Conservation Groups Melbourne

Riverside Bush Regeneration

Meeting in the car park of the Heavenly Queen Temple, 20 Joseph Road, Footscray. It's a fun experience! Come and meet some friendly, like-minded people working to increase the amount of native bushland along the banks of the beautiful Maribyrnong River. Bring along a bottle of water, wear a hat and old clothing. Gardening gloves are handy, but these will be provided if you need them.

Engineering Machine Consciousness Monthly Meetup

The discussion topic for this meetup will be identity and whether or not history is a necessary condition for consciousness as Dretske proposed. James

🏕️Grampians Camping + Hiking

[👉🏻 GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE) 👈🏻](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1995398850677?aff=oddtdtcreator) [EVENT DETAILS HERE](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1blkChDDC24lwGUHKiQ_leB3uSX7SNmAs/view)

Melbourne AWS User Group #163 - September 2026

🎉 **Melbourne AWS User Group – September Meetup** 🎉 📅 Wednesday, 30 September 📍 NAB Events Hub – 395 Bourke Street, Melbourne ⏰ Food at 6:00 pm, talks from 6:30 pm (with live stream) Join us for our September meetup as we explore robotics in the cloud, compliance in AI-driven security workflows, and how generative AI can come to life with both a voice and a face. This month’s lineup features: • **Louis** with a lightning talk on the cloud architectures robotics companies use to scale and deploy their robot products. • **Hazra** exploring how business analytics can turn AWS Security Agent findings into structured, auditable compliance intelligence. • **Vanitha** showing how to build voice-interactive AI with a synchronised animated avatar using Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Nova models. A huge thank you to our sponsors: 🥇 **Mantel Group** – Gold Sponsor, 🥈 **Cevo** – Silver Sponsor, 🏛 **NAB** – Venue Sponsor The event will be live-streamed on YouTube as always: 📺 [https://melb.awsug.org.au/live](https://melb.awsug.org.au/live) *** 🗓️ **Agenda** 6:00 pm – Food & Socialising 6:30 pm – Introductions 6:40 pm – What’s New in AWS 6:55 pm – Cloud Computer for Robotics (Level 100); Speaker: Louis Dinh 7:10 pm – Using Business Analytics to Drive Compliance in AWS Security Agent Workflows (Level 200); Speaker: Hazra Ali 7:25 pm – AI with a Voice and Face (Level 300); Speaker: Vanitha Kaliyaperumal 7:55 pm – Marketplace (Who’s Hiring) 8:00 pm – Networking + Close *** 🎤 **Talk Details** **Cloud Computer for Robotics** Speaker: Louis Dinh Level: 100 Lightning Talk Louis will discuss some of the cloud architectures robotics companies use to scale and deploy their robot products, along with a short demo currently in development. *** **Using Business Analytics to Drive Compliance in AWS Security Agent Workflows** Speaker: Hazra Ali Level: 200 Lightning Talk As AI-driven tools like AWS Security Agent generate continuous streams of code review, penetration testing, and threat modelling findings, security teams face a new challenge: turning raw technical output into governable, auditable compliance intelligence. In this session, Hazra will explore how business analytics platforms can transform AWS Security Agent findings into structured dashboards that map directly to compliance frameworks and organisational risk policies. *** **AI with a Voice and Face** Speaker: Vanitha Kaliyaperumal Level: 300 Discover how to build voice-interactive AI with a synchronised animated avatar using Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Nova models — creating assistants that feel genuinely present and engaging. *** 🙌 **Want to Speak at a Future Meetup?** We’re always looking for new speakers and believe everyone has an interesting talk waiting to be shared. If you’d like to present at a future event, reach out at the meetup or via our website: 👉 [https://melb.awsug.org.au/speak/](https://melb.awsug.org.au/speak/)

Hastings Coastal Boardwalks Walk - 7 going

Testing Talks Conference 2026 Melbourne

A fun event for all; to share, learn and reconnect in-person. We are committed to making Testing Talks Conference 2026 in Melbourne the most amazing day for our community. Our Commitment: Incredible speakers and sponsors. Practical takeaways for our attendees. Delicious and bountiful catering. Lots of activities, games, swag and prizes. Drinks and Nibbles to wrap up the day.

