The 12th National Conference of Socialist Alliance will take place at Geelong Trades Hall from January 20-22, 2017. This is the highest decision-making body of the Alliance, and sets our policy and perspectives, considers changes to our Constitution and elects the National Officers and leadership bodies of the Alliance. The conference is open to Socialist Alliance members and invited guests.
Decision-making is by delegates elected from each branch, but all members of Socialist Alliance are encouraged to attend. As well as reports and delegate discussions, there will be educational talks and workshops for all members, special sessions for non delegates, introductory sessions for new members and those interested in joining, cultural events and time to relax and get to know other SA comrades from around the country.
Download the draft agenda here. NB: The conference agenda is still being finalised, and is subject to change.
The National Executive has set the delegate ratio at one delegate for every eight financial members. Branches will need to hold delegate elections before the end of the year, and are required to give at least 14 days notice of a delegate election.
The delegate fee has been set at $200 per delegate (payable by each branch).
The cost for delegates to travel from interstate and regional areas to the conference will be subsidised (funds reimbursed at the conference) from the delegate fees collected.
Registration rates for 3 days are: $60 - waged; $30 - concession; or $100 - high waged/solidarity.
A special rate for High School students is also available. Single day rates are also available for the conference.
Saturday December 17 - Last day to elect delegates to conference
Sunday January 8 - Last day for new policy proposals or Constitutional changes to be submitted to Alliance Voices
Sunday January 15 - Deadline for pre-conference Alliance Voices contributions to be submitted
Tuesday January 17 - Last Alliance Voices contributions published to Alliance Voices website before the conference
Friday, January 20 - Conference opens
Members wanting to attend the conference should get in quick to take advantage of low fares. See here for some cheap airfares on offer – which won't last long!
A range of budget accommodation options are available in Geelong (see here). A limited amount of billet spots will be available (priority given to comrades on minimal or no income).
More information about the conference will be available soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact your local branch, or the National Office on (02) 8070 9331 or national_office at socialist-alliance.org.
NB: These airfares were accessed on October 27 - and may not last long!
NB: If participants fly direct to Avalon airport (the closest airport to Geelong) the Avalon Shuttle is a door to door service, costing $22 one way or $44 return. Visit: http://www.murrell.com.
Adelaide to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $53 (Tiger), $93 (Jetstar), $99 (Virgin), $109 (Qantas)
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Adelaide - $40 (Tiger), $103 (Jetstar), $99 (Virgin), $109 (Qantas)
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Armidale to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $241 (Qantas)
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Armidale - $241 (Qantas)
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Brisbane to Avalon - $195 (Jetstar)
Avalon to Brisbane - $195 (Jetstar)
Brisbane to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $85 (Tiger), $126 (Jetstar), $159 (Virgin), $172 (Qantas)
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Brisbane - $85 (Tiger), $126 (Jetstar), $159 (Virgin), $172 (Qantas)
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Cairns to Avalon - $269 (Jetstar)
Avalon to Cairns - $239 (Jatstar)
Cairns to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $134
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Cairns - $154
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Canberra to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $94 (Tiger), $125 (Virgin), $145 (Qantas)
Melbourne to Canberra - $94 (Tiger), $125 (Virgin), $145 (Qantas)
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Hobart to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $69 (Jetstar), $82 (Tiger), $109 (Qantas), $129 (Virgin)
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Hobart - $72 (Tiger), $79 (Jetstar), $105 (Virgin), $109 (Qantas)
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Sydney to Avalon - $83 (Jetstar)
Avalon to Sydney - $83 (Jetstar)
Plus train from Newcastle to Sydney (return) - $16.60
Perth to Avalon - $329 (Jetstar)
Avalon to Perth - $339 (Jetstar)
Perth to Melbourne (Tullamarine) - $157 (Tiger)
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Perth - $157 (tiger), $219 (Jetstar), $260 (Virgin), $278 (Qantas)
Then Skybus ($19) + Train ($12.20) to Geelong, or Gull Bus direct from the airport to Geelong ($32).
Sydney to Avalon - $83 (Jetstar)
Avalon to Sydney - $83 (Jetstar)
Sydney to Avalon - $83 (Jetstar)
Avalon to Sydney - $83 (Jetstar)
Plus train from Wgong to Sydney (return) - $18
Address: 30 Aberdeen Street, Geelong West, 3218
Phone: (03) 5221 4335
Website: http://www.irishmurphysgeelong.com.au/
Distance from conference venue: 15-20 minute walk
Address: 211 Ryrie Street, Geelong, 3220
Phone: (03) 5229 1104
Website: http://jokersonryrie.com.au/accommodation/accommodation-prices/
Distance from conference venue: 5 minute walk
Address: 83 Yarra Street, Geelong
Ph: 0417 545 196
Website: http://www.gatehouseonryrie.com.au/index.htm
Distance from conference venue: 5 minute walk
Address: 9 Aberdeen Street, Geelong West, 3218
Phone: (03) 5221 2177
Website: http://www.aberdeenmotorinn.com.au
Distance from conference venue: 15-20 minute walk
Address: 4 Aberdeen Street, Geelong West, 3218
Phone: (03) 5229 6024
Website: http://www.ardarahouse.com.au/
Distance from conference venue: 15 minute walk
Address: Corner of Gheringhap St & Myers St, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: (03) 5223 6200
Website: http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-3033-mercure-geelong/index.shtml
Distance from conference venue: 5 minute walk
4 person apartments for $65/person/night, or double rooms (lots) at the same rate per person.
You can find them at: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/Find-Us/Victoria/Geelong-Conference-Centre/
Deakin University residential housing is also available for short stay over the summer semester.
Visit: http://www.deakin.edu.au/
It is in Waurn Ponds and would require a bus trip in each day.
Also, check out AirBnB for apartments, rooms and house rentals.
Visit: www.airbnb.com.au