congress congress
Congress concluded
Key Dates
Symposia and Courses Submission Closes 28 February 2011
Call For Papers Opens March 2011
Registration Opens March 2011
Call for Papers Closes 20 June 2011
Early Bird Registration Closes 30 September 2011
Late Rate Registration Commences 2 November 2011
Register Your Interest

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National Convention Centre Canberra
National Convention Centre Canberra

Presenters sponsored by

Alcon Novartis

General Information

With the Congress approaching, we would like to provide you with some helpful information to assist you upon arrival and for the preparation of your travel.



Airport & Flight Regulations

Qantas All Australian international inbound and outbound flights are subject to security screening restrictions for liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs). As a traveller you are not able to carry onboard more than one litre in total of LAGs goods. LAGs must be in containers no larger than 100ml each and fit comfortably within a one litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag.

LAGs restrictions apply to the following types of liquids, aerosols and gels, but are not limited to:

Exceptions apply for medicines/medical products and baby products.

For more information contact the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government at www.customs.gov.au, or download the Guide for Travellers here: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4258.asp (guides are available in several languages)

Alcohol

The legal age for drinking alcohol in Australia is 18 years. You will be need to provide photo ID at venues where alcohol is served if you appear to be under 25 years of age.

Many towns and communities ban outdoor consumption of alcohol. Dry zones are often established by local councils after certain areas, such as local city parks, become favourite locations for problem drinking, violence, and anti-social behaviour. These are indicated by signs along the streets.

Some restaurants hold a BYO permit, which allows customers to bring their own liquor and drink it on the premises.

ATM Banking Facilities

Banks in Australia are generally open 09:30 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday, and until 17:00 on Friday.



Business Hours

In Australia, business hours are most commonly 9:00 until 17:30, Monday to Friday, with a small variation either side. Places in the north of Australia sometimes open and close a little earlier. If trying to contact a business in another part of Australia, remember about time differences.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Conversions

Currency

Australia uses the decimal system, and the Australia Dollar is the basic unit. Australia’s currency comprises coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two dollar denominations; and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar denominations. The $2 coin is smaller than the $1 coin.

The Australia no longer has 1c or 2c coins in operation, therefore stores will round up the bill to the nearest 5c for bills.

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours.

The most widely used credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club and are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Some stores may have a minimum purchase policy for the use of credit cards or debit cards.

Dietary Requirements

All catering breaks including lunch, morning and afternoon teas will be served at a special catering station. If you have indicated a special dietary need, please go to the special dietary requirements buffet table or speak to a venue staff member to collect your meal. If you have not already done so, please advise the congress organizers of any dietary requirements (including vegetarian and religious requirements).

To ensure your requests can be met, please email your dietary requests upon registration, or email the congress office at least 1 week prior to the start of the congress at ranzco2011@thinkbusinessevents.com.au

Dress Code

The dress code for the congress is neat casual attire.

Driving

Speed and distance in Australia are measured in kilometres and kilometres per hour. Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Drivers in Australia require a valid driving licence. Foreign licences in English are considered valid for driving in Australia for visitors for three months. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit which is issued in your home country before arrival in Australia is required.

Use of seat belts is compulsory for drivers and all vehicle passengers, and infants must be secured with approved safety capsules and harnesses. Seatbelt laws are enforced, and the onus is on the driver to ensure all passengers are buckled.

The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia. Learner and provisional drivers are not permitted to have any alcohol in their system whilst driving. Police conduct random breath tests along both major routes and back streets, both in cities and in the country. A driver does not have to be driving suspiciously or have committed any driving offence to be stopped by police for a random breath test.

Speed cameras are used in all states and territories of Australia, with some states using hidden cameras, others preferring obviously placed ones. The strictest place for speed limit enforcement is Victoria, with speed cameras being hidden in unmarked cars and having low tolerance for excess speed.

Traffic in Australia's major cities can be congested. As in any other place, it pays to avoid driving in or around the city during peak times when everyone is trying to get from or to work.

For more information about driving in Australia, please visit: http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_Australia

Electrical Appliances

In Australia, the voltage for domestic use is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz, with 3-pin power outlets. With the use of an adaptor, European appliances will work; however, US 110V appliances will also need a transformer.

electrical plug

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance coverage of any kind. Delegates are strongly advised to secure appropriate travel and health insurance. Congress managers cannot accept responsibility for any delegate failing to cover their own insurance.

Internet Facilities

An Internet Café will be located in the Ground Level Foyer. It is available free of charge to delegates and speakers. Please be respectful of other delegates’ needs by limiting your usage to 10 minutes. Wifi access is available for purchase from the National Convention Centre reception.

Language

English is the official language of the congress.

Medical and Health Care

If you require a medical appointment, most Doctors will allow you to make an appointment or simply drop in and wait. There will be a charge for the visit. If you require emergency care in hospital, some visitors (from UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Malta, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy, the Netherlands) will be covered by a reciprocal agreement. Contact the Medicare Information Service on 13 20 11 for further information.

In Australia, the Emergency telephone number for Ambulance, Fire or Police is 000.

