WORLD INDIGENOUS NATIONS HIGHER EDUCATION CONSORTIUM (WINHEC) ANNUAL MEETING 2008
Hosted by: Office of the Director, Indigenous Education
Location: La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, Australia
Date: Tuesday 2 - Thursday 4 December 2008
DOCUMENTS
*** UPDATES ***
- Please contact the Executive Officer either by email or call on +61 3 9479 3428 if you have
- yet to advise us of your transportation requirements/arrangements; or
- submitted a WINHEC registration but have yet to receive your confirmation letter.
PC Access and Laptop Computers
- PCs will be available for you to access during your attendance at WINHEC.
- Laptops can be configured to La Trobe University's wireless network by following the relevant operating system instructions provided below. This should be done prior to your arrival to La Trobe University. IT support will be available at WINHEC if you require any assistance.
- Travel to Glenn College, La Trobe University - Bundoora Campus by Bus Shuttle / Taxi / Car Park
- No airport shuttles, to and/or from accommodations, are being organised.
- Bus Shuttles have been arranged from the following hotels to and from WINHEC. Times have been indicated on the WINHEC Program - draft. You are more than welcome to access the shuttle service.
If you have yet to do so, simply email the Executive Officer, to advise of your hotel.
- Rydges on Bell
- Bell Motor Inn
- Jika International
- Hotel Ibis Melbourne
- Other City based hotels - if you are staying at any other city based hotel, you are welcome to make your way to Hotel Ibis Melbourne (located at 15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne, near Victoria Market, between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets) to access the shuttle bus from Hotel Ibis Melbourne. Please email Executive Officer if you wish to take up this service.
- Taxis
- The taxi is to drive you, via the security gate, directly to the front of Glenn College. La Trobe staff will be on hand to meet and guide you to the WINHEC venues - refer to La Trobe University - Bundoora Campus Map
- Taxi companies to contact are:
- Silver Top Taxi - 13 1008
- North Suburban Taxi - 13 1119
- Travel by Private/Rental Car
- It is recommeded that you park at Carpark 6.
- La Trobe staff, as well as signage, will be available to guide you to the WINHEC venues - refer to La Trobe University - Bundoora Campus Map
- A WINHEC parking permit will be issued to you at registration for you to display on the dashboard of your vehicle.
*** *** ***
PURPOSE
The vision of WINHEC as stated in the Charter is as follows:
We gather as Indigenous Peoples of our respective nations recognising and reaffirming the educational rights of all Indigenous Peoples. We share a vision of Indigenous Peoples of the world united in the collective synergy of self determination through control of higher education. We are committed to building partnerships that restore and retain indigenous spirituality, cultures and languages, homelands, social systems, economic systems and self-determination.
WOMIN JEKA (Meaning Welcome in the Woi Wurrung language)
We acknowledge and respect the Wurrundjeri people of the Kulin nations as the traditional owners of the land upon which La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus is situated.
Welcome to the website for the WINHEC Annual Meeting for 2008. Many thanks to the Hawaiian members of our WINHEC family for their hospitality, generosity and spirit shared at last year’s meeting in Honolulu.
It is our pleasure to convene the 2008 Annual Meeting and hope that you find information on these pages helpful in planning your visit.
We have organised the information into categories:
For the WINHEC Annual Meeting – includes information on the WINHEC meeting. The program will be available October 2008.
Getting to Australia – airline and airport links, information of visas and our customs requirements as well as links for accommodation options
While you are here – provides information about life in Australia and tips on getting around and enjoying the best Melbourne has to offer
Don’t go home yet – Australia is a very big country. Here you will find information on other places to see.
We have also provided a link to Aboriginal Tourism Australia, where you will find excellent resources for planning wider ranging travel to Indigenous Australian tourism ventures.
There is also a link to the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE 2008) which is in Melbourne from 7-11 December 2008.
If there is any further information you require, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I look forward to seeing you at the WINHEC Annual Meeting in Melbourne.
Warm regards
Gary Thomas
WINHEC 2008 Convenor
Chair - National Indigenous Higher Education Network (Australia)
Director Indigenous Education, La Trobe University
GENERAL INFORMATION
FOR THE WINHEC ANNUAL MEETING
Registration
You are able to register and pay by credit card on-line for your attendance at the 2008 WINHEC meeting. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the registration form and fax it to us. On the registration form you will be asked for the usual information as well as some extra details.
This year to facilitate the selection of appropriate University venues for the working parties, we are asking you to nominate the particular WINHEC working party you are participating in. For delegates new to the WINHEC meetings, you are able to select three in order of preference. You will receive a confirmation and details on Agendas of your working group closer to the meeting.
Please go to the Head Office WINHEC website to read minutes from last year’s meeting in Hawaii for information on the work being progressed.
Please be assured information you provide as part of the registration process will not be given to any third party.
Timelines
On-line registration will be open: Monday 12 May 2008.
