General Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Climate
March is the start of Autumn in Melbourne. We still experience a good amount of sunshine with typical daytime temperatures ranging from 18 – 24 degrees Celsius.
Registration Desk
The registration desk will be located in the foyer of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Entry Into Australia
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you may need a visa to enter Australia. It is the sole responsibility of the registrant to determine their individual need for a visa for entry into Australia.
All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. Please review the documents below to assist you in selecting and applying for the appropriate visa, or visit www.immi.gov.au for more information.
General information for visa applicants (pdf)
Visa options for conferences. seminars, trade fairs or expos (pdf)
On Your Arrival In An Australian Airport
Please note that all food, plant and animal related material (such as feathers, skins or bone) must be declared on arrival and will be checked by officials. If in doubt, declare it. The process is usually very efficient, but failure to declare prohibited goods leads to severe penalties.
Transport from Melbourne airport
Public Transport
Paper tickets are no longer available on public bus or train services anywhere in Melbourne. To use these services, travellers must purchase and credit a myki card, the touch-on touch-off payment method.
First time myki users arriving at the Airport can purchase a myki Visitor Pack from the SkyBus counter outside terminals 1 or 3. Alternatively you can purchase and top up a myki on board a bus.
SkyeBus Services
SkyBus offers two express bus services:
- Airport to/from Melbourne city – operates 24/7, including all public holidays, running every 10 minutes.
- Airport to/from St Kilda – operates 6am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
Ticket prices:
- $19 Adult – one way (city and St Kilda)
- $37 Adult – round trip (St Kilda)
- $38 Adult – round trip (city)
- $9 Child – one way (city and St Kilda)
- $18 Child – round trip (city and St Kilda)
- $160 Saver – 10 trip – 18 months, non transferrable (city)
- $19 Family 1 – one way – 1 Adult plus 1-4 children (city and St Kilda)
- $37 Family 1 – round trip (1 Adult plus 1-4 children) (St Kilda)
- $38 Family 1 – round trip (1 Adult plus 1-4 children) (city)
- $38 Family 2 – one way – 2 Adults plus 1-4 children (city and St Kilda)
- $74 Family 2 – round trip – 2 Adults plus 1-4 children (St Kilda)
- $76 Family 2 – round trip – 2 Adults plus 1-4 children) (city)
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the bus stop or purchased online at www.skybus.com.au/fares.
On arrival at Southern Cross Station in the city, SkyBus provides a complimentary hotel transfer service (subject to availability) during the following hours:
- 6:00am – 10.30pm on Monday to Friday;
- 7:00am – 7:00pm on Saturday and Sunday (excluding Christmas day).
For more information visit www.skybus.com.au.
Taxi
Melbourne’s taxis are a convenient way to get from the airport to your destination. You can catch a taxi from designated taxi ranks, unless you have pre-booked one. Taxi ranks are located on the ground floor outside Terminals 1 and between Terminal 2 and 3. Taxi ranks are located on the ground floor of the transport hub outsideTerminal 4.
Taxi fares vary based on distance, location and time of travel. Additional charges apply on some public holidays, when booking in advance, making an electronic payment, using toll roads, or when your taxi has five or more passengers. For more information visit taxi.vic.gov.au/fares.
Using a taxi from the airport taxi rank incurs an additional $3.58 fee that may be passed on to you.
Taxi fare estimator – this estimator provides a high level of customisation, such as selecting exact pick up and drop off locations, desired route and a time selector – to factor in likely traffic conditions.
Rental Cars
Melbourne Airport has six car rental companies located on site. All have offices on the ground floor of the At Terminal T1, T2, T3 car park, and information desks in the Melbourne Airport domestic terminals. You can contact the companies direct for current rates.
| Car Rental Company | Contact Phone Number | Website |
 |
Within Australia: 13 63 33 Outside Australia: +61 3 9338 1800 |
Avis Melbourne Airport |
 |
Within Australia: 13 27 27 Outside Australia: +61 3 9241 6366 |
http://www.budget.com.au |
 |
Within Australia: 1300 13 13 90 Outside Australia: +61 3 9241 6800 |
Europcar Melbourne Airport |
 |
Within Australia: 13 30 39 Outside Australia: +61 3 9338 4044 |
http://www.hertz.com.au |
 |
Within Australia: 1300 36 72 27 Outside Australia: +61 3 9241 6100 |
http://www.thrifty.com.au |
 |
Within Australia: 1300 66 88 10 Outside Australia: +61 2 8303 2222 |
http:/www.redspot.com.au |
Accommodation
The 2018 Australasian Motor Neurone Disease Symposium is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Accommodation options around the convention centre are numerous. You can use the search option on our accommodation page to utilise the Hotels Combined database to find the best deals on hotels located near the venue
Currency / Banking
The currency used is the Australian dollar AUD. Banking hours are usually 0900 -1600hrs, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout Melbourne’s business district and surrounds including at the symposium venue. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country banks, most hotels and city stores.
