Social Program

AAG Distinguished Lecture
Sheraton Perth Hotel - Golden Ballroom
5.00pm - 5.45pm
Electrochemical transport, reduced chimneys and “forest rings” over oxidizable geological features – understanding the physics
Stewart M Hamilton MSc, PGeo, Aqueous Geochemist, Ontario Geological Survey
Included for fulltime delegates and registered partners and open to all interested persons.

Ice Breaker Welcome Reception
Sheraton Perth Hotel - Riverside Ballroom
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Please join us for a special opportunity to renew old acquaintances or make some new friends in the Exhibition area.
Included for fulltime delegates and registered partners. Others: AUD $55 per person.

Swan River Cruise and Old Fremantle Prison
6.00pm - 11.00pm
Discover the delights of the Swan River cruising between Perth and the Port of Fremantle on the fabulous MV James Stirling. Sights include the beautifully restored Swan Brewery at the foot of King’s Park, Royal Perth Yacht Club and the magnificent homes overlooking the river and Fremantle’s busy inner harbour.
Then it’s off for an evening of fun at the Old Fremantle Prison. The Prison has a rich and varied past as a place of incarceration for almost 150 years to British convicts, local prisoners, military prisoners, enemy aliens and prisoners of war. Built by convicts in the 1850’s, it became a colonial prison in the 1880’s and its inmates extended to include women as well as men. Its twentieth century history includes time as a military prison and after its closure as Western Australia’s primary maximum security prison, it is now one of the state’s premier heritage sites. Take a walk through the history of this fascinating place on a guided tour, followed by a meal and entertainment the inmates would only have dreamed of.
Cost: AUD$99 per person
Dress: smart casual, comfortable shoes.

Symposium Gala Dinner
Government House Ballroom
7.00pm - 11.30pm
Government House is one of Perth’s most magnificent properties with a picturesque architectural character, demonstrated in the use of stonework and bonded brickwork, incorporating square mullioned windows, decorated gables and ogival capped turrets. Built in 1863 and set in 3.2 hectares of beautiful gardens, both the buildings and gardens are listed on the State’s heritage register. The Ballroom, designed and built in 1899, in the Classic Revival style has been the scene of many grand occasions such as Receptions and Balls for visiting Royalty and Investitures by The Queen and Governors and is still frequently used for official and social functions. Join us for an evening of fine dining in a magnificent historical location.
Cost: AUD$99 per person

Free day and evening
There will be an optional visit to Genalysis Lab in the afternoon. Please note your interest on the registration form.

Water Sports
For those that are interested in watersports, the Perth region offers some excellent SCUBA DIVING around Rottnest Island. In September (our spring) the water is cold (17ºC/62.5ºF) so a 5 mm wetsuit is needed. All necessary equipment can be hired. Despite the comparative cold, it is worthwhile as the limestone reefs, bathed in the Leeuwin Current, are resplendent with kelp, hard and soft corals, brightly coloured sponges, ascidians, nudibranchs and bryazoa and equally colourful fish. Visibilities are generally good (around 15m/50ft).

If there is sufficient interest, a dive/snorkelling trip can be organised for Wednesday 21 September. If you are interested, please directly contact our Course/Workshop Coordinator, who dives the year round here (Ian.Robertson@csiro.au). Weekend diving can be booked through Perth Diving Academy who run a large, very comfortable, purpose-built dive boat from Fremantle out to Rottnest.
All this is, of course, weather-dependant. Proof of recognised diving qualifications is essential.

Night Zoo Experience at the Perth Zoo
5.45pm - 10.00pm
Enjoy a Night Zoo experience in the Australian Bushwalk with the scent of the eucalypts and the call of the kookaburras. Take a stroll through the Bushwalk and encounter kangaroo, emu, koalas and dingoes. Visitors to the Australian Bushwalk will tour through replicas of some of Australia’s famous landscapes and ecosystems. The Western Woodlands, our stark arid Interior and South East Forest regions make up this comprehensive Australian experience. A tropical rainforest environment rounds out this spectacular Australian journey, all in one night. The evening will finish in the function centre with a taste of fine Australian food and wine.
Cost: AUD$99 per person

Partners Program

The Accompanying Partners Committee looks forward to welcoming you to Perth. An entertaining and interesting program will ensure your stay is memorable.  A partner’s hospitality room will be located in the foyer of the Sheraton Hotel Conference floor.  If you are waiting for your partner, or just want to enjoy a coffee or chat with other partners, this is the place to be.