Cost
In accordance with WINHEC Head Office in New Zealand, the approved conference charge will be:
- for all 3 days: AUD$250 (GST inclusive); or
- 2 days: AUD$200 (GST inclusive); or
- 1 day: AUD $100.
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Payment Options
- credit card (VISA or Mastercard only) can be facilitated through the on-line registration form. A confirmation receipt will be issued to you upon the completion of the transaction.
- cheque - cheque payments are to be made out to LA TROBE UNIVERSITY and sent to along with a copy of your registration to:
Executive Officer
La Trobe University
Office of the Director, Indigenous Education
Room 210, Peribolos East Building
BUNDOORA VIC 3086
AUSTRALIA
Once the cheque has been received, a La Trobe University receipt will be sent to you.
Program
The Annual Meeting Program will be available for download in October 2008.
Transportation will be organised from various pick up points in the city for WINHEC delegates during the meeting.
La Trobe University
La Trobe University has over 26,000 students and more than 2,500 staff. We have five campuses throughout the state of Victoria. Bundoora is our largest campus and will be the location for the meeting. It is located 14kms north of the city centre.
Please visit our website for more information about La Trobe University.
GETTING TO AUSTRALIA
Accommodation
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. There are many accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels and holiday apartments.
As the 2008 WINHEC Annual Meeting will be followed by the WIPCE 2008, accommodation deals have been organised. Therefore, a good idea to reserve your accommodation as early as possible.
The following accommodation venues are recommended:
- Bell Motor Inn at a corporate rate (including a light continental breakfast) for a single room $110 or twin share $120. Rooms are limited. Book directly to the hotel.
- Jika International at a corporate rate (including a continental breakfast) for a single room $140 or twin share $150. Rooms are limited. Book directly to the hotel.
- Rydges on Bell Preston (one of the hotels in the WIPCE 2008 accommodation list - book through WIPCE/Southbound Australia)
- Hotel Ibis Melbourne (one of the hotels in the WIPCE 2008 accommodation list - book through WIPCE/Southbound Australia)
- Harbourview Apartments (one of the hotels in the WIPCE 2008 accommodation list - book through WIPCE/Southbound Australia)
The closest hotels to La Trobe University are:
If you should decide to stay either at the Bell Motor Inn or Jika International during WINHEC, it is advised that you make the booking directly to the hotel and ensure that you state that you are attending the WINHEC Annual Meeting at La Trobe to 29 November, 2008 are staying on for WIPCE 2008, please note the hotels closest to La Trobe University are up to an hour distance to the WIPCE 2008 venue (due to morning and afternoon traffic, either by car or public transport).
See the following links to other Melbourne based accommodation options:
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Travel
Airlines
Qantas Airways is Australia’s national airline. It is a member of the Oneworld global airline alliance. Once on the Qantas website, you can select your region from the drop down menu available in the top left section.
There are many other international airlines flying into Melbourne.
Melbourne International Airport is about 25 Km from the city. There are a range of transportation options and information is available at this website.
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Visas and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
All visitors to Australia require a valid passport and an entry visa. Citizens of Aotearoa do not require pre-departure visas as these are provided upon arrival in Australia.
Other nationals may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – this is a computer based entry to Australia.
Information on Visas and Entry to Australia is available through our department of Immigration.
Nearest Consulate or Embassy
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Customs
Australian quarantine and customs rules are very strict.
The best option – If you are any doubt declare the object to customs officers.
Quarantine items include fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, skins, feathers, wood and plants. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) screens or X-rays all luggage and uses sniffer dogs to find high-risk products.
If you are travelling with prescribed medicines, it is advisable to bring a letter from your doctor describing your condition and the medication.
Very Important Message regarding Cultural Artefacts and materials used for Cultural Performances
If you are planning on bringing cultural artefacts including instruments and traditional clothing it is very important to declare these items to Customs Officers. Any items which are made from animal hides, feathers, wood, seeds or plants will be inspected.
Customs officers may subject the item to treatment (which may include radiation) and consequently the item may be quarantined for a period up to three weeks at a charge to you as the owner. Alternatively, the item may be destroyed. These rules are strictly enforced.
To check if any of your items may be subject to such treatment – please use the following database available through the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. Simply complete details for the item (Commodity eg. Feathers, wood, hide etc ) and country of origin then select search.
If you would like to speak to someone from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service a list of numbers is provided below.
Contact one of the following AQIS offices:
QLD |
+ 61 7 3246 8755 |
CAIRNS |
+ 61 7 4030 7800 |
WA |
+ 61 8 9334 1555 |
TAS |
+ 61 3 6233 3352 |
VIC |
+ 61 3 8318 6700 |
SA |
+ 61 8 8201 6000 |
NSW |
+ 61 2 8334 7444 |
NT |
+ 61 8 8920 7000 |
ACT |
+ 61 2 6272 4143 |
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Fax queries: +61 2 6272 4494
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WHILE YOU ARE HERE
Getting Around
Public Transport
Melbourne has a very good public transport system which operates an extensive tram, bus and train network. A ticket called a METCARD is used on all public transport services and may be purchased on board trams, from bus drivers or at train stations. You can also purchase tickets from convenience stores and other outlets showing the METCARD flags. The ticket prices depend on how far you are travelling and the length of time required to complete your journey. There are two zones of travel within the public transport system.
