Chess Clubs Melbourne

Social Chess Meetup - Saturday, September 19th

Hello Everyone, Come join us for another lovely spring arvo of chess - everyone is welcome from beginner to expert! worry not there wil be someone one to challenge.

Boards, pieces, clocks will be provided at our great spot - Prince Alfred Carlton (191 Grattan St) right near the newly opened Parkville Station! We will be upstairs. Stay up to date through our socials or WhatsApp community: 

WhatsApp Community message me (David) and I’ll add you to the chat +61 438 004 729

Social links IG FB: https://linktr.ee/MelbourneChessSociety Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Social Chess Meetup - Wednesday October 14

Join us on Wednesday, 14 October, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Oche Melbourne (263-269 Elizabeth Street) for another evening of social chess. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced players – there’ll always be someone to challenge. We’ll be playing on the top level of Oche, a fantastic venue with great food, drinks, and complimentary dart boards available for chess players to enjoy throughout the evening. ♟️ Boards, pieces and clocks will all be provided, just bring yourself :) Stay up to date through our socials or WhatsApp community: 📱 WhatsApp Community: Message David on +61 438 004 729 to join. 🔗 Instagram, Facebook & more: https://linktr.ee/MelbourneChessSociety See you there!

Crochet Night

Come along to meet new people and learn how to crochet! \*\*Paid Event. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crochet-night-tickets-1999982292876?aff=ebdsoporgprofile The Making Club is for people who love trying new things and creating art. At our Crochet Night we will teach you how to crochet or you can work on an existing project. Materials provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. The venue is 247-251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, AU 3000, Ross House Association, 4.1 Hayden Raysmith Room. Follow us on Instagram @the.making.club

Hong Kong Mahjong at Marché Board Game Cafe

**TABLE ALLOCATIONS AND SCORING FOR QUARTERLY EVENT** As per below we are running a quarterly competition. The top 3 individuals who accumulate the most points over 7 of the maximum 12 sessions in the quarter will receive a prize according to how they place in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Furthermore, in order to balance out both the competition aspect of the group with welcoming beginners to the group, tables will be allocated weekly according to the level of players, their reliability on turning up weekly in addition to their ability to stay for a full 4 rounds. Here is a link to the spreadsheet showing the scores and standings in addition to the table allocations for the current week. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Pp2KeKOIi51dUsGDd_fez7LuPmIOpfsw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113173138207568160139&rtpof=true&sd=true **NEW COMPETITION FOR HONG KONG MAHJONG GROUP** We have a new exciting competition and prizes for regular attendees to the Hong Kong Mahjong Group which will be run quarterly. Marche Board Game cafe has been generous enough to sponsor the prizes. The first competition session will include all weekly sessions run from July 16th 2026 up and until September 30th 2026 - from my account that is 12 sessions. **SYSTEM OF PLAY AND SCORING** As you play each week with others you will need to take note of your scores and provide me with the overall outcome for the table. Hopefully you will be able to complete 4 rounds during the course of each session on your table, however if this is not the case, then that is all fine. In order to score on the table we will utilise the Mahjong Camera app which is available on IOS. When you set up a game you will need to make the settings at Number of Rounds (4), Minimum Fan (3), Maximum Fan (10), and set the scoring to Half Spicy x 1. Utilising this scoring method it makes it more lucrative for a player to score higher Fan hands as you are rewarded exponentially more points. For example a 10 fan (point) hand where someone throws out to you will reward you with the maximum 128 points as opposed to a 3 fan (point) hand which will only give you 8 points. **POINT CALCULATION FOR QUARTER** Your best 7 sessions across the 12 sessions will be counted towards your score for the quarter. This allows for you to have a bad week or two and also provides you room to still be in the competition even if you cannot attend every week. **TALLY OF SCORES** Once the first session has been concluded I will provide a link here in the meet up to a google spreadsheet showing your weekly and overall scores so you can keep track. **THE PRIZES** The top 3 members for the quarter will receive prizes. First Prize - $100 Marche voucher Second Prize - $50 Marche voucher Third Prize - $25 Marche voucher **ABOUT THE MEET UP** Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at Marché Board Games Cafe in the CBD for a casual night of mahjong - Right in the CBD. We'll start around 6:00pm till we all need to go home :) Our typical session concludes usually around 10:00pm. Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend, 24 hours prior the event. For those that have a record of non attendance without communicating, you will be moved to the waiting list for future events and be contacted directly to confirm that you indeed intend to turn up, at which you will be allotted a spot subject to availability. For more details on the rules of the game, please refer to: http://mahjongtime.com/hong-kong-mahjong-rules.html Marche has been kind enough to offer us a deal to play in their cafe. **⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Cost ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆** Attendees who have registered for the event on Meetup can play at discounted rates, with the following payments to be made: * \*\*$6 in total per session” to cover cafe costs. Payment of $6 should be made to Marche at the front counter upon notification to the staff member that you are here for the scheduled meetup. There is now no minimum spend on items at the cafe as there were before. The cafes menu can be found here https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf .

