OzBargain 18th Birthday Meetups (2024)

How to use Event Checkins and List of Your Events

For those going to an OzBargain meetup, please ask the organiser or a co-organiser to check you in.

For meetup organisers, please

  • Make sure you check in everyone that comes. Make another user or two as "co-organisers" to help you check in.
  • Scan or take photos of all the receipts, and email them to me [email protected]. Make sure you include (1) the location of the meetup, and (2) your bank account or PayID for reimbursement.

This is the forum post that some of you guys have been waiting for — a placeholder for all the OzBargain birthday meetups in 2024. We have been running these IRL meetups in November each year since 2017, and last year the OzBargain meetup organisers put together 29 events where 565 ozbargainers get to meet and share a meal together. We will be doing the same again this year —

  • Someone from the OzBargain community might want to organise an event locally
  • Other OzBargain users will want to attend those events
  • OzBargain will sponsor those events

There will be a new OzBargain T-shirt this year to be given out exclusively at the meetup events, in Aussie green & gold with "OzBargain verified Not A Bot" at the back. Finger crossed that the factory I found on Alibaba can deliver those shirts on time though.

Process will be similar to last year. To organise an event:

  • Post a new thread in Site Discussions with "OzBargain 18th Birthday - <Location> Meetup" in the title. Use the thread to discuss with the community to work out preferred date/time & venue. Please note that the meetup event must be in November 2024.

  • Update the title with date/time and venue when it's confirmed, and I'll add your post into the list of events. A poll will be created to allow users to confirm who will be coming.

For the rest of this post, I'll be copying the snippets from last year's, and I will highlight the changes.

Organising events

Budget for the 2024 events will be updated to strictly $45pp (due to increase of cost of living), which should cover food, venue and/or activities.

Try not to duplicate the location. For example if someone has already organised a meetup somewhere in Parramatta, don't organise another one even if it's at a different venue or date.

Please have all the events posted up before the end of October. We will not accept any new meetup requests after 31st of October.

Some budget examples copied from last year,

  • BBQ or pizza at public park (with coupons, of course)
  • Everyone orders UberEats / DoorDash / HungryPanda to eat at the beach and send receipts to scotty for reimbursement
  • Cheap eat in a cafe / restaurant

We are not able to sponsor alcoholic drinks in these meetup events. Some people might want to consume alcohol at meetup events, and that can be done at their own expense.

Add the tag ozbargain18 to your posts.

Soft cap of organising up to 2 meetups. We are going to limit the number of events one can attend this year (see under "Attending events" below) and we don't want people to get around the limit by being organisers of multiple events.

Attending events

You can attend at most two events that you are not organising. We did have that clause last year but we still have quite a few people attending 5+ events, so we will be putting a hard cap this year, i.e. you won't even be able to click on "Yes I am attending" if you are already registered for 2 events.

OzBargain meetups are strictly users only this year. In the past there were some leniency for partners, children or other family members that don't have OzBargain accounts. However for this year we decided that one must have an OzBargain account to be part of the meetup.

We won't allow "new accounts" from participating in meetups either. In the last couple of years we had accounts created just to have free meals at OzBargain meetups, and then never logged in again.


Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions asked by organisers and attendees.

Q: How can we get the OzBargain T-shirts this year?

OzBargain T-shirts this year would be gold/yellow text on green — I've given the Pantone code to the manufacturer however they will probably just pick whatever in their inventory that's closest. The delivery of the T-shirts is also delayed (as of 18 Oct) due to Chinese national day holidays and material change. Currently no ETA but I'll work with the organisers once I have received the shirts, so I can forward those to organisers in different states. I'll put the design here when the manufacturer sent me a photo of the test print.

300 shirts are ordered this year, and I'll try to distribute them amongst organisers, so that they can be given out to ozbargainers during the event. Not everyone is going to receive a free OzBargain T-shirt of their sizes — consider that as a bonus rather than entitlement.

Organisers: please do not promise the availability of T-shirts.

Update 31 Oct: looks like it might get to the organisers near the last week of November

Q: Can we bring family members and kids to OzBargain meetups? Will the cost incurred by them be paid by OzBargain?

OzBargain meetup events this year are for OzBargain members only — you need an OzBargain account (that's not recently created) to register for meetup events. Our meetup budget of $45 per person is also for OzBargain members only. You can bring your family or friends to OzBargain meetups. However if they are not registered to the event, they aren't sponsored.

Q from organiser. How is OzBargain paying for my event?

