Registration

​

Q        How do I register for the Convention?

​

Option 1. Online registration and payment option. Complete the online registration form, pay with a credit card and submit online. (Payment process uses the secure Stripe payment system)

​

Option 2. Manual registration and payment option. Download the Registration Form on the website (PDF file), print it and complete it following the instructions on the form. Pay by credit card or EFT to BSB: 6500 000; Account number 545893005. Submit the completed form by email (requires a scanner), or post it to PO Box 667 Toronto.

 

Q        How do I pay for my registration?

​

A        See Q1

​

Q        Can I pay for a single day attendance?

​

A        No, registration is for the full six day program only.

 

Q        Where can I pick up my Tulloch wine order?

​

A        Wine orders will be available to collect on the Registration Day at the Warners Bay Performing Arts Centre (PAC), Lake Street Warners Bay on Sunday 10 September 2023 between 10am and 2p.m. If you will arrive later than 2pm please advise. Your wine can then be stored at PAC and be available on Wednesday evening for you to collect at PAC on movie night. NB: Wine purchased is for private consumption. You cannot bring your wine to convention functions.

 

Program

​

Q        If I have a full registration what does this cover?

​

A        The full program is available online.  Full registration covers a convention package and a full program. Exclusions are the Zone Coordinator meeting (unless you are a zone coordinator) and President’s dinner for the organising committee.

 

Q        Can an accompanying person attend all events?

​

A        No. The online program shows activities that an accompanying person can attend in green. Accompanying persons will receive a convention package, and can attend registration day, the welcome ceremony, the film evening, and the farewell lunch. Accompanying person registrations do not include coach trips, speaker sessions, the AGM and lunch or Zone Coordinator meeting and President’s dinner for the organising committee.

 

Q        What venues are being used for the convention?

​

A        Full venue descriptions are available on the website venue tab. There will be 4 venues around the lake. Warners Bay Theatre – registration and film night; Multi Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) – welcome ceremony; Club Macquarie - AGM and lunch; Rathmines Theatre – speakers morning and farewell lunch. Please see the online program for more details.

​

Q        Do I have to attend all events?

​

A        No, but there will be no refunds or cheaper fees if you choose not to attend. If you cannot make a bus trip please advise someone in your group so that there will be no delays or unnecessary waiting to start the tours.

 

Transport

​

Q        Are transport options available from accommodations?

​

A        There are bus services available in some areas, and an on-demand bus service operates from Belmont to Warners Bay. You must book at least a day ahead through the app for this service. Taxi and Uber also operate across Newcastle. E bikes and scooters operate in Warners Bay/Speers Point area. Best option is to have your own vehicle or hire one.

 

Q        What transport options are available if I arrive by air or train?

​

A        Newcastle airport has hire car facilities at the airport, best to prebook. Registrants who are flying into Sydney and then travelling by train the best station to alite at is Fassifern.  We have negotiated a discount with Newcastle Car and Truck Hire (check details on our web site) who are close to this station. If you are using this option, we can arrange a pick up if you advise us of your arrival time and take you to the car pickup location. Carpooling is a good option for attendees.

 

Q        How do I get around the convention sites?

​

A        Due to the convention being spread out over many sites in Lake Macquarie, we recommend that you use a car (own or hired) or even car pool. We have negotiated reduced rates with a local car hire company.

​

Q        Where will the convention coaches pick up and set down for the garden tours?

​

A        Coach pickups and drop-offs will be at Speers Point Park car park (near the swimming pool)

 

Accommodation

​

Q        Where should I stay?

​

A         Our web page has links to all accommodation options through the visitor information Centres. Some local providers have offered discounts to convention registrants. Those offering discounts are shown on the website. There are a choice of accommodation options available including caravan parks, cabins, motels, hotels, apartments and Air B & B. Search all available accommodations through links on our website.

 

Where to eat and shop

​

Q        Where is the best place to dine during the week?

​

A        You will be spoilt for choice in lakeside dining. There are restaurants,  cafes, clubs and pubs as well as take away to enjoy on the foreshores. The Living Smart festival will have food trucks on Friday night 15 September in Speers Point Park. Extend your stay and enjoy!

​

Q        Where are the closest Supermarkets and produce stores?

​

A        Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and IGA are accessible in many locations. Check those close to your accommodation.

 

Q        Are there Shopping Centres close to the convention site?

​

A        Major shopping centres include Charlestown Square, Westfield Kotara, Stockland Glendale and Lake Macquarie Fair at Mount Hutton.

 

Other activities

​

Check out our website for things to see and do. Many wineries in the Hunter Valley also have beautiful gardens, why not book a tour during your stay.