Hobby Groups Melbourne

Social Chess Meetup - Tuesday June 9th

Hello everyone! We’re back with another weekday social chess event at Brick Lane Market next to Queen Vic Market. The perfect spot to cure those early workweek blues. Come and enjoy an after work beer and play some chess with like minded people - its totally free. All skills welcome from beginner to pro - you don't need to be good to join us! Boards, pieces and clocks will be provided. Stay up to date through our socials or WhatsApp community: message me (David: +61 438 004 729) and I’ll add you to the chat. Social links IG FB: [https://linktr.ee/MelbourneChessSociety](https://linktr.ee/MelbourneChessSociety)

Sunset & Milky Way over the Mornington Peninsula (placeholder)

**THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDANT.** **CHECK THIS PAGE/COMMENTS AGAIN CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE.** Join us for a night of astrophotography as we capture the sunset and the core of the Milky Way from the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. **Draft Schedule** 4.30pm: Meet at Sunset Location TBC 5.00pm: **Sunset** (Location TBC - Arthurs Seat) 6.00pm: **Dinner** (Location TBC - Flinders Hotel) 7.30pm - 8.30pm: **Milky Way** Photography- the Galaxy Core will be visible from 6.40pm (Location **TBC** as Flinders Jetty is under construction) **Weather Policy:** Astrophotography is highly dependent on clear skies. If the forecast predicts 70% or greater cloud cover, we will postpone the event to our backup date (likely 11 July). Please check this space or the event comments for the "Go/No-Go" status at 7:00 PM on the day before the event. **Camera Gear Suggestions:** * Mirrorless or DSLR Camera (learn how to manual focus - you will be doing it in the dark) * Lenses for Landscape: wide-angle / telephoto * Lenses for Astrophotography: wide-angle anywhere between 14mm to 24mm or wider, fast aperture lens f/2.8 or faster (unless if using a star tracker) * Tripod * Remote shutter release * Filters (ND, polariser) * Extra Batteries * A headlamp or torch (preferably with a red-light mode to preserve night vision). * Warm layers and sturdy footwear If you are new to astrophotography, **[this guide](https://anniespix.com/2023/03/17/capturing-the-night-sky/)** covers essential camera settings, must-have gear, and provides links to a few introductory YouTube videos to help you get started. **Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability** By attending this photography meetup, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * **RSVP:** You must update your status immediately if you can't attend this event; failure to do so may result in a ban from future limited-number activities. * **Liability Waiver:** Participation in all activities and travel is at your own risk. Organisers are not liable for injury, death, wildlife encounters, or loss/theft of property. * **Insurance & Expenses:** Attendees are strongly advised to have their own health and ambulance insurance. You are responsible for all personal costs like food, travel, and accommodation. * **Event Changes:** Organisers may modify or cancel events for safety (e.g., weather) and are not responsible for any financial losses you incur as a result. * **Conduct & Equipment:** You are responsible for your own gear and must follow local laws and property regulations while navigating various terrains. * **Informal Advice Only:** Any demonstrations, settings suggestions, or tips provided during the event are for **informational purposes only** and do not constitute professional technical instruction. * **Technical Proficiency:** You are expected to have a working knowledge of your own equipment. As we will be operating in low-light conditions, you should be confident in performing the following tasks manually: \-\- Adjusting **Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed** by feel or memory. \-\- Toggling and using **DSLR Live View** or mirrorless EVF settings. \-\- Engaging and fine\-tuning **Manual Focus** (autofocus generally does not work for stars). * **Media Consent:** By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded in public settings and waive claims related to the use of that media. 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?usp=sharing) Annie and Andrew and Rowan

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 ... where the details will be provided / updated a couple of weeks prior to the meet-up date. **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 !

Spendigo! aka the Australian Sheep and Wool Show

Melbourne Sci-Fi/Fantasy Social Catch-up

Hi all! Welcome to the Melbourne Sci-Fi/Fantasy Social Catch-up. Come along and talk to like-minded people and catch up on all the things you love about this genre. Be it the latest movies, TV shows, or a book you love; or maybe, you have played this fabulous board or computer game that you just want to share with others. Geeky t-shirts or quirky badges welcome! What a great chance to chat with new people or old friends about so many diverse topics. You never know, you might find a whole new sub-genre to delve into. New and old members are welcome to attend. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the tavern. If your plans change (even if it is at the last moment), please change your RSVP to a NO, so your event host knows who to expect on the day and so I can manage the booking at the Mitre Tavern! See you soon 🤓🤓🤓🤓

Garden Walk and Picnic Gathering

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.

Beginners Pickleball at Melbourne Pickle Club Moorabbin

6 June: Figurine Painting and Friends-Social

**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**

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.

7 June: Figurine Painting and Friends-Social

**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**

Origami and Chocolate

Join us for a relaxing time of folding together at the Ratio chocolate factory in Brunswick! Bring a fun origami project to fold and share, all while sipping on delectable hot chocolate! Standard origami paper will be provided. We just ask for a gold coin to help with group expenses.

Beginners Pickleball at Melbourne Pickle Play Moorabbin

SATURDAY 4:30-6:30PM: **BEGINNER** SOCIAL PLAY I've played pickleball probably four times now but I don't remember all the rules Usually in beginner sessions someone comes and explains what the rules are HOPEFULLY it's not one of those deals where you stand around and have to go up in front of the group one by one to learn different shots (cough cough Hampton) I'd rather actually just start playing! You learn by doing not by being made to stand in front of 'the class.' Anyways pickleball is actually fun, and I'm not that good, because it's completely different to table tennis [You have to book beforehand](https://app.playbypoint.com/programs/beginner-saturday-social-play) Please let me know in the comments if you've booked