Name Badges

Each Congress delegate will receive a name badge on registration. This badge will be your official pass and must be worn to gain entry to all sessions, the exhibition area, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and the social functions included with your registration.

Phone Calls

Calling Cards

International calling cards can be purchased from newsagents, petrol stations, and tobacconists, and can provide a very economical method of calling internationally. For outgoing international calls, dial 0011, the country code of the country you are calling, then the number. The country code for Australia is +61. For directory assistance, phone 1123.

Public Telephones

Canberra’s area code is 02 if calling from within Australia or +61 2 from overseas

The cost of a local call from a public phone is 50 cents. Public phones accept coins and pre paid telephone cards, which are available at newsagents, convenience stores and Australia Post Offices. Public phones are located at shopping centres, malls and at Post Offices

International calls can be made from pay phones. Charges vary depending on the time of day and distance

1800 numbers are free call numbers when dialled from anywhere within Australia

1300 numbers are costed at the local call rate when dialled from anywhere within Australia.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones with GSM capabilities can be used in Australia. The most common GSM standard used is 900 MHz, but 1800 is also used. 1900 MHz (used in the USA) is not used in Australia. Mobile phones can be used if international roaming has been activated.

Please respect the presenter and other members of the audience by ensuring your mobile phone and/or pager is switched off or on silent while you are in sessions.

Newspapers

Newspapers are available at newsagents and some supermarkets; international newspapers are available at specialist newsagents. The main paper in Canberra is the Canberra Times.

Post Office

Post Offices generally open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. The nearest post offices are located at:
Post Office and Street Posting Box Locator

Privacy Statement

The RANZCO 2011 Congress (the congress) is bound by and committed to supporting the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) set out in the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.

Use of Personal Information

The Congress will collect and store information you provide in your Registration Form for the purposes of enabling us to:

The information that you provide in the Registration Form and information provided at any other time during the Congress, including without limitation any feedback obtained during the Congress, will be used by the Congress to offer, provide and continue to improve its congresses and other services.

Congress Delegate List

The Congress will produce a Delegate List of all delegates for supply to all registered attendees and exhibitors at the Congress. The Delegates List will contain delegate’s name, affiliation and location (state or country) only. Registrants may withhold consent for inclusion of their details in this publication by ticking the box in the registration form.

Disclosure of Personal Information to Third Parties

The Congress may disclose some of the information that is collected in the Registration Form such as your name, organisation and its location and your email address to Congress sponsors and exhibitors for marketing purposes.

The Congress will not otherwise, without your consent, use or disclose your personal information for any purpose unless it would reasonably be expected that such purpose is related to the offer, provision and improvement of the Congress or where such purpose is permitted or required by law. Registrants may withhold consent for disclosure of their contact details to sponsors or exhibitors by ticking the box in the registration form.

Public Transportation

Buses

ACTION

Canberra's public bus service, ACTION Buses, covers Canberra’s major tourist sites and the suburbs. ACTION provides buses to major events such as major sporting events, Floriade and annual concerts. The Daily Ticket is ideal for sightseeing. Tickets are available from bus drivers as you board the bus, or from any ACTION ticket agent. Call 13 17 10 for more information or view ACTION's printable routes and timetables. ACTION's fleet includes easy access buses for people with reduced mobility.

Explorer Bus - Canberra Day Tours

This Hop on Hop off service visits most of Canberra's top attractions. Enjoy a commentary and convenient pick up and drop off to accommodation locations. Pre-purchase tickets from Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, 330 Northbourne Avenue. For more information call 1300 554 114 or visit www.canberradaytours.com.au.

Airliner Shuttle

The Airliner Shuttle operates services every half an hour between Canberra city centre, Canberra International Airport and the Brand Depot factory shopping outlet. Check their website at www.airliner.com.au for details on tickets and timetables, or call 02 6299 3722.

Taxis

Taxis will take you anywhere you want to go. Phone ahead or wait at a taxi rank. Companies will accept credit cards and electronic funds transfer.

Canberra Cabs

Phone: 13 22 27 or SMS your name, pickup address and time to be collected to 0417 672 773
For wheelchair bookings phone: 6126 1596

Cabxpress

Phone: 6260 6011
For wheelchair bookings phone: 6260 6077

Silver Service

Phone: 13 31 00
This premium service features luxury sedans and 7 seater vans, accredited silver standards, and guaranteed delivery times for with bookings.

Registration & Information Desk

The Registration & Information Desk will be centrally located onsite at the congress venue for collection of name badges and congress materials. Staff will be on hand to answer any queries and provide information.

The RANZCO 2011 Congress Registration and information Desk will be located in the Ground Floor Foyer and will operate during the following hours:

Saturday 19th November 2011         1400 – 1800
Sunday 20th November 2011            0700 – 1730
Monday 21st November 2011           0700 – 1730
Tuesday 22nd November 2011         0700 – 1300

Shopping

In general, shops open from 09:00 to 17:30 during the week with late night shopping on Thursday and Friday until 21:00. On Saturday, most shops open from 09:00 to at least 17:00, and major department stores in the city are open on Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00.

The National Convention Centre has the very best shopping right on its doorstep with Canberra’s premier retail and fashion precinct, the Canberra Centre, a short stroll away.

