General Information

Important Dates

Abstract submissions close Mar 31 2012

Abstract notification of acceptance May 31 2012

Early bird registration closes Jul 31 2012

Author registration closes Aug 31 2012

Congress Oct 31 – Nov 3 2012

Language

The official language of the Conference is English.

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.

Climate for October/November

Average maximum temperature 24°C
Average minimum temperature 13°C

For more information on average temperatures, rainfall and lots of other great information about Australian destinations, visit www.australia.com

Time

In October/November Sydney is 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

Exchange Rate

Australian currency fluctuates on the international monetary exchange. Therefore we recommend checking with your local bank for the exchange rate just prior to your arrival in Australia.

Currency and 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

Sydney”s banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 0930-1600 and Friday 0930-1700. 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 Sydney’s central business district.

Shopping

Sydney provides pleasure to shoppers with its range of shops. Shopping hours are normally 9 – 5.30 (with some staying open until 9pm) on Monday to Friday with late night trading on Thursday to 9pm. Most stores open until 5pm on Saturdays and most but not all operate on Sundays.

Shopping opportunities are abundant and include a mixture of shopping complexes, boutique stores and colourful markets, many of which are located along the foreshores of Sydney’s famous beaches and harbour areas. Up-market shopping areas are around Pitt Street Mall, between Market Street and King Street, in The Strand and Queen Victoria Building near the Town Hall. Shopping is also found in Darling Harbour at Harbourside and Market City. All is just a short walk from the ‘be active 2012′ venue.

Dining

The city’s dining options are numerous – from an alfresco seafood lunch at Circular Quay to a three-course meal at Bondi Beach.

Sydney’s restaurant scene also reflects the city’s cultural diversity, with inspiration from the finest Asian, European and Middle Eastern cuisines, combined with the freshest Australian ingredients, to create a gourmet paradise.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% 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.

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.

Driving License

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

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference, or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre-booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.