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Host/s
Abdominal Radiology Group Australia and New Zealand (ARGANZ)
The ARGANZ is a not-for-profit group uniting radiologists from Australia and New Zealand who have a special interest in imaging and image guided treatment of patients with the diseases of abdominal organs. ARGANZ exists under the umbrella of RANZCR and adheres to its rules and regulations.
Organising Committee
Richard Mendelson - Chairman
Rob Gibson
Andrew Holden
Max Kupershmidt
Andrew Little
Helen Moore
Nick Ferris
Puja Kashyap
Adrian Balasingam
Kirsten Gormly
Meeting Managers
arinex Pty Limited
ABN 28 000 386 676
arinex <ar-in-ex> the ultimate expression of being architects of inspiring experiences. To embody the art and science of creating meetings and events that surpass all expectations. We provide a quality total solution meetings and events management service to associations, governments and corporate organisations. arinex pty limited has been appointed as the official PCO (Professional Congress Organiser) and looks forward to delivering an inspiring event.
Address for Communications
ARGANZ 2010 Meeting Managers
Postal: GPO Box 128, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: + 61 2 9265 0700
Fax: + 61 2 9267 5443
Email: arganz2010@arinex.com.au
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 Meeting Manager who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.
Private Functions
It is requested that you advise the Meeting Managers of any private /corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Meeting Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.
Airport and Transport
The central business district is 30 minutes from the International Airport. A taxi costs approximately A$30.00. Please complete the appropriate section of the registration form if you require a mini-bus or private hire car transfer from the airport to your hotel A regular airport to city bus service (Skybus) departs the airport every 30 minutes for A$8.50.
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
April is autumn and the temperature ranges from 10 – 24 degrees.
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 program for dress at social functions organised as part of the Meeting, as some of these may require formal evening dress.
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.
Language
The official language for the conference is English.
Parking
TBA
Planning Your Travel
Because of time change and jet lag the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by 18 March. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the meeting.
Privacy
Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Meeting 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 Meeting will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Meeting 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 Meeting 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 Meeting. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Meeting 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 Travelers’ 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.