The sponsorship works by reimbursing the cost of the event. So

  • As an organiser, please pay for the venue and food first. Use the reward cards if you wish to collect points. However please keep all your receipts.
  • Send the receipts to my email address scotty@<this domain>. Make sure you take good photos and the numbers on the receipts are readable. Please also include your banking details (BSB/Acc or PayID) in your email so I can reimburse you.
  • I'll do a fund transfer to your bank account.

This post is work in place. I'll keep everyone updated when we move closer to November and event features get implemented.

List of Events

DateTimeVenue, LocationOrganiserRegWL
ACT
Fri, 22 Nov7:00PMDookki, BelconnenCodeXD160
Thu, 28 Nov6:30PMStar Buffet, Canberra captain danger200
NSW
Fri, 1 Nov1:30PMIppudo, Chatswoodihbh260
Thu, 7 Nov6:00PMThe Savoury Dining, Penrithidontalwaysnotlie140
Sat, 9 Nov11:00AMTaste of Shanghai, Burwoodjiayijames160
Mon, 11 Nov6:00PMFortress, Sydneyimpostor660
Tue, 12 Nov6:30PMLuho, Crows NestSerathis420
Wed, 13 Nov6:00PMBar Reggio, Darlnghursttlai200
Thu, 14 Nov6:00PMLeumeah Hotel, Campbelltownweb5090
Fri, 15 Nov6:30PMCommercial Hotel, ParramattaI Smell Pennies810
Fri, 15 Nov6:00PMDoodee King, Castle Hillsd4399340183
Sat, 16 Nov5:30PMStar Buffet, BankstownI Smell Pennies320
Mon, 18 Nov6:00PMNikaido, MascotFat Horny Ghost820
Thu, 21 Nov6:00PMSubset 27 Ed Square, Edmondson Parksuchan180
Sat, 23 Nov1:00PMAll About Chicken, Coffs Harbourtwilsoncrow80
Sat, 23 Nov12:00PMDa Franco, Concordjiayijames131
Sat, 23 Nov6:00PMZaap by Chang Thai Lao, Cabramattadinted200
Wed, 27 Nov7:20PMEpicurean Crown, BarangarooFat Horny Ghost246
Sat, 30 Nov5:00PMButchers Buffet, BlacktownSydneySurfer668
Sun, 1 Dec11:00AMHyde Park, Sydneycerealsmok3r510
NT
Fri, 29 Nov6:30PMParap Tavern, ParapJaymeRyan50
QLD
Sat, 2 Nov4:00PMMt Gravatt Street Food, Mount Gravattilyhu130
Sun, 3 Nov6:00PMDavid's Master Pot, Underwoodp1723227
Sat, 9 Nov12:30PMGreen Zebra, Sunshine CoastAlley Cat90
Sun, 10 Nov6:00PMVizzeto Woodfire, Moorookaquop120
Wed, 13 Nov6:30PMOkami, SpringwoodWarmachine992710
Sat, 16 Nov12:00PMThe Gunshop Cafe, West Endquop212
Sun, 17 Nov1:00PMEl Atar, ToowoombaTooSerious250
Fri, 22 Nov12:00PMHanwoori Restaurant, Brisbanejaysee-teh3611
Sat, 30 Nov11:30AMRen Yakiniku, Sunnybankjaysee-teh5626
SA
Wed, 13 Nov7:00PMIndian Temptations, Enfieldtwilsoncrow340
Sun, 17 Nov6:00PMBeach Bum, Hovekickling320
TAS
Sun, 10 Nov1:00PMBar Wa Izakaya, Hobartzelliot40
VIC
Fri, 8 Nov7:00PMWill's Dumpling, Moonee Pondsharryozz440
Tue, 12 Nov6:00PMMoohan, Box Hillhamroll510
Thu, 14 Nov6:00PMFortress, Melbourneneil940
Fri, 15 Nov6:00PMOkami, CragieburnRoadZilla190
Fri, 15 Nov12:30PMInglewood Coffee, Mount Waverleyneil470
Tue, 19 Nov6:30PMVillage Green Hotel, Mulgravepatryn330
Fri, 22 Nov6:00PMPacinos, Flemingtoncerealsmok3r277
Sat, 23 Nov12:30PMQuang Vinh, St Albansmangamuncher50
Fri, 29 Nov6:15PMMoon Dog Wild West, Footscraymangamuncher154
WA
Sat, 9 Nov6:30PMThe Gate Bar and Bistro, SuccessOzbargainasaurus188
Sun, 10 Nov6:00PMMack Daddy's, Mount LawleyMixhael4019
Sat, 30 Nov6:00PMMack Daddy's, Mount LawleyMixhael211

45 events from 35 organisers.

