Drones Melbourne

Let's build: A.I/ML/Robots using Google Colab and Aiko Services

**Aim:** Create A.I / Machine Learning projects ... optionally with Robots **Web-site: [https://ai-ml-robots.github.io](https://ai-ml-robots.github.io)** **Discussions: [https://tinyurl.com/ai-ml-robots-discussions](https://tinyurl.com/ai-ml-robots-discussions)** **Pre-meeting catch-up:** 6:00 pm at **[Grill'd Burgers, 127-133 Swan St, Richmond](https://maps.app.goo.gl/N6QBydEVo1JW6ctn9)** ... great opportunity for casual discussion and especially for newcomers to get acquainted with the group ***(our table will have orange traffic cones)*** **Activity:** Using [Google Colab](https://colab.google) and [Aiko Services](https://github.com/geekscape/aiko_services), we will build a project utilizing A.I/ML and simple, low-cost robots. **Agenda:** **7:00 pm sharp at 415 Church Street, Richmond** \- 7:00 pm ML software "guided" build session using Google Colab \- 9:30 pm Projects show and tell: ad\-hoc for anyone to contribute \- 9:45 pm Tidy up room \- 10:00 pm Hard stop \! **Please bring a laptop, as these are hands-on build sessions.** Just think of a laptop as a robot without wheels or legs ! If you are a newcomer to Machine Learning or robotics, you are still very welcome. If you do have a robot, please bring it along !

Welcome to the next 2026 AWS Melbourne Well-Architected User Group Meetup!

Hi Architects, Welcome to our next AWS Melbourne Well-Architected User Group Meetup for 2026, including more exceptional speakers and topics! :-D At each meetup we covered off various pillars in detail, best-practices and insights from industry leaders that specialise in the Well-Architected Framework. And giving away drones, of course. Lots of drones. **Please also note that AWS Security now requests a company name and company email where it is available. If you are a student, please list your institution and your student email address at that institution 👍** We'll be announcing more speakers on [https://well-architected.me](https://well-architected.me/) and previewing presentations during the coming weeks - our speakers and details this month include: * **Shilin Wu, Principal Solution Architect — VeloDB / Apache Doris** **Cost-Efficient Real-Time Analytics on AWS: Storage-Compute Separation with Apache Doris** Real-time analytics have a reputation for being expensive — you pay for fast storage you barely use, and for compute that sits idle overnight. This session walks through VeloDB / Apache Doris's storage-compute separation architecture on AWS, showing how to push warm data down to S3 while keeping sub-second query latency on the data that matters. We'll round off with a **live demo** querying billions of rows against S3-backed storage, soattendees can see the latency-vs-cost trade-off in action rather than on a slide. * **Pankaj Reddy, Head of Engineering - Simplicity KiwiSaver** **The next thing that matters (orientation theory continued..)** The talk explores mental models for how an agent decides what matters next, and how that shapes its orientation before it acts. It connects this idea to the Well-Architected pillars of Operational Excellence, Reliability, Security, and Performance Efficiency, showing how better orientation can lead to more deliberate and effective agent behaviour. * **Mystery Speaker** **Generative AI Cost Optimisation** Cost Optimisation is essential but with all the anecdotal stories of massive token budget blowouts, staying on top of Generative AI best-practices is essential to avoiding these scenarios. This month's menu will include: * Pizzas * Beer: Nastro Azzurro * Wine: Big and red 🤤 NB: Please check in up the stairs from the ground floor to the Mezzanine Level. So come join us at 5:30 for a 6pm **SHARP** start, followed by beer, wine, pizza and friendly networking after our talks :-) Tired of Linkedin’s "thought leadership”, spam and advertising? Join https://well-architected.me/ , the AWS community built for architects, developers and cloud professionals. * Connect with experienced AWS practitioners * Preview upcoming AWS Meetups and relive past content * Create and review beautiful AWS case studies in minutes * Prepare for AWS certifications with curated quizzes * Show your manager and reports you’re well-architected (Please note that by registering to attend you agree to your details being shared as and where required with Amazon Web Services and AWS Well-Architected User Group partners) in

Indonesian.