September Book club - The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy

Happy Hour Toastmasters

**At Happy Hour Toastmasters - We make public speaking** **FUN!** **Do you want to get better at speaking in front of people?** Maybe for that important presentation at work, or that big wedding speech you've been asked to give? Do you want to have fun and make a bunch of great new friends while doing it? Then **our club is the place for you!** Our club is a diverse and supportive group of people, from beginners to world championship finalist-level speakers, who meet regularly to practice and improve our public speaking skills. **You'll also** **learn:** * **leadership skills** * **networking and 'soft skills'** * **how to provide constructive feedback** * **how to control your 'ums' and 'ahs'** * **how to think quickly and creatively while speaking on your feet** * **and much more!** **Guests are welcome** to come to any of our meetings, and we are also to chat with you about questions you might have, so please get in touch! **Please note - Bookings are essential**, as we need to let you into the building when you arrive!

September Book Club: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Chadstone Oaks Toastmasters Club Meeting

Want to be able to articulate your thoughts with clarity and precision? Want to overcome your public speaking anxiety and become a confident presenter? Want to develop leadership skills and become a better communicator? Join Chadstone Oaks ToastMasters Club! Toastermasters is a not-for-profit organisation that is run by volunteers. We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We have meetings regularly, each meeting has a range of activities for you to participate in, such as impromptu speaking, prepared speech, etc. You will also receive constructive feedback which helps you improve your performance. Guests are welcome! We offer three meetings for free to our guests before joining as a member, so you can get a taste of how ToastMasters works and decide if it's right for you. When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7.30pm-9.30pm Where: 22 Rob Roy Rd, Malvern East, VIC 3145 Visit our website to find out more: https://chadstoneoaks.org.au/ Send us a contact form through our website to reserve your spot if you'd like to attend our meeting as a guest.

📚 #InPursuit – A Book Club for Builders, Thinkers, and Doers

📚 #InPursuit is a book club for entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious minds who know personal growth fuels business growth. **See a lot of RSPVPs and wonder how it works? We'll break up into groups of 6-8 to share our insights, then swap groups after 30-45min so you can maximise learning from everybody!** *Note: this even is not organised by or affiliated with The State Library of Victoria* **That's what #InPursuit is all about** It’s not a traditional book club, it’s a space for people who are actively designing a better life through the pursuit of business, creativity, and personal growth. This event is for anyone #InPursuit of better business, life and relationships. Instead of reading the same book, we each come prepared to share one powerful insight from something we’ve read in the past 3-months. Anything non-fiction that’s moved us forward. Whether it’s a mindset shift, a productivity system, a new philosophy, or just a truth that punched us in the gut. This is a place to unpack it together and hear what others are learning too. We’re not just here to *read*. We’re here to *integrate*. Because when we grow, our business and our lives grow too. **🔍 Why Join? You'll leave with:** * 5–10 fresh insights from books you may never have picked up * Deeper awareness of how others think, lead, and evolve * New connections with people walking a similar path toward purpose, results, and impact This isn’t a lecture. It’s a room full of people building themselves while they build the thing. **📖 How It Works** First time? No pressure to share, just come curious. We'll break up into groups of 6-8 and share our insights, then swap groups so you can maximise the learning! Returning? Bring one idea you’ve read about in the last 3-months and be ready to speak on: 1. What did you learn? 2. How did it shift your perspective about the world or yourself? 3. How has it changed the way you show up or behave? We keep it structured, but flexible. After sharing, we open up to Q&A, personal stories, challenges, and deep dives. Some of the best insights come from the conversations *after* the share. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Entrepreneurs or side-hustlers finding their footing * Business owners, and doers building toward better * Curious minds who love ideas but care more about action * People tired of shallow conversations and hungry for growth If you’re working on something—or becoming someone—this space is for you. It’s a practice ground for people who want to grow forward. We’re all #InPursuit of mastery, momentum, and the kind of success that starts from within. **Map on how to get there** We're in the Create Quarter on the ground level (back right of the Quad as you enter from Swanson St). We'll likely be on a long table together. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/SLV-EnglishMap_Jan25.pdf