Elevating Your Research Through Software Development

**Elevating Your Research Through Software Development** **Date:** 22nd September, 2026 **Time:** 5:30 PM (networking and refreshments from 5:30 PM; talk begins at 6:00 PM) **Where:** DiUS, Level 3/31 Queen St, Melbourne Research projects often begin with a collection of scripts and files that become increasingly difficult to manage, reproduce, and share. Adopting software development practices and structuring research projects like software packages can help address these challenges while improving the quality, reproducibility, and impact of research. In this meetup, we’ll explore how package-based project structures can transform analytical workflows, using real-world examples from COVID-19 vaccination policy analysis and scabies transmission modelling in the Netherlands. The talk will demonstrate how treating research code as software enables more efficient collaboration, easier reuse, and faster translation of analyses into real-world decision-making. We’ll also discuss how emerging AI tools, such as Claude Code, can help researchers build resources that extend the reach of their work beyond its original scope. Come along if you’re interested in reproducible research, scientific programming, data analysis, or research software engineering, or if you’d like practical guidance on creating more structured, reusable, and collaborative research projects!

Breathtaking GREAT OCEAN ROAD: Day trip: Hike + Lunch, Kayaking, Meditation

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → GREAT OCEAN ROAD** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 4 OCT — DAY TRIP** ☀️ * 🌊 **Where the Forest Meets the Sea** 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Escape the city and join us for a refreshing day in **Anglesea**, one of the Great Ocean Road’s beautiful coastal destinations. Here, eucalyptus forest meets the sea, ocean waves roll towards sandy beaches and scenic trails open onto wonderful coastal views. We’ll begin with coffee, tea and snacks before setting out on an **easy-paced, guided 10 km hike** through coastal bushland. Along the way, we’ll enjoy fresh sea air, beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot kangaroos and native birds. We’ll pause in nature for a gentle **guided meditation**, allowing time to breathe deeply, slow down and reconnect. After the hike, we’ll gather for a **supplied Spanish vegetarian lunch** 🇪🇸, served with unlimited tea, coffee, snacks and refreshments. Everything is prepared for the group—simply relax, enjoy the food and share the moment. Our afternoon continues with peaceful, beginner-friendly **kayaking**, followed by a beautiful **Anglesea coastal lookout** overlooking the cliffs, beaches and open sea. Come solo or bring a friend. Expect welcoming company, relaxed conversation and a thoughtfully organised day combining nature, movement, Spanish flavours and the sea. ✨ **Hike the coast. Savour Spain. Breathe in the sea.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎒 **All-Inclusive — Just $99!** ✅ Comfortable return transport in a **Mercedes minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **10 km coastal hike** and hiking gear 🥾 ✅ Supplied **Spanish vegetarian lunch** 🇪🇸 ✅ Unlimited snacks, soft drinks, coffee and tea ☕ ✅ Kayaks, life jackets and all paddling equipment 🛶 ✅ Guided meditation in nature 🧘 ✅ Anglesea beaches, coastal scenery and panoramic sea lookouts 🌊 ✅ Friendly small-group atmosphere 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 **Adventure Itinerary** 📍 **07:30** — Pick-up near **St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street** ☕ **08:00** — Short rest and refreshment stop 🍵 **09:00** — Arrive in the Anglesea area · Coffee, tea and snacks 🥾 **09:15** — Easy coastal bushland hike Approximately 10 km · 190 m elevation 🧘 **12:00** — Guided meditation and grounding in nature 🇪🇸 **12:30** — Supplied Spanish vegetarian lunch with drinks and refreshments 🛶 **13:30** — Beginner-friendly kayaking on calm water 🌊 **16:00** — Anglesea coastal lookout and beautiful sea views 🚐 **18:30** — Return to Melbourne 📍 **Drop-off: Hamer Hall** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 💰 **How to Book** Secure your place with a **$99 transfer**. An RSVP alone does not reserve your seat. Your booking is confirmed once payment is received. 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **Name:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **Account:** 226325836 **Reference:** Gor 🌟 **Limited places available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie/gloves** 🧢 ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🥾 **Easy Hike · 🇪🇸 Supplied Spanish Vegetarian Lunch · 🧘 Meditation · 🛶 Kayaking · 🌊 Anglesea Sea Views** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **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 own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Meditarrean.