❤️ Bachata ConeXion Saturdays: Anniversary Party ❤️

## Melbourne Bachateros, it’s time to light up the floor! 🥂✨ Whether you’ve been dancing for years or are taking your very first steps on the social floor, we’re bringing everyone together for a massive weekend celebration at **Sokol Melbourne**! ✨ **WHAT’S IN STORE:** * 🎶 **Top DJs:** DJ Pombo, DJ Hong Starr, & DJ Ads spinning the ultimate mix! * 💃 **Incredible Vibe:** 70% Bachata \| 30% Salsa\, Kizomba & Zouk * 🎁 **Special Extras:** Performances, prizes, giveaways & non-stop social dancing! * 👥 **No Partner Needed:** Open-level workshop with rotation—come solo or bring your crew! Friendly, inclusive, and super beginner-friendly. 📅 **EVENT DETAILS:** * **Date:** Saturday, 26 September 2026 * **Location:** Sokol Melbourne Inc, 497 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne * **Dress Code:** Red, Black, and/or White ❤️🖤🤍 ⏰ **SCHEDULE:** * **8:00 PM:** Open-Level Bachata Workshop * **9:00 PM – 12:30 AM:** Social Dancing & Community Vibe! 🎟️ **PRICING & DISCOUNT TICKETS:** * **Online (Best Value):** Workshop \+ Social: $18 \| Social Only: $14 * **At Door (Walk-in):** Workshop \+ Social: $22 \| Social Only: $18 *(After 11:30 PM: $13)* 👉 **Lock in your discount online here:** [https://www.trybooking.com/DPQSU](https://www.trybooking.com/DPQSU) Bring your smile, dress to impress in Red, Black, or White, and let's make this an unforgettable night on the floor! 💃🕺❤️

Wings & Wild Things of Banyule: Wildlife & Bird Photography

**WEATHER DEPENDENCY & UPDATES** This event is strictly weather dependent. Please check the event page on **Friday 18/9** for a final update on conditions and confirmation. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Join us for a wildlife and bird photography session at Banyule Flats Reserve, a 46.47-hectare haven famous for inspiring Heidelberg School artists. Home to over 153 bird species alongside kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and wallabies, it’s an ideal spot to capture the vibrant nature along the Yarra River and Banyule Swamp. **Schedule** 8.30am - Meet at [Banyule Flats Reserve Car Park ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SpoVRfwEASm13Jd26)(off Somerset Drive, Viewbank) [googlemap link ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SpoVRfwEASm13Jd26) (TBC the trail route) 11.30am - Meet for Brunch - location TBC 12.30pm - Meetup ends **What to Bring:** * Your camera and lens (a telephoto lens is highly recommended, and a wider lens can be useful for habitat shots) * Tripod (optional but can be helpful for stability, especially with longer lenses) * Comfortable and quiet walking shoes suitable for varied terrain * Water and snacks * Appropriate clothing for the weather and potentially muddy conditions * Your respect for nature and a keen eye for detail! Target Birds (we may or may not find): **Ducks & Grebes:** Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Musk Duck, and Hoary-headed / Australasian Grebes. **Kingfishers:** Sacred Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher **Parrots & Honeyeaters:** Red-rumped Parrot, Australian King-Parrot, Eastern & Crimson Rosellas, Rainbow & Musk Lorikeets, Gang-gang Cockatoo. **Important Notes:** * We will prioritise the well-being of all wildlife and maintain a respectful distance at all times. * Please be mindful of noise and movement to avoid disturbing potential subjects. By signing up and attending this event, you and your guest agree to the above disclosures and the [MEETUP GUIDELINES](https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?tab=t.0) Annie and Andrew

Fabric x SpaceXAI Launch Event

🚀 What does it really mean to build AI-native software? Join us for an upcoming fireside chat with [SpaceXAI](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacexai/posts/?feedView=all) as we explore what’s next for AI-powered software development. We’ll unpack: 🔹 Why the SpaceXAI × [Fabric Group](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabricgroup/) partnership matters 🔹 What AI-native software development really looks like 🔹 How AI is reshaping engineering teams and workflows 🔹 The challenges organisations face when adopting AI at scale 🔹 Opportunities to modernise legacy systems and accelerate delivery Whether you’re leading an engineering team, driving digital transformation, or exploring what AI could mean for your organisation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 📍 Join us for the conversation.

Predictive Maintenance at the Synchrotron (and another mystery talk)

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 **Joanna Wieclaw: "From Fixed Thresholds to Learned Boundaries: Predictive Maintenance at the Australian Synchrotron"** **Talk Description:** Last year I showed you how the Australian Synchrotron works. This year I'd like your help keeping it working. Much of my job in Controls involves troubleshooting equipment after something has already gone wrong. I'd rather catch the warning signs first. I'm developing a proposal for a phased predictive-maintenance system using data we already collect through EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System). The proposed first phase is deliberately simple: choose one system, set fixed upper and lower thresholds, and alert on breaches. In parallel, I'd like to explore what can be learned from our historical data using offline ML models, with signals such as encoder drift, motor current and vacuum levels among the first targets. Later phases could augment those thresholds with learned boundaries and look for patterns across equipment rather than within a single system. I'd like to hear how you would approach it: what methods are worth trying early, how you would validate models when labelled failures are scarce, and what I should be implementing now to make the data useful as the system develops. **Speaker Bio:** Joanna Wieclaw is a Senior Controls Technician at the Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO). With a mechatronics background and extensive experience in system integration and live fault-finding, she spends much of her time diagnosing complex equipment under pressure.

