Conservation Groups Melbourne

Tree Planting Day and Walk in Merri and Edgars Creek Parklands

Olinda Reserve Loop (17km Grade M-H)

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.

Melbourne AWS User Group #161 - July 2026

🎉 **Melbourne AWS User Group – July Meetup** 🎉 📅 Wednesday, 29 July 📍 NAB Events Hub – 395 Bourke Street, Melbourne ⏰ Food at 6:00 pm, talks from 6:30 pm (with live stream) This month we’ll look at how to design scalable Terraform codebases using reusable modules and environment patterns. We’ll also dive into extending AWS DevOps Agent with custom MCP servers to solve real-world troubleshooting challenges in Amazon EMR. This month’s lineup features: • **Dale Orders** presenting on implementing Infrastructure as Code using Terraform best practices, with a focus on real-world modular design patterns. • **Pinaki** **Mukherjee** demonstrating how custom MCP servers can extend AWS DevOps Agent for enterprise troubleshooting workflows using Amazon EMR. 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 – Implementing IaC using best practice (Level 100); Speaker: Dale Orders 7:25 pm – Extending AWS DevOps Agent with Custom MCP Servers for EMR Troubleshooting (Level 300); Speaker: Pinaki Mukherjee 7:55 pm – Marketplace (Who’s Hiring) 8:00 pm – Networking + Close *** 🎤 **Talk Details** Implementing IaC using best practice Speaker: Dale Orders Level: 100 This session shows how to design and implement Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, with a focus on real-world modular design patterns. Dale will cover how to break infrastructure into reusable modules, structure Terraform codebases for scalability, and manage environments without unnecessary duplication. You’ll also look at best practices around state management, versioning, and dependency handling so infrastructure stays predictable as it grows. *** Extending AWS DevOps Agent with Custom MCP Servers for EMR Troubleshooting
 Speaker: Pinaki Mukherjee 
Level: 300 AWS DevOps Agent already provides powerful operational capabilities, but many organisations have specialist knowledge and workflows that go beyond its built-in features. In this session, Pinaki will demonstrate how custom Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers can extend AWS DevOps Agent using Amazon EMR troubleshooting as a practical example. Rather than manually piecing together evidence from EMR APIs, Spark logs, CloudWatch, Amazon S3, YARN, and Kubernetes, attendees will see how a custom MCP server can turn scattered runtime signals into a structured investigation workflow. Using an open-source EMR troubleshooting MCP server, Pinaki will demonstrate how domain-specific tooling can work alongside AWS DevOps Agent, allowing engineers to keep a consistent operational experience while delegating specialist knowledge to purpose-built MCP servers. Whether you’re exploring AI-assisted operations or looking to build your own MCP integrations, this session will provide practical architectural ideas and real-world implementation guidance. *** 🙌 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/)

Serene TARRA VALLEY:🌄Day trip: Hike, Lunch Ratatouille., Waterfall, Meditation

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE - Tarra-Bulga VALLEY** 🏙️ * 📅 SUN **9 AUG, DAY TRIP☀️** * ✨ Follow the Ferns, Find the Stillness. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Join Us for a Day of Rainforest Magic in Tarra Valley** 🌿 Step into one of Victoria’s most enchanting rainforest escapes — where towering Mountain Ash trees, lush fern gullies, misty forest trails, and hidden waterfalls create a world that feels far away from everyday life. This journey is about slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with nature through movement, fresh air, warm food, and meaningful moments together. We’ll wander through ancient rainforest paths, cross the famous Suspension Bridge high above the forest floor, discover peaceful waterfalls, enjoy meditation & grounding surrounded by nature, and share a relaxing picnic lunch featuring gourmet ratatouille and warm drinks. Expect scenic lookouts, fresh mountain air, friendly company, and that calm feeling that only deep forest places can bring. 🌲💧✨ ✨ *Some places aren’t just visited — they’re felt.* **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** 🎒 **All-Inclusive — Just $99!** ✔️ Guided 9 km easy hike + all gear 🥾 ✔️ Unlimited **snacks** & refreshments 🥤 ✔️ Coffee & tea throughout the day ☕ ✔️ **Lunch Ratatouille (Veg.)** 🍏 ✔️ **Meditation** & relaxation session ✨ ✔️ **Comfortable Mercedes minivan transport** (round trip) 🚐 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📍 Your Adventure Itinerary** 🚐 **7:00 AM** – Pick-up from **St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street** 🥐 **8:00 AM** – Stop for a **break** ☕ **9:00 AM** – Arrival + **morning coffee, tea & snacks** (provided) 🥾 **9:15 AM** – easy **Hiking adventure** (9 km, 180m elevation) 🥗 **1:30 PM** – **Lunch Ratatouille + coffee/tea/snacks** (provided) ✨ **2:30 PM** – **Meditation** 🍏 🌊 **3:30 PM** – Explore the **Waterfall** 🔭 **4:30 PM** – Take in **breathtaking lookout views** 🦘 **4:30 PM** – Enjoy a **scenic drive** 🚐 **6:30 PM** – Return to Melbourne (**drop-off at Hamer Hall**) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring** ✅ **Warm, wind-water-resistant clothing** 🧥 ✅ **Hiking shoes** (available for free if needed) 🥾 ✅ **Long sleeves, long pants, hat** 🧢 ✅ **A positive attitude** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** TV 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**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! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Feel free to ask if you have any questions!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📩 **Got questions? DM me anytime!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿✨ Don’t miss this **epic day of adventure, nature, and fun!** ✨🌊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 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/ * Rainforest Light. Waterfall Sound. Pure Calm. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property on 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!

CONTRA DANCE IN MELBOURNE

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

Castlemaine Diggings (18KM, Grade M)

Get involved with non-profits helping victims of trauma and abuse

This fortnightly meetup is intended for non-profits focused on helping victims of trauma and abuse (primarily in Melbourne/Victoria) to connect with eachother, supporters and the broader movement. If you would like to belong as part of a safe, friendly and caring community united by altruism and goodwill - that's what we are building here. Please join us. Brites is a community for cooperative altruism. We stay connected primarily through Telegram - feel free to join our Melbourne group here (2-week free trial) 👉 [https://www.launchpass.com/brites/melbourne](https://www.launchpass.com/brites/melbourne).

Pride Inside Book Club - July Meeting - Braiding Sweetgrass

Blackburn Lake Loop Walk

O'Keefe Rail Trail, Knowsley State Forest to Lake Eppalock walk - 6 going

Camping Mt Franklin Camping Area