VENUE & GENERAL INFORMATION
VENUE
Sydney Masonic Centre
The Joint ISA and ISPID 2010 Conference will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre. One of Sydney's most uncompromising 1970s buildings, the Sydney Masonic Centre is a prime example of the "Brutalist" style of architecture, which is distinguished by off-form concrete in a range of finishes. Designed by Joseland Gilling, it was built as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT of Ancient, Free and Accepted Freemasons. The office tower was added in 2004 to the original design. The SMC building entrance is located at 66 Goulburn Street in the centre of Sydney’s bustling CBD. Parking is available at the Wilson’s parking station diagonally opposite the building.
Sydney Masonic Centre
279 Castlereagh St
Sydney NSW 2000
GENERAL INFORMATION
Airport and Transport
The Sydney Masonic Centre is located in the Sydney CBD, 8km from Sydney International Airport. The venue is accessible via train/bus/car. The Centre is a short stroll from both Museum and Sydney Central train station (approximately 2 minutes walk).
Banking/Currency
Australian currency is decimal with units being dollars and cents. All major credit cards are accepted throughout Australia.
The exchange rates as at August 2009 are: AUD1 = € 0.58 = US$0.83 = @pound; 0.49. Exchange rates can also be viewed through the following link: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Currency exchange facilities are located at international airports and throughout Sydney’s central business district.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 0930 to 1600 Monday to Thursday, 0930 to 1700 on Fridays and are closed on Saturday and Sunday. General office and post offices are open 0900 to 1700 Monday - Friday.
Climate
Generally Australians are informal dressers. October is part of Sydney’s spring season and temperatures on average will be 26°C (79°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) during the evenings.
Electricity
The electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz and has a unique flat three-pin connection therefore you will need an adaptor. Most hotels provide 110 volt outlets for shavers.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference, or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.
Language
English is spoken in Australia and is the official language for the Conference.
Mobile Phones
Australia operates on a digital network therefore analogue mobile phones are unable to be used.
Goods and Services tax (GST) and Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
On 1 July 2000, Australia introduced a new taxation system incorporating the Goods and Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted are inclusive of the 10% GST, unless otherwise specified.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on goods and services in Australia.
To claim a refund, you must:
- Spend AUD300 (GST Inclusive) or more in one store and get a single tax invoice
- Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure
- Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facilty.
- Claims at airports are only available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight
The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on the aircraft when you leave Australia. It does not apply to goods or services consumed or partly consumed within Australia, such as wine, chocolates or perfume. However, unlike other tourist shopping schemes, most of the goods, such as clothing and cameras, can be used within Australia prior to your departure.
The TRS is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents.
The GST refund is calculated by dividing the total amount of the purchase by 11. The WET refund is 14.5% of the price paid for wine. For example, if you buy goods for a GST inclusive price of AUD660, you will receive a refund of AUD60. If the AUD660 is made up of a camera (AUD460) and wine (AUD200), you will receive a total refund of AUD89 (total GST refund of AUD60 plus AUD29 WET refund on the wine).
Passport and Visa Important Information
All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry Visa prior to travel to Australia. Delegates should, in most cases, apply for a short stay business visitor visa (subclass 456). Some delegates will be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the internet www.eta.immi.gov.au.
For a full information sheet listing which visa requirements please click here.
If you require a letter of invitation for visa purposes, you must first register and pay to attend the Conference and indicate on the registration form that you will require a letter of invitation. Please note that registration for the Conference does not guarantee a visa as each visa applicant will still be required to meet normal Entry Requirements before a visa can be granted.
The Conference Secretariat is unable to assist with processing or obtaining visa applications, other than verifying your intention to attend the Conference. Visas are granted at the discretion of the Australian Embassy.
Please ensure that you leave plenty of time for your visa application to be processed as this can sometimes take several weeks or longer.
Further information on passport and visa requirements can be obtained from www.immi.gov.au
Time
Local time in Sydney during October is Greenwich Mean Time plus 11 hours.
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