Social Program

Conferences can be intense and lead to "brain strain" for some, so relief from the scientific presentations is often welcome and necessary to recharge. With this in mind, the LOC have organised some great social events that will hopefully afford you opportunity to meet new faces and catch up with your regional biometrical colleagues. There are some optional social activities planned for one afternoon to provide opportunity for delegates to relax and get out and about in the beautiful Coffs Coast region.

Please note that the costs of the welcome reception and the conference dinner are included in the registration fee for a conference delegate (IBS member, non-member or student) attending the whole week. Additional tickets may be purchased for day registrants and partners who are interested in attending either of these events. Please indicate the number of extra tickets required on the registration form.

Welcome reception (Sunday 2 December)

A welcome reception will be held from 6 - 7.30pm on Sunday 2 December on the restaurant decks overlooking the lagoon at the Novotel resort. Drinks (standard beer, house wine, soft drinks and orange juice) and a selection of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres will be on offer.

Young Statisticians' Night (Monday 3 December)

This social event is for the young statisticians to get together in an informal/relaxing atmosphere, so you can share your research and meet your possible future colleagues! As long as you consider yourself as a "young statistician/biometrician", you are welcome to attend this event. We will meet at 7pm at the Novotel Reception Foyer and organise a Maxi Cab (sharing the cost) to head into Coffs City. Please let Kevin Wang know if you are interested in attending this event.

Social activities (Tuesday 4 December)

This is a long-standing part of the conference program, so keeping with tradition, we have arranged four options for the afternoon of Tuesday 4 December that will hopefully be attractive to the majority of conference delegates. We want you to relax, get a breath of fresh coastal air, have fun and see some of what this part of Australia has to offer, seeing as we've all travelled to be here! These activities are optional and tickets need to be purchased for them through the registration form. Preferences will be considered on a first come, first served basis. If you have queries about any of the social activities, please contact Del Greenway in the first instance.

1. The Art of Performing Circus Tricks
A unique and fun experience for the young and young at heart. Try your hand at juggling, trampoline, tight wire and experience the thrill of flying trapeze. Skills taught by experienced instructors in an entertaining and safe environment. Zip Circus has trained staff for every class and all flying trapeze classes are performed over safety nets and wearing a safety harness. All fitness levels are catered for, but this activity is not recommended for those with back injuries.

   

If you've ever dreamed of joining the circus this is for you.

Time: 2:00pm
Where: On-site at the Novotel Resort.
Wear: comfortable clothing
Cost: $45 per person
Notes: For this activity to proceed, we require a minimum of 8 persons. The maximum number of participants is 18.

2. Kayaking at Bongil Bongil National Park
Enjoy a flat-water kayak tour on the pristine waters of the Bongil Bongil National Park. The park encompasses an array of rich and diverse plant and animal communities, with unspoilt beaches, sweeping coastal vistas, wetlands, littoral rainforest and pristine estuaries. The tour instructor is a highly trained and experienced professional whose responsibility it is to provide you with a safe, exciting and memorable experience.

Tour is of a moderate distance and caters to all levels of fitness. The double 'sit-on-top' kayaks allow easy access on and off and all paddlers are provided with Personal Flotation Devices.

Afternoon tea is provided.

Time: Pick up from Novotel Resort at 1:45pm; return around 5:30pm.
Take: bathers, towel, sunscreen, hat, and camera (waterproof case may be handy, depending on your skill level).
Cost: $50 per person
Notes: This activity requires a minimum of 10 people to proceed. There is a maximum limit of 50 participants.

3. Dorrigo National Park Visit and Bushwalk
Visit the World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park. Travel by coach to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre where you can explore the displays, take a stroll along the Skywalk with dramatic views over the rainforest canopy, or enjoy a Devonshire tea at the Canopy Cafe. Then join a National Park Ranger for a 2 hour interpretive walk through the magnificent rainforest (taking in the Walk with the Birds and Crystal Shower Falls). The walk covers about 5.5km along a graded track and is rated as easy/moderate.

   

Time: Coach departs Novotel Resort at 1:30pm; returns at approximately 6:00pm
Take: Appropriate footwear (i.e. hiking boots would be best; sandshoes will be ok), camera, binoculars (for those keen birdos amongst us) and raincoat (just in case).
Cost: $60 per person
Notes: For this activity to proceed, we require a minimum of 25 people. The maximum limit is 50 people.

4. Bellingen & Raleigh Winery
Travel south through the picturesque village of Sawtell with a stop at Sawtell Headland and then on to Raleigh Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting and maybe make a few purchases while taking in the view over the beautiful Bellinger River. Then visit Bellingen with time to explore this delightful town with its craft shops and galleries or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the excellent cafes. Don't miss the Old Butter Factory on the eastern outskirts of the town with its displays of arts, crafts and gifts set in a beautiful garden right next to the Bellinger River.

Time: Coach departs Novotel Resort at 1:45pm; returns at approximately 5:30pm
Cost: $55 per person
Notes: For this activity to proceed, we require a minimum of 25 people. The maximum limit is 50.

Conference dinner (Wednesday 5 December)

In keeping with the conference social theme of 'Biometrics by the Beach' and to add some novelty into the conference program, the conference dinner will be held on the evening of Wednesday 5 December at the Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour.

Guests will enjoy a selection of finger food whilst watching a mini seal and dolphin show, before sitting down to an informal gourmet BBQ dinner, desserts and coffee. Drinks (beer, wine and non-alcoholic) will be provided, and all dietary requirements can be catered for (Please indicate on your registration form if you have a special dietary requirement).

Transport has been arranged in luxury coaches to transfer guests staying at the Novotel resort to and from the dinner venue.

And if that's not all, one lucky conference dinner goer will receive a special lucky door prize on the evening (which may require swimwear and a dolphin-friendly attitude! ? Be prepared!)

Last updated 31 May 2007.