Timezone
The time zone for Melbourne is the Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) which is 10 hours ahead of GMT.
Disclosure of Registration Information
If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please tick the appropriate box on the registration form.
(The Privacy Act 1993 provides that, before your name and address details can be published in the list of participants for distribution to fellow delegates or any other party, you must give your consent).
By registering for the Symposium you are confirming consent for any video and photographs taken at the Symposium which you are in may be used by the Organising Committee in promotion of the Symposium.
Dress
Dress for all symposium sessions is smart casual.
Electricity
Australia uses a 240 volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.
Good and Services Tax
Goods and Services in Australia are subject to a 10% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers to claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid on some goods bought in Australia. Visit the Australian Customs website for details about what you can claim and how.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to Australia.
Liability and Insurance
In the event of industrial disruptions or natural disasters, the Australasian Motor Neurone Disease Symposium (AMNDS) Organising Committee, and FightMND, cannot accept responsibility for any financial or other losses incurred by the delegates.
It is agreed that the Organising Committee for the 2018 Australasian Motor Neurone Disease Symposium , and their agents and officers, reserve the right to cancel at any time any or all of the programmed or other activities if this should appear necessary as a result of events which are beyond their control or which they cannot reasonably be expected to influence or for which they are not responsible.
The Organising Committee and FightMND take no responsibility for injury or damage to persons or property occurring during the symposium. All insurance, including medical cover, or expenses incurred in the event of the cancellation of the symposium is the individual delegate’s responsibility.
Attendees are encouraged to choose a travel insurance policy that includes loss of fees/deposits through cancellation of your participation in the symposium, or through the cancellation of the symposium itself, loss of airfares for any reason, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Organising Committee, and FightMND will take no responsibility for any participant failing to insure.
Name Badges / Lanyards
Name badges / lanyards will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge / lanyard at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.
Smartphone apps
Visitor Information Centres
On arrival in Melbourne contact a visitor information centre to book accommodation, get advice about local events, or find out about tours and local attractions. Take an orientation tour with the Melbourne Greeter Service or explore on your own and ask the roving red-jacketed City Ambassadors your city questions as you go.
Click here for a list of Melbourne’s vistor centres
Getting to the Symposium venue
Travelling by public transport
BY TRAM
Catch any of the following trams and exit at the stop opposite the Clarendon Street entrance of MCEC:
- Route 96 – St Kilda to East Brunswick
- Route 109 – Port Melbourne to Box Hill
- Route 12 – Victoria Gardens to St Kilda
Alternatively, catch tram number 48 or 70 and exit at the Flinders Street stop. Then take a short walk towards the Yarra River, across the Seafarers Bridge. For further tram timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website here.
BY TRAIN
Take any train that goes to Southern Cross Station. Exit at Southern Cross Station and catch tram number 96, 109 or 12 as above. For further train timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website here.
BY BUS
The SkyBus transports visitors directly from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross train station.
Bus route 237 operates from Queen Victoria Market, via Southern Cross Station to Lorimer Street South Wharf from Monday to Friday. Lormier Street is approximately a five minute walk to MCEC. There is also a coach pick up/drop off point at Bay 1, Convention Centre Place (closest to DFO South Wharf).
For further bus timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website.
Travelling by car
1. MELBOURNE EXHIBITION CENTRE PARKING
Please note: This car park can reach capacity early in the day during busy events.
1,060 undercover parking spaces available, managed by Wilson Parking. Entrance and exit off Normanby Road with a height restriction of 2.2 metres. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Fees (weekdays including public holidays):
| 0.0 – 1.0 hour | $14.00 |
| 1.0 – 2.0 hour | $28.00 |
| 2.0 – 3.0 hour | $42.00 |
| 3.0 – 4.0 hour | $56.00 |
| Lost ticket | $56.00 |
Evening rate
Monday to Thursday: $16.00, enter after 6.00pm and exit before 6.00am the next day. Please note, visitors must enter and exit the carpark between these times to receive this special evening parking rate. Visitors who enter the carpark before 6.00pm or exit the carpark after 6.00am the following day will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
Friday: $20.00, enter after 6.00pm and exit before 6.00am the next day. Please note, visitors must enter and exit the carpark between these times to receive this special evening parking rate. Visitors who enter the carpark before 6.00pm or exit the carpark after 6.00am the following day will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
Weekend rate (Saturday and Sunday only):
$20.00, flat rate per exit, per day.
Earlybird rate
Monday to Friday: $17.00, enter between 6.00am – 9.00am and exit between 3.00pm – midnight. Visitors who enter or exit the carpark outside of these times will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
Please note – All MCEC car park patrons will be directed to car park Door 1 during overnight closure (8.00pm – 6.00am), to access the external areas of South Wharf Promenade.
2. SIDDELEY STREET PARKING
Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Fees:
| 0.0 – 0.5 hours | $6.00 |
| 0.5 – 1.0 hours | $12.00 |
| 1.0 – 2.0 hours | $26.00 |
| 2.0 – 3.0 hours | $38.00 |
| 3.0+ hours | $50.00 |
| Lost ticket | $50.00 |
Evening rate
Monday to Thursday: $12.00, enter after 4.00pm and exit before 6.00am the next day. Please note, visitors must enter and exit the carpark between these times to receive this special evening parking rate. Visitors who enter the carpark before 4.00pm or exit the carpark after 6.00am the following day will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
Friday evening, weekend and public holiday rate: $13.00 per exit, per day. Casual hourly rates will otherwise apply.
Earlybird rate
Monday to Friday: $16.00, enter between 6.00am – 9.00am and exit between 12.00pm – midnight. Visitors who enter or exit the carpark outside of these times will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
Please note that the early bird rate will require parking on Level 6 or above.
3. FREEWAY PARKING
This is a Wilson Parking car park, located at Munro Street under the Westgate Bridge. You can access this car park via Normanby Road and Munro Street.
Fees (weekdays including public holidays):
| 0.0 – 1.0 hours | $10.00 |
| 1.0 – 2.0 hours | $20.00 |
| 2.0 – 3.0 hours | $30.00 |
| 3+ hours (max) | $40.00 |
| Lost ticket | $50.00 |
Evening rate
Monday to Thursday: $10.00, enter after 6.00pm and exit before 6.00am the following day. Please note, visitors must enter and exit the carpark between these times to receive this special evening parking rate. Visitors who enter the carpark before 6.00pm or exit the carpark after 6.00am the following day will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
Discounted parking rates are available for exhibitors.
Contact Wilson Parking on +61 3 9224 0301 (work hours) for discount rates and conditions.
4. DFO SOUTH WHARF PARKING
Multi-level car park with 1,150 spaces, managed by Wilson Parking. Entrance off Convention Centre Place or Munro Street. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Fees (weekdays including public holidays):
| 0.0 – 1.0 hours | $10.00 |
| 1.0 – 2.0 hours | $20.00 |
| 2.0 – 3.0 hours | $30.00 |
| 3+ hours (max) | $40.00 |
| Lost ticket | $50.00 |
*DFO Discount: Collect validation ticket when making a purchase from any DFO store or food outlet to receive a 50% discount on your parking.
Evening rate: $10.00, enter after 6.00pm and exit before 6.00am. Please note, visitors must enter and exit the carpark between these times to receive this special evening parking rate. Visitors who enter the carpark before 6.00pm or exit the carpark after 6.00am the following day will be charged the hourly casual rates specified above for the duration of their stay.
5. MUNRO STREET PARKING*
This is a Care Park car park, located at Munro Street.
Fees
0.0 – 1.0 hour – $7.00
Daily maximum (Monday to Sunday) – $13.00 for up to 12 hours of parking.
*Please note, on days that there is a public exhibition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre the flat rate is $14.00 for up to 12 hours of parking.
Catch a taxi
Travelling to the Exhibition Centre?
Ask the taxi driver to drop you off at the Clarendon Street entrance of MCEC.
Travelling to the Convention Centre?
Ask the taxi driver to drop you off at Convention Centre Place, next to the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and DFO South Wharf.
Key Dates
2018 FightMND Australasian MND Symposium
Online Registrations Close: March 14th 2018
Australasian Motor Neurone Disease Symposium 2018
Thursday 22nd March to Saturday 24th March
Any other questions?
2018 AMNDS
Please see below a list of commonly asked questions about the AMNDS 2018 Meeting. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What are the registration fees?
The fees for the 2018 Australasian MND Symposium are available on the registration page.
What is included in my registration fee?
The full registration fee will include attendance at the full Symposium 3 day Program as well as tickets to the networking cocktail Function. Morning tea and lunch is also provided daily. One registration passes will also be available. More information on the inclusions can be found on the registrations page.
Is there discounted registration for MND patients and their carers
Yes, MND patients and carers are eligible for a discounted registration fee. Please see the registration page for more details. You will be contacted shortly after completion of your registration to verify your eligibility for discounted registration
What payment options are there to pay for my registration?
Payment Methods:
Credit Card: Debits to your credit card will appear as ‘AUS MND Symposium’ on your statement. Order completed and registration confirmed during checkout.
Can I register onsite?
If you are unable to register prior to the AMNDS meeting, you can register onsite at the Registration Desk. Please note, payment will be required at this time via a credit card or cash (in Australian currency only).
I want to cancel my registration, can I get a refund?
All cancellations must be recieved in writing so please email [email protected].
Cancellations Policy:
-
- By completing and submitting a registration form, you are indicating your intention to attend the Symposium and you will be liable for a cancellation fee if you are unable to attend.
- Registration cancellations must be sent in writing (email), to [email protected]
- Registration cancellations received up to 30 days prior to the Symposium will receive a refund, less a $85.00 AUD handling fee.
- No refunds will be given for registration cancellations received within thirty (30) days of the Symposium; however a substitute delegate may be nominated.
- Cancellations for additional purchased welcome cocktail event function tickets are not permitted.
- Registrations may be transferred to another attendee/delegate with approval from the organising committee. Please email [email protected] to request a transfer
- Refunds from any deposits forwarded to hotels, tour companies or other related business will be at the discretion of the supplier.
- If, for reasons beyond the control of the Organising Committee, the Symposium is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded after the deduction of expenses already incurred.
I only want to attend one session, can I get a session pass?
Individuals wanting to attend one session must register for a one day pass for that day, unregistered attendees will not be allowed access to sessions or other meeting events.
How can I reserve a hotel room and what rates are available?
Accommodation options are subject to availability and can be viewed here.
I am an overseas participant and need a letter of invitation before I can receive my visa. What is the procedure?
Upon full payment of the symposium registration fees, you can request an invitation letter by emailing [email protected]. Invitation letters will not be supplied to unpaid or unregistered participants, and we reserve the right to refuse to provide invitation letters for attendees. Please note that we do not give any further support or advice about the visa application process. Obtaining a visa remains the sole responsibility of the participant.
Will I recieve a Certificate of Attendance?
Yes, a Certificate of Attendance can be requested after the Meeting by emailing your request to [email protected] and will be emailed to you.
What services are available for special needs and requests?
We encourage persons with disabilities to participate in the program and social activities. Please contact [email protected] to request services or other accommodations for any special needs or note these on your registration form. If you have dietary preferences, please be sure to mark those on the space provided on the registration form when you register.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is an accessible venue. The centre works hard to ensure they provide an inclusive environment for visitors, contractors and employees and address the needs of all users of the venue.
View full accessibility features here.
View Accessibility Action Plan here.
Some of MCEC’s accessibility features include:
- flat level entry to the Convention Centre, from the Exhibition Centre link and at the Convention Centre main entrance at Convention Centre Place
- designated drop off points
- accessibility ramps
- accessible car park spaces
- lift access from the car parks
- accessible toilets
- split-level counter service at Convention Centre customer desk, Ticket Box and Cafés
- lifts and escalators in the Convention Centre
- positions for wheelchairs on all levels of the Plenary
- braille signage on room door signs and fixed directional signs
- TTA Hearing Assisted accessible telephones with large operation buttons
- guide dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome in all areas
- Parent Rooms in the Exhibition Centre and Convention Centre
- First Aid rooms located close to Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre Customer Service desks.
Assisted hearing devices
Most meeting rooms within the Convention Centre are equipped with a hearing assistance system. Visitors can loan a lanyard style infrared receiver. This will work directly with hearing aids fitted with a T switch or can be fitted with standard headphones.
Visitors can pre-book a receiver by contacting Customer Service on +61 3 9235 8310 or emailing customerservice @ mcec.com.au
We will require the following information:
- Date and time the receiver is required.
- Which rooms you plan to use the receiver (this service is not available in some rooms).
- Name of the borrower and contact telephone number.
- Collection location is at the Convention Centre Customer Service desk, which is located at the Convention Centre Place entrance of the Convention Centre.
- On collection we will require some form of identification.
Wheelchairs
MCEC offers a complimentary wheelchair service. We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for visitors attending events to loan on a daily, first come first served basis. Wheelchairs can only be used within the venue.
Visitors can pre-book a wheelchair by contacting Customer Service on +61 3 9235 8310 or emailing [email protected]
They will require the following information:
- Date and time the wheelchair is required.
- Name of the borrower and contact telephone number.
- Preferred collection location
- Convention Centre Customer Service Desk located at the Convention Centre Place entrance of the Convention Centre.
- Exhibition Centre Customer Service Desk located at the Clarendon Street entrance of the Exhibition Centre.
- On collection we will require some form of identification.
We recommend visitors requiring additional mobility assistance during a stay in Melbourne contact Travellers Aid at Flinders Street Station on + 61 3 9610 2030 or Southern Cross Station on +61 3 9670 2072.