Because you're a WLUG'ger you might want to use the jabber.meta.net.nz server, kindly hosted by Cuchulain and Isomer. (If demand increases we might put a Jabber server up on the WlugServer).
Click on the Subject: to get a list of actions.
The mod_auth_plain module is commented out in the package sample configuration, presumably to prod users to use secure authentication methods. Unfortunately, creating new users requires mod_auth_plain. Uncomment this module and registration will work.
One page links to JabberNotes: