[defrost]

Do you have any notion of what it is you'd like to do with Linux and programming?

Deep dark buried backend stacks in cloud infrastructure, or perhaps control a drone that monitors engineering or construction progress, etc.

[daniel_j]

I have an interest in systems programming. I've been on a run of enjoying esp32 iot home automation projects, I enjoy interfacing hardware with software. I enjoy restoring early hardware.

[worthless-trash]

So, retro system meetups, hackerspace and electronics meetups ? (Which i'm sure retro and hackerspace are in syd/mel)

[defrost]

Home automation gives you a line in to hook up with tradespeople (electricians etc), building contractors, architects that design and install such systems.

There's a challenge there to socially meetup and connect to develop work, a career, or just exchange information.

Social friendships might come out of such pursuits.

(FWiW I'm in W.Australia, > 60, and had an interest in version 0.0 Linux when I was porting Minux to a transputer array and eating popcorn when Tannenbaum and Torvalds were back and forthing on UseNet)