Hi all! I'm thinking of heading down for a week to escape NSW (and other things), thinking of coming down on the XPT with my guitar and a backpack. Not afraid to travel around so any corner of the city is fine!

Does anyone have recommendations of chill musical open mics that are happening in the next month or so?

I'm a Fitzroy North local and like to go on daily walks around the area, especially Edinburgh Gardens.

It's dark so early these days but I've got to get my steps in somehow. I've recently noticed there is absolutely ZERO lighting kept on in Edinburgh Gardens. It's like a pitch black void, not even the skate park is lit after dinner.

I don't recall this being the case in summer?!

This is an extremely dangerous hazard for pedestrians who may wish to walk their dogs or walk home through the area (especially women), not to mention it's bad for our mental health to no longer have a green space we can comfortably and visibly walk through... in the depths of winter.

Any other folks know what their park lighting is like from 6pm onwards? Is there someone I can contact about this? Why not just LEAVE THE DANG LIGHTS ON until at least midnight.

Hello everyone, I am considering a move to one of three options: home docklands, west tower, or Madison grand. I would appreciate an honest assessment of each building and its one-bedroom apartments, including whether management is overly strict and other general details like the common areas (pools, coworking space, Saint black if Madison grand, etc)

Between Bayswater and Belgrave
8.30pm Monday 27 July to last service Monday 3 August

The phones probably not working but hoping to salvage my photos if possible so happy to give someone $100 if they can help

This might be the most absurd rental I have ever seen, a rundown two bedroom shitbox which was once owned and occupied by speed freak, drug dealer and serial murderer Dennis Allen, for those of you who aren't familiar with Dennis Allen, he was a major drug dealer in the mid 70s to late 80s, who was a member of the Pettingill family which inspired the Animal Kingdom film. Multiple murders and dismemberments were alleged to have taken place in this house from eye witness testimony.

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-cremorne-443531784?campaignType=external&campaignChannel=other&campaignSource=share_link&campaignName=share_link

I see a lot of posts on here saying its hard to make friends in Melbourne so I thought I would help out and make a big list of as many groups and communities as I can to help people out.

It is often true that its hard to make friends with people who already have their friends and have busy lives, they just actively aren't looking.

But its also true that people with lots of friends still want to make new friends.

And it is very true that there are a lot of people in Melbourne who are new to the city, or their past friends have drifted away because thats how life happens.

*** Before you start, work on your mindset **\*

First, a few things you have to do to actually make the friendship happen:

• Get their name, 5 seconds later actively try to recall their name and say it out loud if you have to. Ask them again if you have to, tell them your name again if you have to. It's not weird its very relatable. If you have to write it down do it.
• Swap instagrams or whatsapp. Otherwise what are you doing.
• Actively organise a catch up, solo or group a week later.
• Ask the other person as much as you can about them and their life. Small talk won't work.
• Break past the small talk and get real, tell them a story about your life, funny, relatable, vulnerable, they will open up too, they will try to help, problem solve, maybe even relate back to you.
• Engage in their interests if something pops up about it, send it to them, show them you remember what they told you.
• Don't be scared or shy. If you meet them one of these ways, they're probably also looking for friends as much as you are. Your shyness is getting in the way. Everyone is vulnerable here, you are not alone.
• Because other people are shy, you should always try to initiate. You have nothing to lose, but you lose by not trying/initiating.
• Don't obsess over age. Age is not a big deal when it comes to friendships, and your connections will all fall into place over time with the right people anyway.
• Don't be offended by someone else's availability or interest, don't feel disheartened, everyone has got busy lives and we don't know what's going on for them. They might not be the right friend for us, they might live on the other side of town, or it might be bad timing in their lives. So stay positive. Keep meeting new people. You will find people who are available and do want to hang out with you.

*** Most importantly **\*

• Most importantly, give people a chance. Someone may be quite different to you and the kind of friends you are used to. It might not even feel like it clicks or it may feel awkward. It's actually normal that it doesn't click at first. But in my experience, that always passes with time. Some of the most different people to me have become some of my favourite people and most special friends. So be open minded, don't judge on first impression on the first meet up. Give people a few goes. Organise a few activities, in no time you'll have a lot more things to talk about.

Oh yeah, and also:

• Invite your new friends to meet your other new friends. Invite your new friends to parties and things you get invited to if you can. Organise group catch ups. You are equally a part of making an inclusive open minded friendship culture happen as much as anyone else and if you do this enough you will have a community. You'll be helping others who would love the help just like you.

***

These all easily apply to anyone between 18-40. There are more options for people over 40 but I find most questions on here come from people in their 20s & 30s.