🦜🌊Bellarine Wetlands & Coastal Frolic — Ferry ⛴️ Day Trip and Walk - 16 km

🌊 **Bellarine Peninsula Wetlands & Coastal Frolic Day Trip -16km** — Singles 30+ Featuring the 10:40 am Sunday Ferry from Docklands to Portarlington **Location**: Portarlington to S.Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula with wetlands, beaches and shipwrecks included **Meeting poin**t: Best to arrive at the ferry terminal at around 10.15/10.30 **Max**: 13 people Singles only please, no married or seperated individuals The walk will be broken up into two main sections with a luxurious lunch break between the walks. - A 5km wetlands and wildlife loop around Portarlington and then yummy lunch. - An 11km coastal walk to St.Leonards from Portarlington ***Of course if you're feeling lazy after the wetlands loop you can either catch the ferry back to Melbourne or the bus to Geelong/Melbourne***! If you’ve been craving a day that feels like a mini‑holiday — the kind where you meet new people, breathe fresh sea air, and maybe flirt a little under the early‑spring sunshine — this one’s for you. We’re catching the 10:40 am Sunday ferry from Docklands, gliding across the bay to Portarlington for a full coastal adventure with a fun, relaxed group of singles 30+. **Please note. Refer to group policy around waitlists, and no shows** The ferry ride itself is part of the charm: gentle waves, big windows, and that moment when Melbourne slowly disappears behind you and the Bellarine Peninsula appears ahead like a postcard. It’s the perfect social warm‑up — not too long, not too short, just enough time to settle in and start chatting. **🌿 Point Richards Wetlands — Birdlife, Boardwalks & Coastal Calm** **Once** we arrive, we’ll wander into the Point Richards Wetlands, a peaceful nature reserve that feels like stepping into another world. This place is a hotspot for extensive birdlife, and they put on a show: - Black swans gliding across the water like they’re hosting a royal procession - Spoonbills sweeping the shallows with their oversized beaks - Herons standing perfectly still, plotting whatever herons plot - Egrets flashing bright white wings against the reeds - Migratory birds dropping in like they’re on their own singles retreat - Pelicans doing their slow‑motion runway strut along the shoreline It’s calm, beautiful, and surprisingly social — wetlands have a way of slowing everyone down and opening up conversation. We’ll do a shortened loop here, enough to enjoy the boardwalks, the saltmarsh, and the wildlife without turning the day into a marathon. 🍽️ **Portarlington — Lunch, Laughs & Local Flavour** **After** the wetlands, we’ll drift back into Portarlington for a pub or café stop. This town punches above its weight when it comes to food: - Grand Hotel — classic pub meals, big portions, cold drinks - Arlo Wine Bar — pasta, wine, and a slightly cheeky “we could stay here all afternoon” vibe - Portarlington Bakehouse — quick, comforting, reliable - Pier‑side fish & chips — casual, salty, perfect Whether you want something hearty, something light, or something that pairs well with a glass of wine, Portarlington has you covered. 🌊 **The Coastal Walk — Beaches, Shipwrecks & Sea Creatures** **After** lunch, we begin the beautiful foreshore walk toward Indented Head and St Leonards — a long, scenic stretch of coastline that feels tailor‑made for social walking. Along the way you’ll see: - Turquoise shallows that look almost tropical - Long, open beaches perfect for relaxed pacing - Quiet coves where the water barely ripples - The Ozone shipwreck, rising from the water like a rusted ghost - Foreshore reserves dotted with native plants - Stingrays gliding in the shallows if the water is clear - Crabs scuttling across the sand like they’re late for a meeting - Pelicans supervising the coastline with their usual attitude - Views across the bay all the way to the You Yangs It’s flat, easy, and endlessly scenic — the kind of walk where conversations flow naturally and the kilometres disappear without anyone noticing. 🍟 **St Leonards — Fish & Chips, Pub Time & Cheeky Extras** **We** finish at St Leonards Jetty, a peaceful seaside village with just enough charm to make you want to linger. Food options here include: - Fish & chips by the water — salty, crispy, perfect after a long walk - St Leonards Hotel — relaxed pub energy, outdoor seating, great for a cheeky drink If the group chemistry is flowing, there’s always room for a cheeky early dinner, a “just one more drink,” or a slow wander along the jetty before we head home. Nothing formal, nothing pressured — just the natural extension of a good day with good people. 