Comments

      • +1

        i have been summoned. whats up? I won't be there but happy to give pointers and reassurance if thats whats needed

        • No all good. Too hard with a fixed party package, not meeting minimums, kids not wanting to do the things, kids meals only. Will look at another option.

          • @kickling: oooh didn't realise that fixed party packages were so challenging but good on you for looking into it!

            Yeah there are heaps of options if you have a gander and see what's around. The budget is quite generous but you could also go further out if its difficult to book a table.

    • Try this venue - OKAMI. There is one in SA as well. Fits well within budget.

      Check my event. Book the tables online. Boom. Done.
      I am also organising for the first time.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/871464

      • I think i did that last year already…

        • Okami was 2 or 3 years ago.

          Last year was the Flipside Barcade on Goodwood. And was an awesome package.

          Thank you for organising that amazing event!

        • Check other ACYE

  • +1

    Trying to organise a Tassie event. Come on Hobart-based people: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/872149

    • +1

      thanks for organising!

  • +3

    Only one event for the whole Sunshine State? Where are all the Queensland OzBargainers at?

    • +1

      The OP who organised a meet up in Woolloongabba last year did a really good job 👏👏

    • Lurking, enjoying the sunshine?. Time to step up?

  • +9

    amazing scotty…although I am probably not gonna attend, I think your generosity deserves multiple praises

  • +1

    Trying to set up a Footscray (VIC)
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/872391

  • +1

    And another for St Albans/Sunshine (VIC)
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/872393

    • +1

      We'll add those to the event list once at least a date is confirmed.

  • @scotty @Michael15286
    I notice under "List of Events" this "Mount Lawley Meetup in WA" is posted under QLD ???

    • Me too. I got excited for a second

    • Event was set as QLD in Event Tab. Have now updated to WA. Should be updated shortly.

  • Hi @scotty, made a small change to my event at Ed Square.
    It'll now be on the Thursday 21st Nov, and venue is Subset 27.

    Wonder if there'll be T-shirts for attendees? :)

  • Thanks for sponsoring these @scotty! Keen to attend one in Melb CBD :)

    • waiting for CBD as well

      • +4

        Be the change you want to see. You can organise one!

        • +2

          I am already organising the Epping one.
          Thats Neil territory :D

    • +4

      its about to come up in a bit. final details have come through but neil will post that one

  • +1

    Count me in. Qlders…

    I have learned so much from this site.

  • https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/871149

    Location Finalized based on Poll Result.

    • +1

      Added to the list of events.

  • +8

    For all the organisers — there's a new function added to the "event" page for your post.

    Send Notification

    You can now send a online notification to all the participants, up to one notification per day, about updates to your event. For example,

    • Remind them to pay the deposit / ticket
    • Remind them to actually turn up
    • Update them with time or venue changes

    It can be used by the organisers or moderators to broadcast messages. Please don't spam it.

    • +1

      Thanks for implementing this! This makes organisers lives easier.

      I will give it a shot and see how I go

    • +1

      Thanks so much. This is will be so helpful

  • Any chance of a Sydney coffee roastery Ozbargain meetup like in Melbourne? Would organise but have no idea how to even begin.

    • I’d be keen and happy to help. I won’t be there since I’ve exhausted the amount of events I can attend

      • Hi @cerealsmok3r, I think the limit of 2 is for events you are not organising. If we co-organise something, should be fine I think?
        I contacted a roastery last week and they said they can do Wed or Fri, not a weekend. Max 15 people. Have asked them when the last booking time can be.

        Am hoping it can be late afternoon so we can go after work.

        Hopefully, they'll get back to me soon before the 31 Oct deadline for new events.

        • -1

          It is not. Two max whether you're organising or attending.

          Soft cap of organising up to 2 meetups. We are going to limit the number of events one can attend this year (see under "Attending events" below) and we don't want people to get around the limit by being organisers of multiple events.

          • @kerfuffle: You need to read that in conjunction with

            You can attend at most two events that you are not organising.

            • @quop: @scotty can an event organiser attend max four events - two they're organising and two they're not?

              • +5

                @kerfuffle: Yes max 4 events (2 organised + 2 others). Do note that an organiser does not include co-organiser but only the main organiser, i.e. the OP of the post.

                • @scotty: Thanks for the clarification. Good to know I can organise one more if the Roastery idea works out. Otherwise, maybe next year.
                  p.s. Have posted a new thread to gauge interest.