The registered partners’ fee (AUD$ 473) includes: Sunday - Welcome Reception; Monday - Showtime Tour and Clinique On Location in the Partners Room; Tuesday Mundaring Weir Tour; Thursday -  A Taste of the Valley Tour,  plus your evening function choice (one only), from the Fremantle Prison Dinner, the Gala Dinner at Government House or the Perth Zoo Dinner, as per the social program. 

Alternatively, partners may select from the range of tours and functions listed below at costs shown.  Please note that minimum numbers are required for the tours to proceed and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

SHOWTIME - A View of Perth
9.15am – 1.15pm approx
Half Day City Tour
The curtain rises as we head straight to the soul of the city, Kings Park, with one of the best seats in town for the show of abundant wildflowers at this time of the year. A walk through the tree tops on the elevated walkway will be followed, weather permitting, by a sumptuous morning tea in one of the gardens with a dress circle view of Perth. For an encore it is then down the hill for exclusive backstage tour of His Majesty’s Theatre. This celebrated Edwardian Theatre will be featuring the ballet Cinderella, with the sets in full view. The King Street precinct is right in the wings, so those who would prefer can stay on to peep at the shops and cafes, while we deliver the others back to the hotel.
Cost: Included for registered partners. AUD$77 inc GST (min 20 / max 45)
Includes: guide, morning tea and tour of His Majesty’s Theatre.

Monday afternoon in the Sheraton
Clinique-On-Location (includes afternoon tea)
As a special feature of our hospitality room, we offer you a unique opportunity to have an individual private consultation with trained make-up specialists onsite. Come along and enjoy afternoon tea and meet up with the other partners with a fun demonstration by consultants from Clinique-On- Location. Clinique-On-Location will provide you with confidence, skills, tips and techniques using their skin care and extensive make-up range to create a glamorous look, daily or for that special occasion. Clinique-On-Location will be available for appointments to create your special make-up for the Gala Dinner, free with the purchase of a AUD $25 Gift Voucher prior to the appointment. This voucher can be used to purchase products at your appointment, or at any other time of your choice. For those who purchase any Clinique products on the day, we will include a complimentary ‘gift’ and a raffle ticket to win a Clinique fragrance, to be drawn on the evening of the Gala Dinner. Sponsored by Clinique
Cost: Included for registered partners, others AUD$16.50 inc GST
Includes: afternoon tea and demonstration.

MUNDARING WEIR
9.00am – 3.00pm
The Hills are alive….
The natural bush explodes with a riot of colour from the profusion of the many wildflowers at this time of year. The fruit trees in the orchards are dressed in their spring finery, so sit back, relax in the comfort of your coach and enjoy the drive. We will explore the Mundaring/Kalamunda region taking in a gallery and the engineering feat of the Golden Pipeline to Kalgoorlie, all the time being sustained with delicious country fare.
Cost: Included for registered partners. AUD$110 inc GST (min 20 / max 45)
Includes: escort, guide, morning tea, lunch.

Amano Cooking Delights...
Cooking Demonstration
10.00am - 1.30pm
Try your hand with a cooking class at Western Australia’s premier cooking school in Cottesloe Village. This is an informative 2.5 hour class, taken by one of Perth’s top chefs, including printed copies of all recipes demonstrated, a glass of champagne on arrival and generous tastings of all dishes prepared with continued refreshments. The topic? well given it’s Spring, we will concentrate on a menu of beautiful ‘WestOz’ primary produce.
Cost: AUD$82.50 inc GST (min 25 / max 45)
Includes: class as outlined.

Thursday 22 September

A TASTE OF THE VALLEY
9.30am – 4.30pm approx
Swan Valley Tour
The Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine growing region, just 30 minutes from the city. A relaxing morning tea held enroute to the valley will set the stage for what will be a day of ‘grazing’. We’ll take you to an olive growing estate right in the heart of the Swan Valley to learn about the advantages of using Olive Oil and to taste their delicious samples. Now you can ask all those questions that you’ve never dared ask. Next place for a quick stop is All Saints Church, situated at a very important place in West Australian history. Tempt the taste buds again as we stop for wine tasting and platter lunch at a delightful vineyard. Time to check out a stunning gallery featuring furniture made from the Jarrah and other local timbers, as well as other beautiful local artworks. There is a final stop, at one of our oldest and best known vineyards, for coffee, liqueur and delicious hand made chocolates before the return trip. Who cares about calories anyway!
Cost: Included for registered partners, others AUD$115.50 inc GST (min 20 / max 45)
Includes: guide, morning tea, lunch, coffee and liqueur.