Getting Found in the Age of AI

**Getting Found in the Age of AI with Jack Bear** How AI is rewriting the way businesses get discovered online. From traditional SEO to AI-powered search, and what it means for your brand's visibility. **Agenda:** * 6:00 pm – Pizza and networking at SSW Melbourne * 6:30 pm – Welcome & News with Eve & Adam Cogan - this will be live-streamed around the world * 6:45 pm – Getting Found in the Age of AI with Jack Bear **Speaker: Jack Bear** Jack Bear is an Australian technology founder and consultant specialising in AI infrastructure and the "answer economy." He is the founder and CEO of Norg AI, a platform building operating systems for AI agents. Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-bear-726578226/ Can't make it? Jump on the live stream: https://www.ssw.com.au/live

Melbourne CocoaHeads No. 199

Our regular monthly presentation night on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30pm! Thanks to Mantel Group for hosting us again this month. If you're coming in person we're there with food and drinks from 6pm. We will be live streaming the presentations as usual from 6:30pm at [http://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/live](http://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/live) \-\-\- **Agenda** \| 6:00pm \| Food \+ Networking \| \| 6:30pm \| Event begins\. Introductions \| \| 6:40pm \| Nabila Herzegovina — Documentation using DocC \| \| 7:15pm \| Luke Tupper — \(re\)Creating OS27 Icons \| \| 7:55pm \| Wrap up \+ social time at a nearby venue \| \* All times except the start are approximate. Presentation order will be confirmed on the night. \-\-\-\- We are always looking for speakers and believe everyone has an interesting talk hiding inside themselves. If you are interested in letting that talk out at a future event you can get in touch on the website [https://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/talks](https://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/talks) or on Slack.

Melbourne Foundational Models Meetup: AI in Health & Medical Applications

**[REGISTER HERE]** ( https://luma.com/fdnki5to ) Australia's AI ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and nowhere is this more consequential than in healthcare, where foundational models are starting to reshape diagnosis, treatment and patient care. ​Join **SMEC AI** and **La Trobe University** for an evening exploring how AI is being applied across pathology, radiology and personalised medicine. This session brings together researchers and industry practitioners working at the frontier of AI in health, sharing real examples of foundational models being put into practice in clinical and research settings. ​Featured speakers: * ​Dr Zhen He (La Trobe University) — on AI for digital pathology, using image-based foundational models to support diagnostics * ​Nilmini Wickramasinghe (ACAMI, La Trobe University) — on digital twins and patient-focused applications of AI in healthcare * ​Aiden Nibali (Harrison AI) — on foundational models for radiology and medical imaging ​What you'll learn: * ​How foundational models are being applied to pathology, radiology and digital twins * ​The practical challenges of deploying AI in clinical and hospital settings * ​How university research is translating into real-world healthcare tools * ​Where Australia's AI-in-health capability sits on the global stage * ​Opportunities for collaboration between researchers, industry and founders ​Who should attend: * ​AI engineers and researchers * ​Healthcare and medtech professionals * ​Founders and businesses exploring AI partnerships * ​Students and academics interested in AI for health ​Join us at La Trobe University's City Campus for an evening of practical insight into one of AI's most important frontiers. ​ ## ​**About SMEC AI** ​SMEC AI is an initiative of Boab AI in partnership with Artesian, Cremorne Digital Hub, University of Melbourne, RMIT, La Trobe University, Victorian Medtech Skills And Devices Hub, TNG and Rockwell. ​SMEC AI focuses on the agriculture, clean energy, medical and enabling capabilities industries as defined by the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas. ​The SMEC AI project and activities has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry Science and Resources AI Adopt program and is aimed at enhancing the adoption of artificial intelligence by small to medium enterprises in Australia. ## ​**About 'Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation (ACAMI)'** ​Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation (ACAMI) is dedicated to accelerating the research and development of biomedical research and healthcare through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. Applying these capabilities across the medical research lifecycle, ACAMI is creating impact across discovery, development and delivery of new medicines into our communities. Based at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Victoria, ACAMI draws on expertise in artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, molecular biology and diagnostics from across the university to deliver cutting edge AI solutions that accelerate medical research. ​ACAMI is powered by Australia’s first NVIDIA DGX H200 and the NVIDIA Clara Suite of computing platform and software services, providing guaranteed data sovereignty. ​ACAMI works with research partners from academia, industry and the healthcare sector to develop bespoke solutions to advance medical research from bench to bedside. # ​**About the La Trobe AI Institute** ​The **La Trobe AI Institute** is people-powered, impact-driven, and values-led. ​The Institute brings together La Trobe University’s people, expertise, and partnerships around four core principles: **amplify, convene, engage, and uplift**. The Institute amplifies La Trobe’s research strengths and real-world impact through the use of AI. It brings together experts, students, industry, government and communities around shared opportunities and challenges. ​By connecting La Trobe’s applied research, AI-enabled learning and teaching, and industry collaboration, the Institute is helping address major societal, economic, and technological challenges while championing AI for good. ​Its work is focused on ensuring advances in AI translate into lasting benefits for students, partners, communities, and the nation. ​**Discover La Trobe’s AI research, expertise and opportunities to collaborate:** [latrobe.edu.au/ai](https://latrobe.edu.au/ai?utm_source=luma)