                  • +1

                    @SydneySurfer: yeah depends on when it is, I can help out

                    • @cerealsmok3r: Would love you to help, especially if you have ideas or experience with one of the roasteries. Shoot me a PM. Thanks!

  • Which one do I meet jv at?

  • +1

    I've posted two proposed events for QLD (Brisbane):

    Go and vote in the polls there if interested.

    • Finally!! :)

    • West End event is confirmed but with a change of venue (and slight change in timing): 12pm 16/11/2024 at the Gunshop Cafe

      Zone Bowling event is cancelled due to lack of interest.

  • what is Reg and WL?

    • +2

      Number of people registered, and number of people on the waitling list.

  • @scotty : when you got a chance if you can please list https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873131 as event ?
    thank you

    • +1

      Added

  • +1

    on the master event table, it is shown as

    QLD

    Sun, 24 Nov 12:00PM Hanwoori Restaurant, Brisbane jaysee-teh

    if mods can update it to 22 Nov 2024 ( Friday) please

  • +1

    Hi,

    I have created an event for Brisbane on Sunday 24 November

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873269

  • +1

    @scotty I have organised a new SA event to replace my other one I withdrew…

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873400

    • +2

      Added.

  • +8

    Update for Blacktown Meetup (Organised by @SydneySurfer)

    Saw there was a Butchers Buffet meetup so I decided to contact an OzBargainer ;) who works in the Butchers Buffet chain and thanks to him (like in 2022), he's been able to help us celebrate OzBargain's 18th Birthday Meetup.

    He has proposed the following:

    "I would be able to assist to meet your $45pp budgeting requirements however will have to request the following to make it work. I will also further support the event by including 1x free soft drink/Korean beer per person."

    I've already called OP (@SydneySurfer) and the following meetup details are:

    • Location: Butchers Buffet Blacktown

    • Date and time: Sat 30 Nov, 5pm start

    • Price: Butchers Buffet will be able to match our $45pp budget, down from $52.99 (huge thanks to my contact). Therefore making this event free for all OzBargainers who register.

    Hopefully this event can now get some traction given it is now free for all OzBargainers. If scotty will allow me to attend this event, I will, but if I can't then that's ok. At least i was able to help bring make the event no cost to attendees instead of having each person pay $8.

    Many thanks,
    ISP

    • +1

      Yes, thanks ISP! Really appreciate your help.

  • -1

    Damn ! Only learn about this event 15 mins ago, already signed 1 event the Hanwoori restaurant but more than 10 people in waiting list before me, looks like will try again next year as I don't think I will have a chance. :)

  • +2

    Thanks to all the organisers for the celebratory events 🥳

  • -1

    Hi Scotty
    I have just posted an event at Bull Creek Chinese Restaurant at Bull Creek, Perth WA for Sunday 17th November 2024 at 6.00 pm. Please let me know if you can post this event. Also can you please share your email address. Thanks Sean De Souza - member of Oz bargain

    • +3

      Sorry but there's something fishy about your event. 3 accounts registered to come minutes after your event was posted — all from the same IP address, multiple times throughout the year, all have attended 2022 WA event as well.

      • +2

        All signed up at roughly the same date. The two other accounts posted their name / phone number without the post saying to do so. Definitely sounds phishy!

        All three users signed up for the Mt Lawley event at the same time too, so could be 3 mates living together: Julie, Kim & Sean?)

        • +1

          Or three people just trying to scab free food and not actively contributing to the community, hence the ban on new account holders attending.

          • -1

            @kerfuffle: Excuse me these are members taking the initiative to organise an event in WA where there are only 2 events.

      • Scotty what is the criteria to attend are members not allowed to organise an event as there are no choices in WA

        • Members can organise. But it looks like you and your household are trying to get a free meal instead.

          all from the same IP address

          How come Kimmy27 and Jules08 have the same IP address as you?

          • -1

            @kerfuffle: I am at work so the IP address can't be the same as me !!

          • +3

            @kerfuffle: Good on you for organizing an event, Sean, but you must understand that precautions need to be taken to ensure the validity of the users and locations to ensure that OzBargain isn't taken for a ride.

            When all three users have had 0 votes on deals, posting deals or even comments that aren't for a meet up, you're going to be focused on.

            Edit: oops, piggy backed on the wrong comment! ;)

            • @rompastompa: Thank you Roompa stompa, I am new to all this and feel sad that Perth only has two events. I have absolutely no idea about contributions to Oz bargain. This is the first … and probably the last time I will volunteer because of this bad experience and comments.

