Host City
Melbourne, located on the east coast, is the 2nd largest city in Australia. Over 3.5 million people live in the city, which has been voted The World's Most Livable City on a number of occasions.

Dates
The Conference will take place 2-5 October 2008.

Conference Abstracts
Abstracts will be available on the website one week prior to the Conference. The book of abstracts will also be available upon registration if you indicated your request for a hard copy when you registered online. It is the responsibility of each delegate to bring a printed copy of the abstracts to the conference.

Name Badges
All delegates will receive a name badge upon registration. This badge is the official pass and must be worn to obtain entry to all conference sessions and associated activities.

Registration and Information Desk
The Registration Desk will be located on level 3 of the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Delegates are kindly requested to visit the Registration desk from Thursday 2 October to register and collect Conference name badges and materials. The desk opening times are listed below.

The registration desk will operate as an enquiry/information desk for the duration of the Conference. The registration desk will be operational between:

Thursday 2 October 0730-1700
Friday 3 October 0730-1830
Saturday 4 October 0730-1730
Sunday 5 October 0800-1500

Internet Facilities
There will be an internet centre available in the exhibition hall for delegates’ to use. The internet centre will operate during the following times:

Friday 3 October 0930-2000
Saturday 4 October 1000-1600
Sunday 5 October 1000-1600

Delegates will also have access to wireless facilities within certain areas of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Speaker's Preparation Room
The Speaker Preparation Room is located in John Batman Theatre Suite 1 and will be operating at the same times as the registration desk.

Thursday 2 October 1000 -1700
Friday 3 October 0730-1800
Saturday 4 October 0730-1730
Sunday 5 October 0800-1330

Exhibition Operating Hours
The Exhibition will be located in the You Yangs Exhibition Hall at the Melbourne Convention Centre. All morning / afternoon teas and lunches will be held within the Exhibition.

Friday 3 October 0930-2000 (including the Welcome Reception)
Saturday 4 October 1000-1600
Sunday 5 October 1000-1600

Transportation
Tullamarine International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes from the city centre. Once in Melbourne, there are many transport options including taxi, train and tram.

Visas
All visitors to Australia (except residents of New Zealand) require a visa before entering Australia. Please visit the Visa Information page of this website for more details.

Local Time
The time in Melbourne in September/October is 11 hours ahead of G.M.T.

Currency & Banking
Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.

Banks and Foreign Exchange
Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-5pm. All the major banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport, or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.

Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques are a safe and convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Travelex are widely accepted in Melbourne , and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash travellers cheques. Fees for changing travellers cheques vary from bank to bank.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia. International airfares do not attract GST. For international visitors, all prices quoted for a Victorian holiday will include the 10 per cent GST, payable at the time of ticketing.

Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

Electric Current
Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

First Aid and Hospital Services
A first-aid room will be available to delegates during the conference. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance. 

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Restaurants
Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and every cuisine is available throughout the many restaurants.

Shopping
Most shops in Melbourne are generally open from 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday to Wednesday and 09:00 to 21:00 Thursday to Friday. In all stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city.

Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra, Acland Street in St Kilda and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have stacks of streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram, although you'll need a car to visit larger suburban malls like Chadstone, where many of the major retailers are found.

Bargains
For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices. Big savings can also be made during sale times (normally at the end of summer and winter, and some public holidays) held by David Jones, Myer and other department stores.