Just 10 minutes away are Kingston and Manuka’s cosmopolitan cafes and boutiques as well as fantastic restaurants and bars. Bargain hunters are sure to find a great deal at Canberra’s newest discount shopping complex, Brand Depot, located near the Canberra International Airport.

Weekends offer the vibrant atmosphere, fun and colour of some of Canberra’s many local markets including the multi-award winning Bus Depot Markets every Sunday.

In Canberra, you can experience everything from luxury boutiques, malls and department stores to street markets and local designers. How about taking home some local art, craft, cool climate wine and gourmet produce. Many of the shops, galleries and boutiques only stock regional wares providing that special something for you and your loved ones.

Websites:

Restaurants

Canberra is a great destination for food lovers. You can relax in modern cafes, experience first-class cuisine at stylish restaurants, dine with a view, or taste award-winning wines and fresh food at a vineyard cafe or restaurant set amongst gorgeous rural surrounds. Most wineries are within 30 minutes drive from the city, making visiting easy. Increasingly, degustation dining and wine matching from sommeliers is a feature of restaurants in Canberra.

The Gourmet guide shares the very best in gourmet experiences on offer as well as details of local producers, providores, cooking schools and some recipes from leading restaurants. Download the Gourmet guide or call visit the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre on 1300 554 114 for your free copy.

Websites:

Smoking

Smoking is banned in most public places in Australia, including at congress venue. All restaurants, cafes, licensed premises, shopping centres and public transport are smoke-free. Smoking is also prohibited in all covered areas of train platforms, tram and bus shelters.

Telephone Directory

Emergency Services

The best time to prepare for emergencies or crisis is before they happen. Canberra emergency numbers are 24 hour free access multilingual helplines. During an emergency or extreme crisis situation the tourists can ring up these numbers for immediate help and assistance.

The list of emergency numbers in Canberra are :

The Canberra Emergency numbers should be kept ready with all the travelers planning to visit Canberra. Immediate help can be availed during sudden emergencies or in acute crisis situation.

Hire cars

Airlines

Time

Canberra is 11 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 choice as a reward for good service. It is customary to tip hotel porters (eg. $2.00) and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional, however you may choose to round up to the nearest dollar or two if desired.

Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia’s taxation system has incorporated the Goods & Services Tax (GST). Prices will usually indicate whether or not the GST is included in the quoted price (incl. or excl. GST).

As part of this taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

To claim a refund you must:

Claims at airports are available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.

Claims at seaports should be made no earlier than 4 hours and no later than 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time of the vessel.

For more information about the TRS, how it works and how to claim your refund, please visit http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4646.asp or call 1300 363 263

Visa Requirements

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane regardless of the length of stay. All international delegates, apart from New Zealand citizens, must obtain a Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia.

Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically-stored authority for travel to Australia for a short-term tourist or business entry. ETAs are issued within seconds of being requested through computer links between the Australian Immigration Department, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world. Over 30 countries around the world have access to the free ETA system.

Conference delegates from non-ETA countries will need to obtain a Business (short stay) visa, even if some tourism activities are planned for part of the stay in Australia. It is called a 456 visa if it is issued as a label into a passport. Details are available from the Australian Department of Immigration website (www.immi.gov.au) for more information

Please ensure you organise your documentation well in advance of travel. As visa processing times may vary, you are encouraged to apply for the appropriate visa 6-8 weeks before your departure to Australia. Your passport must be valid for the period of your intended stay in Australia.

Please note that in order to be granted a visa to visit Australia you must demonstrate that you meet ALL the legislative requirements for visa grant.

For further information about visa applications please visit:

Weather & Climate

The national capital’s four distinctive seasons bring their own beauty and charm, making Canberra a rare treat among Australian cities providing a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the year.

Spring in Canberra is truly glorious. Canberra is home to Floriade, Australia's celebration of spring. The city blossoms into colour as trees reveal spring blooms and our regional vineyards awaken with the first bud bursts. You can expect moderately fresh mornings, bright, sunny days and brisk nights. Spring is ideal for bushwalking and exploring wildflowers at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and nearby Namadgi National Park.

Canberra's summer delivers endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, especially on Lake Burley Griffin where plenty of water sports and activities await. Days are warm to hot, with plenty of sunshine and little humidity, followed by mild, balmy nights.

Autumn in Canberra is a delight as the city’s parks and gardens take on a special appeal. Canberra’s stunning landscape changes as leaves of red, gold, russet, ochre and crimson emerge and are balanced by the soft greys and greens of native eucalyptus and coniferous trees. The season is blessed with cool nights and mild days.

Canberra winters are the perfect time to snuggle up in front of a fire with a big glass of cool climate wine. The nights and early mornings are brisk, but frosts and occasional fog generally clear to striking sunny days, so you can still get pleasure out of bike riding and walks by the lake on the cool fresh days.

Season Average Min* Average Max*
Spring: 6 (40) 19 (66)
Summer: 12 (54) 27 (81)
Autumn: 7 (45) 20 (68)
Winter: 1 (34) 12 (54)

* Degrees Celsius (Degrees Fahrenheit in brackets)