🚍 **The Journey Home** — Bus, Train & Daylight Saving Magic From St Leonards, we hop onto the Route 60 bus to Geelong, then glide back to Melbourne on the train. And because daylight saving begins today, we’ll almost certainly arrive back in Melbourne in daylight — that warm, golden early‑evening glow that makes everything feel softer, friendlier, and a little more romantic. **⚠️ Important Ferry Note** The ferry can fill quickly, so please book your 10:40 am Sunday ferry several days in advance. I’ll send out a reminder before the event. If you don’t secure a ticket, you’ll need to make your own way to Portarlington to join the walk. **⚠️Group Rules & Event Etiquette ⚠️** **These** are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. **💘Flirtation Guidelines** **This** is a social event, not a pressure cooker.Don’t be pushy about phone numbers — let the moment offer itself Don't send unsolicited messages, get in person permission first If the vibe is mutual, go for it Become a regular — I’ll be testing this format over 3–4 events You’ll likely see the same lovely humans again at future singles nights/events or Eat Drink Dance “open” events The goal is to build a small, recurring ecosystem where people feel comfortable, familiar, and relaxed enough to be themselves. **👟Fitness Requirements** **Walking**: 3–4 km/hr. Moderate fitness. enough to walk 15 km with limited stops We walk at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event. ⛹️ **Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow** **Small** social events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider going solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness. **👩‍💼Time Constraints** If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time. **👥Waitlist & Gender Ratios** **To** keep things balanced and comfortable: Event capped at 12 people to test interest, if my star signs are in favour I may increase this to 20 Generally guys admitted only after a woman registers (to maintain ratios) at my discretion. Group regulars get priority access. Women can be a little flaky (we love them anyway), so I may accept 1–2 extra. **🧭The Creep Code** **A** refined social compass keeps the vibe safe, fun, and drama‑free So: No married/Seperated individuals or those already coupled up (generally) unless I know you. No Tinder Swindler‑style mingler **Guys**: Please Take Special Note Must have a clear face photo (no sunglasses, no blurry shadows, no “mysterious man in witness protection” Don't send unsolicited messages, that's creep gold. **⚠️Don't obscure your identity in other words** **No** wide shots taken from a distance where you can't be identified No yacht/car/jet flexing — if your profile screams “crypto‑adjacent”, you will be gently declined If you are declined, update your profile photo to something less creepy and more classy **Girls**: No restrictions — privacy and safety first **⚠️CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS⚠️** **😢No**‑**Shows** No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events ***Remove yourself more than 24 hours before the event, cancellations within 24 hour of the evevt when there is a waitlist will result in group removal and likely blocked People on the waitlist require more than 24 hours notice that they have been approved to attend.. Flaking within this time period prevents waitlist people from attending No‑shows will be removed from the group and likely blocked. *Last‑minute cancellations (“flaking”) may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist 👀 **Attending Without Being on the Going Lis** This is a security issue Do NOT turn up unannounced If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed ⏰ **Late Arrival** **If** you’re late, the group will not wait You willl be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group Messages will not be monitored after the event start It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up before the evevt starts—this may not be possible for some events as the organiser is busy organising **🎲Second Chances** **If** something goes wrong, communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. As the organiser is busy organising this may be impossible during the event 🚩**Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity** By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk

Tallarook 6-hour rogaine (navigation practice) (10-20km Grade M)

Maribyrnong River Bank Clean Up

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **What to Bring:** * Drinking water * Sunscreen * Closed shoes * Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.