CPA Toastmasters - Learn Public speaking

🌟 **Unlock Your Full Potential with CPA Toastmasters!** 🌟 Are you ready to become a more confident speaker and a stronger leader? CPA Toastmasters is here to help you *grow* both personally and professionally! Whether you're looking to improve your public speaking skills, enhance your leadership abilities, or build self-confidence, Toastmasters provides a supportive and encouraging environment for you to thrive. 🚀 **Why CPA Toastmasters?** * **Improve Public Speaking**: Learn how to communicate clearly and confidently in front of any audience. * **Build Leadership Skills**: Develop the tools and techniques to become a stronger leader in your personal and professional life. * **Friendly, Supportive Community**: Join a group of like-minded individuals who are all working toward their personal growth and success. * **Real-Time Feedback**: Get constructive feedback in every meeting to help you continually improve. * **CPD Hours**: As our member, you are eligible to claim CPD hours under CPA for attending our meetings! 📈 **What to Expect at a Toastmasters Meeting:** * **Prepared Speeches**: Deliver speeches on topics you’re passionate about (Members only) * **Impromptu Speaking**: Practice thinking on your feet with quick, fun exercises. * **Constructive Feedback**: Receive valuable tips to help you improve, delivered in a positive, encouraging way. * **Leadership Roles**: Take turns leading the meeting, which helps you refine your organizational and leadership abilities. Come visit us in our next meeting and learn how our club can support your public speaking journey!

Presenting - 'Speaking on the spot'

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive reality workshops- Tonight get involved and have some fun. Ever walked away from a conversation thinking you should have said this or that, but instead suffered 'brain freeze'? Learn methods to respond on the spot, and follow up with practice in small groups. Learn by doing! Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just two member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." "At other clubs I used to listen to long speeches and lectures, here we get so many chances to talk every meeting, that we have to improve" **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, PURPLE Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Speak with Confidence: Northern Exposure Toastmasters - Preston Library

Join us at Preston Library and boost your public speaking skills! ## Speak with Confidence at Northern Exposure Toastmasters Join us in person at Preston Library for a fun and friendly Toastmasters meeting! Whether you're looking to sharpen your public speaking skills or just want to meet like-minded folks, this is the place to be. Share your stories, get useful feedback, and boost your confidence in a supportive atmosphere. ### **Set Your 2026 Challenge** Maybe this is the year you want to: * Improve your public speaking and presentation skills * Build confidence in meetings or high-pressure situations * Become a more influential leader * Sharpen your thinking on your feet * Strengthen your communication for career advancement * Expand your personal and professional network Whatever your 2026 challenge looks like, Toastmasters meets you where you are, and helps you grow from there. There is so much to learn from presenting speeches to become a Leader in the Club. * 1\. Personal & professional development * 2\. Improved communication & listening skills * 3\. Increased confidence * 4\. Develop & enhance leadership skills * 5\. Affiliation with an internationally renowned organisation Don't miss out on this chance to speak up and stand out!