Annual Conference & AGM

The Hobart Function and Conference Centre (HFCC)

Located on the Elizabeth Street Pier, central to EVERYTHING that Hobart and Salamanca have to offer.

There is no doubt that Hobart is now the number one tourist destination in Australia!  As such, we suggest that you get your ducks in a row quickly and pre book your accommodation.

Discounts for AWPA bookings will be available at Somerset on the Pier, and Salamanca Inn, Hobart.

Other options include:

Mid tier options:

Quest Waterfront

Salamanca Inn (book directly with discount code “AWPA” for a lower rate of $245/night)

Grand Chancellor

Customs House Hotel

Hadley’s Orient Hotel

Expensive ($250+ per night)

Henry Jones Hotel

MacQ01

Somerset on the Pier (above the Conference Center – lifts to rooms, but stairs to beds)

Apartment style:

Zero Davey Apartments

The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

Hobart City Apartments

Cheaper:

Ibis Styles

RAC Hotel

Travelodge

Shipwrights Arms Hotel (above the pub) in Battery Point

Backpackers:

Hobart Central YHA

Backpackers Imperial Hotel

Central City Backpackers

The Nook Backpackers

Monacute Boutique Backpackers (Battery point)

Hobart can have unpredictable weather.  It has been known to snow on the mountain on Christmas day.  March/April can go from warm to snowing, all within the space of 24 hours.  As such, we suggest layers – a warm jacket, a raincoat, beanie and gloves.

There are now direct flights from most major cities in Australia.

• Skybus runs a regular service from the airport to Hobart, stopping at several of the hotels, as well as outside the conference venue.
• If you are travelling in a group, then a taxi fare will be approximately $50 to the city. Uber and Ola also now operate in Hobart.
• If you plan to fly yourself to Hobart (we hope that you do!), then please let us know and we may be able to organise a pick up from Cambridge.
• Transportation during the conference will be by bus when needed. If you have any specific requirements, please let the conference committee know.

WEDNESDAY 30 March

The Salamanca waterfront was once the slum area of Hobart but over time has become the centrepiece of Hobart’s dining and entertainment.

Registration will be at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre and open from 1200-1730.  Raffle tickets and a range of Tasmanian conference paraphernalia will be available.

In the evening, we will host a welcome function at the HFCC from 1730-1830 to introduce you to your local Tasmanian members and to get reacquainted with old friends.

For our first timers, we have a dinner planned to introduce you to other first timers.  For the other members, there is a range of dining options around the Hobart waterfront – find a friend and explore, or if you are lost and shy, the Tassie Team have organised some group options at some of our favourite restaurants. 

Arriving Early?  Check out the RAAF museum at the Anglesea Barracks (we will organise to have this opened if there is enough interest).  The Tasmanian Museum is located across the road from the conference venue and is free entry.  The Tasmanian maritime museum is also located nearby.  The Mona Roma ferry (sit on sheep) departs from the Brooke St Pier, only a short walk away from the conference venue.

 

THURSDAY 31 March

Join us today for the traditional education day at the HFCC.  Located on Elizabeth Street Pier the view from the conference room will take in views of Salamanca – a sea plane, an ice breaker, tug boats, and the occasional helicopter inbound to the hospital helipad.

0830-1200:  Education session.  We’re hoping to secure talks about Aviation in Antarctica, the challenging weather conditions of Tasmania, teamwork and CRM activities.  TBC.

1200-1300:  Lunch

1300-1500:  Communications session.  To discuss all things AWPA, where we came from and where we are going.

1500-1630:  Hobart City Scavenger Hunt – free time to explore!  Details will be sent out before the conference with the rules of the game!  There will be prizes.

1800-2200:  Speakers night, with a 70’s theme.  A buffet dinner will be held at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre.  All dietary requirements will be catered for.  Bring your favourite retro outfit, or hit the Hobart op shops to find something fashionable.  Our speaker of the night will be a true Tasmanian treasure.

FRIDAY 1 April

Navigation Trial.  Cambridge Aerodrome

Hope for no rain, or Tassie-style gales, pray that we have a perfect Tasmanian day!

Cambridge can be annoying, but the scenery is worth it.  Not only can the weather conditions be unpredictable, as you wonder how you can safely squeeze yourself between the mountains and that thick layer of cloud, but the wind can be relentless!

In the event that the nav trial is cancelled, Heather will have an alternate ground based nav trial.

The double decker bus will be running optional tours to the Grote Reber Museum and the Cambridge ATC Tower.  Please register your interest at registration.

1700:       Dinner

Elizabeth Street Pier has a small foodie market on Friday nights, we suggest you have a snack before the start of the cultural walking tour.

1800:       Cultural walking tour – first stop 1800 @ Rektango, Salamanca Square (follow the live music).  The full schedule will be published on the day.  Expect some spookiness.

SATURDAY 2 April

0830-0900:              AGM registration

If you haven’t yet had your coffee, we will have it here…pick up some breakfast at Salamanca before.

0900-1230:              AGM Expect to see some interesting dress…

1200-1230:              Photo time

1230-1800:  Afternoon free time optional tours

MONA:  The boat departs from the Brooke St pier.  Allow yourself 30 mins for the boat each way, and 3 hours for the museum.  Have a glass of wine before you start.

Salamanca Market: The market runs until 3pm, so hurry down for a late lunch, coffee and some Tasmanian souvenirs.

1800-2400:              Awards/Presentation Dinner

Dress to impress!

SUNDAY 3 April

As a final farewell we’ve organised something special…watch this space!

Farewell breakfast 0800-1000

We are happy to assist you in organising any of the following;

• Three Capes, Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula
• Come for a scenic drive around the Huon Peninsula/Valley. We’ll stop at all the delicious tasting spots!
• Bruny Island Cruises – see some amazing sea life.
• Mount Field National Park – to see the ‘turning of the Fagus’
• MONA (allow three hours minimum at the museum).

Costs are still being finalised by your 2022 Annual Conference Committee, members will be notified by email when registration is open and this page will be updated as soon as that information is available.