General Information
Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements
Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services other than those organised for the official program, please contact the Conference Managers who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.
Private Functions
It is requested that you advise the Conference Managers of any private /corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Conference Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.
Airport and Transport
Skybus: Phone 03 9335 3066. A public transportation bus service, which runs between the airport and city centre, making a loop through the city before terminating at Spencer Street Train Station. The trip takes 20 minutes and costs $AU13 adult, $AU5 child 17 years and under, $AU26 family. There are two airport pickup locations. One is outside the South terminal occupied by Virgin Blue, 50m from the international terminal. The ticket desk is just inside the South terminal. The other ticket desk and shuttle stop are outside the Qantas domestic terminal, to the north of the international terminal. The $AU13 shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 0600 hours to midnight, then every half hour afterward. Airport-bound buses depart from Spencer Street at half-hour intervals from 0600 hours to midnight then at hourly intervals after that. They also run a connection service between the terminal and central hotels throughout the day Monday to Friday 0600 to 0800 hours, Saturday & Sunday 0800 to 0600 hours. Book hotel pick-up three hours ahead. Bookings are not needed for travel from the airport to hotels. If there are more than two in your party it becomes more economic getting a taxi.
By Car: The Melbourne CBD can be reached easily from the airport via the Tullamarine Freeway.
By Limousine: Limousines to the city cost around $AU160.
By Taxi: For three or more people travelling together, a taxi is the best value to or from the airport. You can catch a taxi in front of the terminal buildings. A taxi from the airport to the city will cost between $AU50 and $AU60 depending on traffic.
By Tram: The free City Circle trams run around the CBD perimeter, covering Flinders Street, Spring Street, Nicholson Street, Victoria Street, La Trobe Street and Harbour Esplanade. They run in both directions every 12 minutes of every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day from 1000 to 0600 hours and in daylight saving hours from 1000 to 0900 hours.
Banking/Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1) Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.
Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.
Business Hours
Banks generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday. General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels.
Climate and Clothing
November is spring and the temperature ranges from 11 – 22 degrees Celsius. Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions.
Please refer to the information on the social events page for dress at social functions organised as part of the Conference.
Eating Out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.
As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.
Parking
Available at the Hilton on the Park from $25 per day.
Privacy
Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Conference Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information. Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list.
Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.
Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.
For more information see the ‘Information for International Travellers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au.
Shopping
Shops open from 0900 to 1730 hours during the week with late night shopping on Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays most shops are open from 0900 to 1600 hours.
Time
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
Vaccinations
A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.
CPD Points
Attendance at the WCHA 2010 Conference will attract Continuing Professional Development points.
Hosted By
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Timetable and Deadlines
Early Registration - 1st September 2010
Conference Dates - 8-10 November 2010
Address for Communications
WCHA Annual Conference 2010
GPO Box 128
Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
Deliveries: Level 10, 51 Druitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: + 61 2 9265 0700
Fax: + 61 2 9267 5443
Email:wcha2010@arinex.com.au
WCHA 2010 Conference Managers
arinex pty limited ABN 28 000 386 676
arinex pty limited has been appointed as the official PCO (Professional Conference Organiser). arinex is the largest total service provider for conferences, events, business travel and exhibitions in Australia. They are the only Australian partner of INCON, an exclusive international network of the world’s top conference organisers and event managers. They are ideally placed to combine international know how and local expertise to this Conference and look forward to working with the Women’s Hospitals Australasia and Children’s Hospitals Australasia and all its members to produce one of the best Conferences in its history.