A couple of things to keep in mind
If you are intending to buy your ticket on a tram, you will need coins as the machines do not accept paper money
If you are at a Tram or Bus Stop you have to hail the driver if you want them to stop.
For more information check the Metlink website.
Taxis are readily available throughout the city. There may be delays however in peak times (7.30 – 9.30am and between 3.30 and 5.00pm).
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Driving
Melbourne is a relatively easy city to negotiate by car. There are a couple of things to remember:
- In Australia we drive on the left
- Seatbelts are required by law to be worn by driver and all passengers
- In Melbourne, we have trams sharing the road. To allow the fee passage of trams in the city centre, cars are required to perform ‘Hook Turns’ if turning right. This means you are required to pull over to the far left and wait for the lights to turn red before making the right hand turn. You will see signs above the intersections where ‘Hook Turns’ are required. These are all in the city centre.
- If a tram’s lights are flashing, it is about to stop - cars must stop to allow passengers to alight from the tram
- Most venues and places of interest will advertise their location and include a ‘Mel Ref’ with grid locations. This stands for the Melways Reference which is the map to the city. When hiring a vehicle in Melbourne be sure to ask if there is a Melways in the car.
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About Melbourne
Melbourne is a large cosmopolitan city. Food and Entertainment are matters of some pride to Melburnians. You are never very far from somewhere to eat, shop or be entertained in the city. Cuisine from all over the world, entertainment from sports to nightclubs, theatre and galleries abound.
The Melbourne Age newspaper publishes The Green Guide each week detailing what’s on around town.
You can also perform a Citysearch and select specific dates to search for events.
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Currency
Australian currency is made up of coloured plasticized notes ($5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar notes) and coins (5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2 coins). We no longer have 1¢ and 2¢ coins so prices in shops are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5¢. Banks are open on weekdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm (on Fridays until 5pm). Automated Teller machines may be located at banks, in stores and entertainment venues. Please check with your card issuer which banks will take your debit and credit cards.
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Time
Melbourne observes Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) which is GMT +10. During Summer, Melbourne observes Daylight savings where clocks are put forward one hour between the last Sunday in October and the last Sunday in March. Check World time website for the time difference between your home and Melbourne:
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Climate and Temperature
Victoria's four seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. January and February are the hottest months and July the coldest. Summer temperatures in Melbourne can range from 15 to 40 degrees (Celsius).
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Personal Safety
Melbourne is a safe city however you should take care if walking in the city late at night. There are regular police patrols in the city and throughout Melbourne’s suburbs. In Australia, emergency services are called by dialling 000. This will connect you to Fire, Ambulance and Police.
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Medical Services
You should take out travel insurance for your trip to Australia. Nationals of UK, NZ and FIN are entitled to use the subsidised public health care system under reciprocal government arrangements. Many hotels have an on call doctor. There is also a Medical Centre based at La Trobe University.
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Shopping
Business hours in Australia are generally from 9am to 5.30pm each week day. On weekends major shopping centres and department stores are open from 9am to 4pm. There are many convenience stores which operate 24hrs/7days per week
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Nightlife
The minimum legal 'drinking' age in Australia is 18. Young people going to bars or nightclubs should carry photo identification to prove they are at least 18 years old. They may be refused entry without it.
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Weights and Measures
Australia uses the metric system.
Measure |
Metric |
Imperial |
Distance |
1 Kilometre (km) |
1.6 miles |
Weight |
1 Kilogram (kg) |
2.2 lbs |
Volume |
1 litre (l) |
0.26 gallons (US), 0.22 gallons (Imp) |
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DON'T GO HOME YET
WIPCE 2008
Take a look at the WIPCE 2008 website.
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Beyond Melbourne
Australia is a very large country. At 7,617,930 sq km, (2,941,283 sq miles), it is the 6th largest country (in land mass), the smallest continent and the largest island in the world.
States and Territories in Australia
Australia is divided into States and Territories. Abbreviations are provided in the table below.
Abbrev. |
Full Name |
Capital City |
VIC |
Victoria |
Melbourne |
ACT |
Australian Capital Territory |
Canberra (National Capital) |
NSW |
New South Wales |
Sydney |
NT |
Northern Territory |
Darwin |
QLD |
Queensland |
Brisbane |
SA |
South Australia |
Adelaide |
TAS |
Tasmania |
Hobart |
WA |
Western Australia |
Perth |
If you are interested in extending your stay use the following website to an Australia traveller’s map - click on destinations for information.
For specific information on visiting Melbourne and Victoria see:
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Aboriginal Tourism Australia
Aboriginal Tourism Australia is an association of Indigenous Australian tour operators who promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through tourism ventures. Their website has information about activities all across Australia. During the WINHEC meetings, Aboriginal Tourism Australia will be having its annual expo in Melbourne. See the following site for more information.
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