15 Page Conference Information Book for 2008  To download and print, click onto the format version you prefer.     OR    NOTE:  For a LARGE PRINT COPY of any information please contact VALID on telephone: 03 9416 4003 Looking for Empowerment, Need Inspiration The 9th Annual "Having A Say" Self Advocacy Conference is just around the corner. Being the change  will bring together self advocates and people with disabilities (Note: appropriate for people 16 years +) from all corners of the State and from many corners of the Nation.  This will be "Having A Say's" eighth year and we're hoping that it's going to be the biggest and the best!  VALID is putting the program together with a great network of Geelong and locally based organisations, who are all looking forward to welcoming you. The venue for most of the self advocacy activities will be at Costa Hall at Deakin University's Waterfront Campus.  Many of the Come & Try Activities will be held on the waterfront nearby (500 meters). A Program will be sent out to you when you register, but some of the sessions to look forward to include:                            Workshops on key issues relating to Disability Support, rights and self                  advocacy (VALID).              Presentations by Client Committees.                     Unusual workshops.      Come and Try Activities  Come & Try Activities will feature in the program, however they should be viewed from the following perspective:               As an alternative to workshops for people who have not attended                 conferences before, or who find participating in main sessions difficult.             Opportunity for social interaction.             The opportunity to try new activities and learn skills. As space is limited in these activities, when you register we will send you a Booking Sheet, which you MUST return in order to book a place in an activity. Activities will include:   10 Pin Bowling   Latin & Belly Dancing   Cricket   Bollard Walking   Jewellery Making   Surfing   Fishing   Relaxation   Drums   Art   Sea Kayaking   Music   Bocce   Drama   Karaoke   Harley Rides   Indigenous Workshop   Soccer Sponsorship Where does the Sponsorship money come from? This year there is a concession registration fee, which is a discount for all Pension or Health Care card holders.  In addition, VALID is able to offer sponsorship to assist people with the cost of registration, thanks to:              Disability Branch of the State Department of Human Services                Federal Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous                  Affairs (FaCSIA) Who Can Apply for Sponsorship?             Adults (people aged 16 years and over) with a disability (ie: physical,                 sensory, intellectual, ABI or multiple disability as defined by the                  Disability Act)              Family members of people with a disability. Who will be given Priority for Sponsorship?              People who would not be able to afford to pay for their Conference                  registration without sponsorship, due to financial hardship.              People who do not have support from a service to attend (ie: attending as                  an individual).              People who live in the country or a remote area. More Information If  you would like to discuss your sponsorship application or if you require support with other costs associated with attending the Conference such as Accommodation, Transport or Attendant Care, please contact Christine at VALID. Closing Date for Sponsorship Applications Applications for Sponsorship along with your completed Registration Form must be received by VALID no later than the 23rd November, 2007. A Sponsorship Application Form is available for participants  This form is available by clicking on the Sponsorship Form button on the Registration Page.  All the relevant information required is on the form. Early Bird Fee Again this year we are trying to encourage you to register early and pay early.  Most years we chase up payments for six months after the Conference, so again this year we will be more 'strict'.  It is also probably appropriate to point out that the Conference is not run to make profit, but on a break-even basis.  The Early Bird fee apply to those registrations received and paid for by November 23rd, 2007 NOTE: It is important that you read the back of the Registration Form as it will tell you all the fees, inclusions (what you get for your fee), exclusions (what you don't get for your fee) and conditions. Advocacy Stream This is a stream within a Conference that will bring together families and supporters (such as staff, advocates) who share the VALID Advocacy Mission. "To protect and defend human rights of people with a disability, and to champion their rights as citizens to Community Presence, Self Determination, Choice, Respect and Community Participation" This will be the fourth year we have conducted the Advocacy Stream, and if last year is anything to go by, we can expect to be challenged, informed and inspired! The 2008 keynote speaker is Simon Duffy who has worked for 18 years in England to increase the power and control that people with the most complex disabilities have over their lives and support. The venues for most of the Advocacy Stream activities will be the National Wool Museum and Deakin University Waterfront Campus. Dinner & Disco Some view the Conference Dinner & Disco as the highlight of the Conference.  A tasty two course meal (NB: drinks are not included and are available for purchase at the Bar), lots of dancing and great fun! The Disco was so popular last year that we ran out of places.  As it is impossible to cater for everyone, this year the people who register FIRST will be given a 'downstairs' Disco place with later registrations either having a place 'upstairs' in the Dinner and Chat or just miss out.  In other words, first in best dressed!!!  The Disco theme is Hawaiian, so come dressed in your tropical best.   Dinner & Chat To promote the ability of the participants to network during the evening, there will be a Dinner and Chat held upstairs in the same venue for those who would prefer a 'quieter' format. Catering Important information about catering.             Morning and afternoon teas are included each day.             Lunch will not be provided on the 6th and 7th (Wednesday, Thursday).             The main city area of Geelong is only one block away and has plenty of                 places to find a variety of things to eat and it is a good chance to meet other                 groups and have lunch together.  There is also a cafeteria at Deakin                  University.             Your registration pack will have a Geelong "Privilege Card" that will give                 you deals and discounts at Geelong eateries and attractions.  More info at:                               http://www.visitgeelong.org/gettinghere/index.asp              A BBQ lunch is provided for all Friday delegates. Transport             Trains There are frequent train services between Melbourne & Geelong through V/line.  The trip takes about an hour and you do not need to book.  V/Line buses also operate from other towns (eg: Ballarat) directly to Geelong.  Timetables and more details are available on http://www.vlinepassenger.com.au/ or call 136 196. Airport Transfers Gull Bus Lines operates regular runs from Tullamarine Airport to Geelong and this currently costs about $25.00 one way per person. Bookings & Information 03 5222 4966 Avalon Airport where Jetstar flys to, is only 15 minutes from Geelong.  The Avalon Airport Shuttle will take you door to door to any motel/hotel in Geelong and costs approximately $15.00 one way per person. Bookings & Information 03 5278 8788 Queenscliff - Sorrento Ferry Peninsula Searoad Transport operate the car/passenger ferry service 7 days per week, departing each hour on the hour between 7:00am and 7:00pm.  Bookings and information 03 5258 3244. Taxi  Geelong Taxi Network provides both general and  a significant number of multi-purpose taxis.  However, we would strongly advise that you book Maxi taxis in advance if you want these after hours (especially for Disco) or during peak times (eg: mornings & afternoons).                 Phone:  131 008                  Maxi Phone: 03 5278 5785 Parking There are metered car parking spaces at the Conference venue.  There are also many private car parks within walking distance from both venues, that cost from $4.00 per day. Mini Buses can park in the above mentioned car parks, however there will also be designated Bus Parking in Gheringhap Street (outside Costa Hall) for Mini Buses On-site parking is available free of charge for the Conference Dinner. Tourism Geelong is a popular tourist destination, with many local beaches and the Great Ocean Road on its doorstep.  There are many beautiful areas around Geelong that make lovely afternoon or day trips. Photo above by Jon Barter Photo courtesy of  www.greatoceanroad.org For Further Information Contact: VALID 235 Napier Street, Fitzroy Vic  3065 Telephone: (03) 9416 4003   Facsimile:  (03) 9416 0850 E-mail: office@valid.org.au For a copy of a Geelong City Access Map and a "Don't Forget To" checklist, please click here. When the File Download screen appears, click on Open then either Print a Copy, or Save it to your own files.  Click on the back button to return to this page.

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