting out, this is a space to meet others who think like you do. **💬 What to Expect** ✅ Real convos with people building something ✅ A place to bounce ideas, swap challenges, and share wins ✅ Opportunities to give value and get it in return ✅ Chill vibes, no pitches, just smart people in good company You don’t need a title or a polished pitch, just curiosity and the willingness to connect. **🗓 Format** **6:30pm** – Arrive, grab a drink, join a convo **8:30pm** – We wrap, or roll on elsewhere 📍 **The Oxford Scholar** We take over a corner of the bar (Back Bar or Atrium), look for the crew with ideas in one hand and a drink in the other. **🎯 This is for you if** * You want more entrepreneurial people in your life * You’re building something, or want to be * You care about growth, not just small talk Bring a question. Bring a challenge. Bring your curiosity. Last Friday of every month. Let’s make it count.

[iHarvest Coworking Sunshine](https://iharvestcoworking.com.au/) is holding a free open day this Friday so local start-ups, entrepreneurs and small business operators can experience what co-working in our professional and contemporary office suite is all about. Come see for yourself! **Date:** Friday 24 April 2026 **Time:** 9:00am - 5:00pm **Where:** [iHarvest Coworking - L4/301 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020](https://share.google/k7JuK4BTXM6igsfPk) Light refreshments provided.

## Escape the Office: Your Remote Career Takes Off Here Imagine the possibilities: Ditch the daily commute, design your ideal lifestyle, and work from anywhere. This Remote Ready Bootcamp delivers the skills and community you need to thrive as a location-independent pro. In just two weeks, learn to build a flexible, fulfilling remote career that lets you earn on your own terms, anywhere in the world. ### Ready to begin? [Secure Your Spot! 🚀](https://remoteready.io/product/RemoteReadyBootcamp?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) --- **Is This For You?** This bootcamp is ideal if any of these describe you: * Yearning for remote work and ready to commit * Tired of being tied to a desk * Seeking ways to diversify your income streams * Craving location freedom in your professional life **What to Expect** Picture yourself in a vibrant cafe in Bali, effortlessly managing your work, then exploring ancient temples. Location-independent professionals make this their reality daily. This bootcamp empowers *you* to do the same. Over fourteen immersive days, you'll learn how to create multiple streams of income online and master the art of staying productive, no matter where you log in from. Our expert instructors have built successful remote careers across numerous countries. You're not just learning skills; you're joining a global movement. **Outcomes You Can Anticipate** * Developing diverse income opportunities to fund your lifestyle * Understanding crucial frameworks of successful location-free work * Gaining exclusive access to a network of remote-first entrepreneurs **Kickstart Your New Life** From the moment your enrol, you receive resources and support that prepare you for a remote-first trajectory. Don't wait! This course is high in demand, and seats dissapear quickly. [REGISTER NOW 🚀](https://remoteready.io/product/RemoteReadyBootcamp?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) **Important Next Step:** Completing the registration form is essential to formally confirm your placement.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

## Ready to Create an AI-Powered Influencer? They're partnering with big names, generating real income, and reshaping social media. Ready to get in on the virtual influencer wave? We're walking you through how to build your own. ### Get Your Spot Locked In! Reserving a spot here doesn't complete your registration. Jump over to the link below to ensure you are officially registered. ### [👉 GRAB YOUR MASTERCLASS TICKET 🎟️](https://remoteready.io/product/AiInfluencer?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) --- So, what exactly will you uncover in this masterclass? We'll be guiding you through the exact strategies top AI influencer creators employ daily. Expect to learn how to create a virtual persona that resonates, churn out killer content effortlessly, cultivate a loyal fan base, and, most importantly, turn those followers into sustainable income. Is this right for you? If any of these sound appealing, you're in the right place: * You're drawn to AI image and video creation. * You're intrigued by the growing world of virtual influencers. * You're a total newbie with zero previous influencer or social media experience. * You want to freshen your social media marketing through additional income. * You dream of generating influencer income without being on camera. Here's a sneak peek at what we will work on together. * Dominate platforms like Instagram and TikTok with your AI personality. * Content scheduling from start to finish alongside fully automated posting. * Dive into the cutting edge of AI tools to create stunning photorealistic visuals. * Pinpoint profitable niches and which ones earn the most in the AI landscape. Take the first step and let's start building! 🚀

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

Learn how seller finance and notes can create cash flow and new deal opportunities with 40-year investor Eddie Speed **FREE TICKET** 🎟️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-structure-real-estate-deals-using-seller-finance-and-notes-tickets-1984826171509?aff=cicmeetupapp Most real estate investors only know one way to make money: Buy the property. Fix the property. Rent it or sell it. But there’s another side of real estate that can create cash flow, flexibility, and opportunity without only focusing on owning more property. At this month’s Columbus Investors Club, Tiffany and Josh High are sitting down with Eddie Speed - a real estate veteran with 40 years of experience who has closed more than 50,000 note deals. He has spent decades helping investors understand how to structure deals through seller finance and notes, and how to think more like the bank instead of just the buyer. This will be a practical conversation around a part of real estate most people have heard about, but very few truly understand. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to create more opportunities in deals, generate cash flow in a different way, or understand how seller finance actually works in the real world, this is a night you want to be in the room for. You’ll walk away thinking about deals differently, seeing new possibilities, and understanding how creative structuring can open doors that traditional investing alone can’t. **What You’ll Learn** * How seller finance works in real estate deals * How notes fit into real estate and create opportunity * How to structure deals more creatively * How investors generate cash flow by focusing on the payment * How to think like the bank instead of only focusing on owning the property * How this strategy can create flexibility in today’s market **Open Q&A - Ask Eddie Anything About** * Seller finance and how to use it in real deals * How notes work in a practical, beginner-friendly way * Creating cash flow without only relying on rentals * Structuring deals that others might miss * How experienced investors think differently about financing * Common mistakes investors make when they only focus on the property **Why You Should Be in the Room** Because the investors who win in the long run know how to do more than just buy houses. They know how to structure.They know how to create terms.They know how to see opportunities other people miss. This is the kind of conversation that can expand the way you think about real estate entirely. Come ready to learn, ask questions, take notes, and connect with people who are serious about growing in this business. **Reserve your free seat now - and be part of the conversation.** Grab your spot here ➡️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-structure-real-estate-deals-using-seller-finance-and-notes-tickets-1984826171509?aff=cicmeetupapp