With the Symposium fast approaching, we would like to provide you with some valuable information to assist you during your stay in Melbourne.

TAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO THE MCG

The Symposium is being held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Yarra Park Road, Melbourne.

The following transport options are available:

Train – The nearest train station is Jolimont Station (situated directly across from the MCG). You can get to this station via the Epping and Hurstbridge train lines. Exit the station and head through the park towards the MCG (light tower 1) veer to the right and you will see Gate 2.

Richmond station is also close to the MCG. Exit the station and cross Punt Rd. Walk towards the MCG, along Brunton Ave, you will see some stairs, go up the stairs towards light tower 2, walk around to the right on the concourse with the ground on your left hand side, just a little further around you will see Gate 2.

Tram – Trams run along Wellington Parade every five to ten minutes. Tram routes that travel to the MCG are the 48 & 75. Please visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au for more information on trams, trains and buses. If you catch the tram from Olympic Park get off the tram at the Rod Laver Arena stop. Get off the tram at Rod Laver arena stop. Walk up ramp to the footbridge to the MCG. At the end of the footbridge you will see light tower 5. A little further around to your left you will see Gate 2.

Taxis – Taxi ranks are located at all major hotels, Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations. The taxi drop off point for the MCG is at the Corner of Jolimont Street and Jolimont Terrace. Please enter the MCG via Gate 2.

TRAVEL TO AND FROM MELBOURNE AIRPORT

To get to the MCG follow the Tullamarine Freeway from the airport, continue on Citylink. Take the exit onto the Westgate Freeway continue until Power St exit. Continue on Power St then turn right at City Rd and continue on Alexandra Ave. take a slight left at Swan St then a left at Punt Rd. Turn left at Brunton Ave and the MCG is on the right. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes by car. There are a number of transport options from the airport:

Taxis - take approximately 30 minutes (30 kilometers). A taxi fare is approximately A$60-A$70.

Bus Service – The Sky bus service operates every 10 -15 minutes during the day. This service takes approximately 20 minutes to Southern Cross Station in the city and the cost is A$16.00 one way ($26.00 return). For further information on this service visit www.skybus.com.au

PARKING

Car Parking at MCG

Parking for pre-allocated car spaces only – enter via Entrance A off Brunton Avenue. The Security Officer will direct you to park in the Northern Stand. Park closest to lifts 5, 6 and 7 and take lift to level 2.

All other cars park at Melbourne and Olympic Park, northern car park. Enter the car park from Swan St (Entry D), walk across the footbridge to the MCG. At the end of the footbridge you will see light tower 5. Head to your left, you will see Gate 2. The cost for parking in these areas is $15 per car, per day.

CHECKING INTO YOUR HOTEL

Most Hotels in Melbourne have a check-in time of 14:00 and a check-out time of 10:00. If you are to arrive before this time it is probable that you will not be able to gain access to your room. To guarantee a room to be available for an early arrival you may need to pre-register and pay for your room for the previous night. If this is required please contact the Hotel directly.

Please notify the Hotel if you will arrive after 18:00 hours, as failure to do so may mean that your room will be released.

Please contact the hotel directly if you have any questions or if you need to make changes to your existing booking.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Please visit the registration desk when you first arrive at the Symposium to collect your name badge and other related materials.

The registration desk will be located in the Percy Beams Bar located on level 2 of the Members’ stand of the MCG. The desk will operate during the following times:

Please note if you have not yet paid for your registration you must make this payment before you can participate in sessions and collect your Symposium materials. If payment has not been received by the commencement of the Symposium from either yourself or your organisation, you will be required to pay the outstanding amount by either credit card or cash before attending any sessions.

EXHIBITION OPERATING HOURS

The Exhibition will be located in the Percy Beams Bar located on level 2 of the Members’ stand of the MCG, in the same area as registration. The Exhibition will operate at the following times:

CATERING

Arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided daily at the Symposium.

ABSTRACTS AND PRESENTATIONS

The abstracts are available on the website to view prior to the Symposium. Presentations will also be available after the Symposium subject to authors’ approval. Please visit the website regularly for updates.

SPEAKER PREPARATION

The Speaker’s Preparation Room is located via the Members Dining Room in the John Landy Room on level 2 of the Member’s Stand of the MCG and will operate during the following times:

Please visit the Speaker’s Preparation room at least 2 hours prior to the start of your session to ensure your presentation has been received in working order.

It is recommended that presentations are emailed ahead of time to resilientfamiliessymposium2009@stagingconnections.com

DRESS CODE

Dress standard for the Symposium will be neat casual attire.

INTERNET FACILITIES

For those delegates that wish to bring their personal laptop computer, the internet access within the plenary room (Members Dining Room) is wireless and complimentary.

SMOKING REGULATIONS

Smoking is not permitted within the MCG or within the designated smoke-free areas within the stadium. Please exit via Gate 2 to smoke outside.

WEATHER

Being winter in Melbourne, we suggest you prepare by bringing suitable clothing. A thick coat for the early mornings and evenings and an umbrella are recommended.

Symposium Dates
22 - 24 June 2009