Friday 23 September

FANTASTIC PLASTIC
9.15am – 4.30pm approx
Full Day Shopping Tour
With no time to waste we make our first stop at Linney’s Subiaco. Here we will learn about Argyle diamonds, Broome Pearls and see a mini gold pour (using Kalgoorlie gold). We’ll have time for morning tea and some fantastic shopping in this popular Perth suburb. Back on the shopping express, our next stop is Bay View Terrace, Claremont. This is a very popular and trendy shopping precinct where many of the designer labels are available. Then it is time to sit back and relax in the coach for a short while and soak up the view of gorgeous beaches on our way to the Port City of Fremantle. A light “pubstyle” lunch will top up the energy levels before we tackle the Fremantle (Freo) Markets, housed in a grand old heritage listed Victorian building, with buskers to entertain us and over 150 exciting and interesting stalls to tempt us. At last it is time for our weary shoppers to board the Coach for the return trip to the hotel.
Cost: AUD$99 inc GST (min 20 / max 45)
Includes: guide, morning tea, lunch.

Pre and Post Symposium Day Tours

For those staying on after the symposium, there is a diverse range of one day tours are available in Perth. All tour bookings can be made with Discover West Holidays on Tollfree 1800 999 243, or via their website www.discoverwest.com.au

Some of the most popular tours are:

Best of Perth and Kings Park
The perfect introduction to Perth. Coach tour features picturesque Swan River foreshore parklands, heritage and modern buildings, such as the Perth Town Hall, Barracks Arch, Perth Mint, Swan Bells and Cultural Centre which trace the city’s history. Enjoy spectacular Perth and Swan River views from Kings Park and receive handy tips on shopping, transport, dining out and entertainment.
Departs: daily at various times from Perth
Code: T105 AUD $35 adult/AUD $15 child U15

Fremantle Discovery with Swan River Cruise
Spend a relaxing hour cruising the picturesque Swan River to Fremantle – Perth’s historic and multicultural port. Enjoy afternoon tea and a full commentary as you marvel at the natural river wildlife and the splendour of ‘Millionares Row’. When you hit Fremantle you’ll tour the vibrant port city by coach, and you can briefly explore the exciting shops and cafes by foot. On Fridays and weekends, checkout the colourful Fremantle bazzar-markets before returning to Perth via the most beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. Half day luxury coach tour includes scenic river cruise, afternoon tea, tour of the Port City & harbours.
Departs: 1.30pm from Perth
Code: T1338 AUD$75 adult/AUD$40 child U15

Rottnest Explorer Day
Rottnest Island is Western Australia’s world-renowned island holiday playground. This full-day Explorer Day package includes return ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest, delicious three-course luncheon and a two-hour coach tour of Rottnest, visiting all the island’s attractions. There is also plenty of free time to explore the island at your own leisure. Swim, snorkel or just relax and soak up the history and sunshine.
Departs: daily at 8.45am from Perth
Code: T142 AUD$114 adult/AUD$49 child U12

Pinnacles Adventure Safari Day Tour
Experience the adventure of West Australia’s unique outback by special 4WD. Travel through the wine making region of Swan Valley, then head ‘off road’ through natural bushland to discover our unique outback en route to Nambung National Park - home of the mysterious Pinnacles. Time to explore this amazing formation before heading onto the spectacular beach at Hangover Bay, for some relaxation and a refreshing swim before heading to the rock lobster fishing village of Cervantes for lunch. Continuing on through bush tracks spotting for the wild kangaroos and emus often seen here, eventually arriving at some magnificent sand dunes for an exhilarating 4WD adventure and sand surfing! On to a short stop at Lancelin to view one of the world’s premier windsurfing beaches. Small number full day safari tour includes lunch, entrance fees.
Departs: Daily at 7.20am returns: Approx. 6.30pm
Code: T159 AUD$120 adult / AUD$90 child U14

West Club - for added value

West Club is a WA owned and operated company, who proudly support charities such as Telethon and Variety Club, by producing a comprehensive discount directory, that raises much needed funding for the children of WA.

With a West Club Discount Directory and West Club card, there is FREE entry to over 10 top Nightclubs, many 2 for 1 offers in Restaurants around WA plus lots more.

If you would like to purchase a copy to use during your stay in Perth to utilise the may discounts on offer, please contact Promaco Conventions to arrange.  A  West Club Discount Directory Guide Book will cost you A$25.00 and can be delivered to your hotel or collected from the registration desk.

For more information about what is on offer download the brochure or visit www.westclub.com.au