      • -1

        When you say fishy, can't members organise an event all 3 of us are members of Oz bargain since 2021. We have not had an opportunity to attend the 1st event because of a cap on numbers.

        • Member Since
          27/10/2022

          • -1

            @kerfuffle: We are in 2024 and we did not attend last year's 2023 event so much for your hateful comment !!

            • @Sean Bond: You said you'd been a member since 2021. I was merely pointing out that you joined in 2022. I was stating facts, not being hateful.

        • -3

          If you feel someone else should organise an event in Perth than by all means get someone to organise another event in Perth. No one wants to take the initiative which seems unfair to members who want to attend. It seems highly offensive to use terms like ' sounds fishy' without asking for a clarification !!

          • @Sean Bond: He gave you the clarification. You, kimmy27 and jules08 all signed up to your event, however you also all have the same IP address, which you still haven't addressed. Thus, he is suspicious whether your event is genuine. Instead, you're just throwing a tantrum and calling people names. Scotty doesn't have to sponsor your event if he doesn't want to.

            • -1

              @kerfuffle: I agree the decision rests with Scotty, But can you avoid using uncourteous words like 'scab free food' seriously offensive. You are not located in WA but Sydney, why are you passing judgement !!

              • @Sean Bond: Because unlike you, I actively contribute to the community. All you've done apart from attending events is make a single comment in two years. Oh, and carrying on like you're entitled.

                • -5

                  @kerfuffle: I am a member of the community assisting with charities and food banks in my area to help people in crisis. I am not familiar with how these offers on Oz bargain get posted. I saw the post and tried to help organise this event. Its a pity that you are Sydney casting stones on residents of WA. Questioning motives. I have emailed Scotty asking for information but have not heard back.

                  • @Sean Bond: By community, I meant the OzBargain community, not what you do outside of OzBargain. You said in a now unpublished comment that this was a respectable and professional website. If that's the case, why have you made only one comment not related to meetups in the past two years? Perhaps if you make like your non-OzBargain life and give back to the community here such as posting deals and voting on deals, or commenting on deals, there wouldn't be such a big cloud of suspicion surrounding you and your 'mates', which you also said had asked you to organise an event that they can participate in. Can you see how this collusion raises suspicion?

                    • -1

                      @kerfuffle: May be Kerfuffle, but never judge a book by its cover… that's something life has taught me… and I always have learnt from my parents and wiser friends to always give people the benefit of the doubt. Not everyone is tech savvy like you especially when I have been busy getting people to do things for me at work when at a high level. When people try to participate and get harsh responses and negative reactions its very discouraging. Will put my efforts in other more local events where people appreciate it.

                      • @Sean Bond:

                        never judge a book by its cover

                        Yet you were judging me because I'm from Sydney?

                        • -1

                          @kerfuffle: Not judging, stating a fact that you are in Sydney not in WA

                          • @Sean Bond:

                            Its a pity that you are Sydney casting stones on residents of WA

                            Sounds like judging to me.

  • -1

    Scotty if you are reading my posts let me know if you choose to delete the event. No stress as it was my way of helping. But if you prefer to only have 2 in WA, then that's fine. I have only recently started looking at organising things as I have been busy in the corporate area. Yes Kim and Jules are my mates and were requested by me to help me organise this event, but dont want all this negative feelings and suspicions . The world is already full of problems and if you rather me not host the event … all good.

    • I have already replied your TWAM & explained the situation. Mods have derived more data which I will not disclose here, but the conclusion is the same — no. We won't drag the issue onto this public post. If you wish to discuss please continue in the TWAM.

      • Pardon my ignorance, but what is TWAM? I checked my emails I have not heard back from you scotty.

        • +8

          Talk With A Moderator. Scotty won't disclose the reasons, but you're welcome to. I'm invested in the outcome!😂

          • +6

            @rompastompa: some nice Ozb drama omw home from work. love it!

            • @I Smell Pennies: Sad that many look at this as entertainment…. bystanders not willing to help support a new member trying to understand the ways in Oz Bargain.

          • -3

            @rompastompa: I tried, but its fine, I acknowledge Oz bargain is a great community help and engagement tool. Bless those who contribute and shame on those that pass judgement.

    • Dam I would have came what happened?

      • +1

        I was told it was too close to another event. I'll make a new event if I have the time. Ah well, at least I tried. :)

        • +1

          Maybe another Korean or Japanese restaurant ? :)

  • Would anyone be interested in a Northern Beaches meetup?

    (Assuming scotty is still ok with it)

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