22nd – 26th March 2023
The Conference will be held at The Commodore, 1 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier has many accomodation options available. Have a look at the Discover Mount Gambier Website to get you started.
Some recommendations include:
- Several upmarket options to check out are Delgattie Estatewww.delgattie.com.au or Colhurst Housewww.colhursthouse.com.au These are both close by The Commodore – 210mtr and 750mtr respectively – and quite delightful if you like something special or The Barn www.thebarn.com.au but this option will require your own transport as it is 9km out of town.
- The Commodore has a range of rooms at various price points. www.thecommodoremtg.com.au This is the onsite option and great if you push the snooze button on the alarm once too often.
We have negotiated a corporate discount, but you need to ring direct and identify yourself with AWPA to get it PH: 08 8724 6400.
- For several budget conscious options we suggest The Red Carpet Motel and The Henty. www.thehenty.com.au These Motels are owned by the same people and are alongside each other.
The Red Carpet is on the elective surgery list for a makeover which may be well progressed by March. The Henty is at the end of her makeover so she’s looking youthful and brand new.
Bookings for these two are done through the Henty. PH:08 7725 4100 or online.
Rooms at the Red Carpet currently start at $99/night and at The Henty from $125/night. There are multiple bed configs and options for those wishing to share.
These two establishments are a 1.6 km stroll along the Jubilee Hwy from The Commodore.
- Last but not least in the suggestion box is the Blue Lake Holiday Park www.bluelake.com.au where there are some very well appointed cabins in a delightful setting. However, this is quite a stroll… especially if time is limited…3.4 km down the hill and through the town to The Commodore so would be best to have a vehicle at your disposal for ease of access to everything and of course your own convenience.
From Adelaide: Bus/Car via Coorong or inland route
Regional flights available with Rex or Qantas
From Melbourne: Bus/Car via Great Ocean Road or inland route
Wednesday 22nd March
1700-1900. Meet and greet welcome drinks and nibbles, after which you are free to gather your friends and head to a local establishment for dinner. If you are a first timer we will make sure you have buddies.
Thursday 23rd March
0700 First timers breakfast. Venue TBC. This will be at your own cost and is a worthwhile event if it’s your first conference.
0800 Education Day. There is a fabulous line up of presenters and some interactive activities which are guaranteed to amuse and educate. So far the guest speakers include:
- Dr Alice Gorman, Flinders University – Topic: Space Junk.
- Vienna Tran – Topic: Space and Aviation Medicine.
- Sharron Marshall-Keefe, CASA – Topic: Future Frontiers: RPAS and AAM strategic roadmap.
- Carol Dehn – Drone Demonstration
- Rocket Launching Demonstration
- Capsule Drops Demonstration.
- Dr Margaret Hawke – facilitating the space shuttle VR simulator operating all day.
- Dr Gail Iles, RMIT – Topic: Parabolic Flight and Astronaut Training.
- Concluded with a panel discussion with all the speakers.
1500 Communications Session. This is a members only event where you can get all your AWPA questions answered.
1700 Navigation Trial Briefing – for those competing in the Nav Trial a short briefing will be given so you can get to and flight plan for this fun event.
1815 Bus transfers to dinner at The Barn Steakhouse. The theme is Discover our Space so we highly encourage those who enjoy a good dress up to do so. Prize for best costume. There will be no penalties for mere mortals in drab civilian apparel. Be prepared for an aviation trivia quiz and maybe an interesting speaker.
2200 Bus transfers to accommodation.
Friday
0730 Bus transfers to Airport for those competing in the Navigation Trial.
1030 Bus transfers to Airport for lunch and activities.
1530 Bus transfers to accommodation.
1800 Walking tour around City of Mt Gambier followed by dinner of your choosing, at your own cost.
Saturday
0900 AGM at The Commodore
1830 Predinner drinks
1900 Dinner and Awards Presentation Night.
Sunday
0800 Farewell breakfast at own expense. You will need to advise if you wish to attend.
Mount Gambier has so many things to do and see, start with the Discover Mount Gambier Website to see what peaks your interest.
We have options for full, partial and online only tickets.