Our teams have the best AI tools but nothing changed

[Josh Centner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcentner/), Principal PM, Seek: will be taking us through this topic building on some discussions from ProductCamp. **Our teams have the best AI tools but nothing changed** Most organisations now have AI tooling across their product and engineering teams. Most of them are moving just a little faster then they were two years ago. The tools aren’t the problem. The operating model underneath them is. Build is no longer the bottleneck. The new constraint is coordination: how teams align on what to build, how functions like legal, security, and design stay genuinely involved without becoming the gate everything stalls behind, and how leaders shift from approving decisions to setting the conditions that let good decisions happen without them. This session draws on a live transformation across a large technology organisation, redesigning not just how teams build, but the entire system from idea to customer impact. We’ll cover the three things that actually have to change for AI tooling to translate into speed: – how work gets defined before it’s built – how specialist functions engage without creating queues – and how the PM role changes when coordination overhead drops and intent has to survive further and faster than ever before. This isn’t a talk about tools. It’s about what your organisation needs to look like for the tools to matter. Our fabulous sponsors: **Netwealth** Netwealth is one of Australia's leading wealth management platforms, providing technology and investment solutions for financial advisers and their clients. Since 1999, we’ve focused on innovation and challenging the status quo, building digital products that help Australians see wealth differently and achieve better financial outcomes. At the heart of Netwealth is a culture of curious, collaborative, courageous, optimistic, agile and genuine people who are passionate about solving meaningful problems and creating better experiences for customers. For more [about careers](https://www.netwealth.com.au/web/about-netwealth/careers/) at Netwealth.

AI & Robotics Innovation Expo

**AI & Robotics Innovation Expo 2026** The AI & Robotics Innovation Expo 2026 brings together more than 30 emerging startups, scaleups and research organisations from across Australia’s innovation ecosystem. Visitors can experience live demonstrations, discover commercially deployable technologies and meet the founders, researchers, investors and technology leaders shaping the future of AI and robotics. The program spans enterprise AI, autonomous agents, robotics, digital twins, intelligent automation and emerging applications across business, industry and everyday life. **Register Here**: https://www.melbconnect.com.au/events/ai-robotics-innovation-expo **Event details** * Date: Friday, 11 September 2026 * Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM * Venue: The Launchpad and The Lab, Melbourne Connect * Host: AIBUILD * Partners: InnovateConnect Alliance, Global Elite School, StarPlan AI and AI Development Group **Speakers** * **Dr Daisy Liu** — Founder and CEO, StarPlan AI * **Dr Johan Barthélemy** — Senior AI Scientist, NVIDIA AI Technology Centre * **Yifei Wang** — Founder and CEO, AIBUILD * **Wendy Jiang** — Co-Founder and Managing Director, StrataXcel * **Sicheng “Joe” Zhou** — Co-Founder and Director, AskRomi * **Liam Kelly** — Head of Technology Practice, Method Recruitment * **Joseph Lee** — Associate Director, Data, AI and Delivery, Method Recruitment * **Professor Jenny Waycott** — Professor of Human–Computer Interaction, University of Melbourne * **Carey Hassall** — NVIDIA Business Manager, Multimedia Technology * **Dickson Li** — Co-Founder and Director, Roboly * **Kathy Coultas** — Strategic Adviser, AIBUILD * **Amber Main** — Founder and Ecosystem Builder * **Professor Lihai Zhang** — Professor of Engineering Management, University of Melbourne **Expo agenda** * 10:00 AM–11:00 AM: Exhibitor setup * 11:00 AM–11:15 AM: Official opening * 11:15 AM–12:00 PM: Industrial demonstrations and startup pitches * 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: Expo showcase and networking * 1:00 PM–1:30 PM: Expo Pitch Stage presentations * 1:30 PM–2:00 PM: University of Melbourne research presentations * 2:00 PM–3:00 PM: Expo showcase, live demonstrations and networking * 3:00 PM–4:00 PM: Exhibitor pack-down Be an Exhibitor: please contact team@aidg.au