Places to meet people:

• Bumble BFF: Works great for women, I recommend organising a group meet up at a cafe instead of 1-1.
• Timeleft app: Sets you up on a dinner with 5 other people who are all trying to make friends.
• There is a music app called Muse: for people who want to connect with others who love music gigs and festivals too. It's a little restrictive but I think they've improved it.
• Literally any run club
• Literally any sports club: works great for men.
  • Tennis, pickleball, padel clubs have open nights where you play with randoms at a similar level to you. Suggest a beer or a sports drink for after!
  • Active locals app: Social sports app to find groups to play sport with in Melbourne.
• Open mic scene, stick around and get to know the other artists, show up regularly and you might see them again each week.
• Choirs if you enjoy that.
• Butter app: a social app that was made in Melbourne.
• University clubs: without a doubt, but you've got to join the committee.
• Meetup app: this always gets mentioned but I feel its mainly for a 40+ crowd.
• University social events/parties: 100% but make sure you talk to new people. Organise to go to the next uni party together. Do/organise pre's with them.
• Instagram social groups →There are sooo many of these.
  • First timers club 
  • Conscious Connections 
  • Hype girl social club
  • Friends on purpose
  • To be read book club 
  • Social circle co 
  • Bigger things club 
  • Girls night bookclub
  • Just search friendship groups Melbourne on instagram and they all pop up.
• Facebook social groups: to do with finding friendship & hobby interest groups.
  • e.g. I know for sure people successfully find friends on the DnD groups on Facebook.
  • Go along to existing group catch ups even if you aren't sure if they are similar to you.
  • You should organise an easy group catch up that is central, at least 2 people will show up and now you know 2 more people.
• Any course where you meet up once a week over many weeks. But you still have to make an effort to connect with them outside of the program. Making a group chat right at the start helps. Initiate, initiate, initiate.
  • Language courses.
  • Regular art classes.
  • Dance classes and dance studio open days, talk to others! suggest the same class next time or go for coffee after.
• Your local dog park: Just start a conversation and ask them about their life and ask their name. Before you know if you'll be asking how their day was and have someone or a group of people to just unwind with after a stressful work day.
• Volunteer at literally anything. You can make friends with the other volunteers and its a good chance you are like minded too.

There are more ways but this is all I can think of right now.

Good luck! Make a solid effort! make the first move yourself! and stay positive!

So these Op Shops. Putting up items for more expensive than brand new retail. I was at the Salvos the other day. A single Teaspoon was $8.

What are the good ones to shop at and donate to?

Does anybody know any artists in Melbourne who do good, complex, cybersigilism style tattoos?

Hi, My partner and I are in the process of looking for our first apartment. We are ready to start making some offers now and we're looking for a conveyancer. This is our first time with this stuff so we're unsure what to look for so any recommendations will be appreciated.

How much did you pay?

Was contract review free?

Did it include strata inspector?

Were there any problems during process?

I recently moved house and found my Deb dress. It could definitely be used as a wedding dress though, as it was from a bridal shop. I want to donate to either a high school for a deb or to somewhere that accepts secondhand wedding dresses for disadvantaged women. NOT an op shop. Does anyone have any ideas?

EDIT: SOLVED - dress is being donated to Dreams Can Come True. Lovely lady and very grateful. Thanks to the person who suggested! I'm glad it will make someone else happy on their special day.

Looks promising

🏒⛸️🥅Meet Monte Carlo & Paw Paw ✨ You won’t catch these two gentleman sitting five feet apart 🤽

This bonded pair just can’t get enough of each other 😍 They adore playing together, people watching together, and snuggling together after a long day. They love being a part of the action, especially once the lights go down and they can hit the dancefloor (your hallways) 🌆

🌴Monte Carlo is the quirky and sweet one 😇 His endless curiosity keeps him glued to the window, and the only thing to wrestle him from it is food! Don’t be surprised if this voracious eater gets a little messy 😋

🐾Paw Paw is the quiet but charming one 😘 He is shy at first but once he feels safe, his playful nature comes out in full force! He is especially playful at night, and bats balls around like he’s a soccer star ⚽

🧑‍🤝‍🧑To keep the fun going, these boys must be adopted together. Their playful yet easy-going nature makes them perfect for a peaceful home with cat savvy parents and respectful children. Before you know it, they’ll steal your heart, and then they’ll steal the show 🧑‍🎤👨‍🎤

If you love the nightlife and want to boogie with the best of them, Monte Carlo and Paw Paw are your perfect match ❤️ apply to adopt them here: https://aus03e.sheltermanager.com/service?method=animal_view&animalid=11178&account=aw2947

My lad found him under the lights outside the apartment. Common in QLD but this is the first time I’ve seen one here.

Is he native to the area or hitchhiked in luggage?