Welcome to Melbourne

The Tenth National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia will meet from 12-19 July, 2003 at Melbourne University. The major venues within the Campus will be Wilson Hall and the Union Building (refer to map on page 6). Once again, Uniting Church people from throughout Australia are invited to participate in the Visitors' Program. Visitors may choose to attend as much of the Assembly program as desired, as well as a wide variety of electives, activities, and optional events.

Transfers and transportation

Visitors arriving on either Friday 11th or Saturday 12th July into Tullamarine Airport, Spencer Street Station or the Melbourne Coach Terminal (on Franklin St) will be met upon arrival. Please ensure that you advise your travel details and arrival times clearly in the section provided on the registration form.

Transfers back to Tullamarine Airport, Spencer Street Station and the Melbourne Coach Terminal will be available on Saturday 19th July.

During the week of Assembly, if you are staying in the University colleges, it is a 10-15 minute walk to Melbourne University's Wilson Hall. A shuttle bus will also be available. If you are staying in motel accommodation, we recommend the very regular and reliable tram transportation.

Car parking is limited around the
Melbourne University precinct, but secure
undercover parking is available for
around $12 per day.

Activities and Electives

A wide range of electives and activities will be available for Assembly visitors, including:

Church operated Tours:

• a tour to a range of inner-city Uniting Church missions*;
• a tour to the drought affected areas of the Loddon Campaspe region, visiting an operational dairy farm, the Cornishvale UnitingCare facility in Mooroopna, and meeting a number of local people severely impacted by the drought*;
• a tour to Narana Creations in Geelong, the multi-award winning Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress operated craft and interpretation centre. You'll also spend some time visiting some of the landmark's and Uniting Church's around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula*;
• a tour to some of the innovative and developing congregations in the Melbourne area*;

* a cost (kept to a minimum) will be incurred for these tours.

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Electives
A range of electives are being prepared to cover areas of interest such as:

• introducing Uniting in Worship 2;
• further exploring Together in Song;
• "Mind, Body & Spirit", an elective by Rev Paul Teusner;
• how to make the best use of "Seasons of the Spirit",
• the latest worship resources from MediaCom;
• exploring the relationship between our Christian faith and the environment;
• the effective use of clowning and puppetry in worship and church life.

Note: Further details about booking into electives and the program for the week will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration.

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Activities
A range of activities will take place during the week of the Assembly, including:

• A meal with overseas guests;
• Active involvement in the worship life and Bible studies of the Assembly;
• Meeting with some of the Assembly agencies;
• A chance to climb all over "The Big Red Bus", operated by UnitingCare in Shepparton as a mobile advocacy and education service.
  

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Commercially operated Tours

• Great Ocean Road: travel over the West Gate Bridge, down to Geelong, and through Torquay to the start of the 300km Great Ocean Road. Stop for morning tea and cake at one of the surf beaches, then on through the resort town of Lorne, and Apollo Bay to the rainforests of the Otway National Park. From here, it's around to the stark stone pillars of the Twelve Apostles, the Razorback, Island Arch, and other twisted costal formations. Then it's time to descend into Loch Ard gorge, and experience the ruggedness of the Shipwreck Coast. Stop for dinner on the way home in Colac (at own expense, along with lunch). Tour is $104 per adult, operating daily by Great Sights, departing 8:45am and returning 9:15pm. Pickups available from your hotel.
  
  
  
• Phillip Island Fairy Penguins: from Melbourne, travel along the edge of Port Phillip Bay, and across to Westernport Bay, viewing French Island, a one time penal colony. Then travel onto Phillip Island, with time to explore the township of Cowes, visit the Koala Conservation Centre where you can see koalas from the tree-tops boardwalk. Dinner at your own expense, then it's time to witness the famous Penguin Parade. After spending the day up to 100kms out at sea, these fairy penguins emerge around dusk, cross the beach and go into their burrows. Here's also time to visit Penguin world. Bring very warm waterproof clothing. Tour is $96 per adult, operating daily by Great Sights (1300 850 850) departing at 1:30pm and returning around 11pm. Pickups are available from your hotel.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Puffing Billy: an original steam locomotive, Puffing Billy is one of Victoria's most unique attractions. Located just one hour's drive east of Melbourne, you'll enjoy the ride through the Dandenong Ranges - home to colourful native birds, fern gullies, tall mountain ash eucalypts. Tour is $56 per adult,
  operating daily by Great Sights, departing 8:40am, returning 1pm. Pickups are
  available from your hotel.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Melbourne Based Activities
If the Assembly is not enough, there are a range of other things to do and see in Melbourne, including:

• Melbourne nightlife: Lygon Street is an ideal area to explore Melbourne's nightlife. Famous for a wide range of Italian restaurants, there's also the Nova Cinema complex, late night shopping, buskers, pubs and nightclubs. Only ten minutes walk from Melbourne University.
• Live Shows: a night out at the Melbourne theatre. Go to: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for information on the latest shows.
• The Melbourne Aquarium: located on the corner of Flinders and King St, Melbourne, on the banks of the Yarra River, the Aquarium is open daily from 9:30am - 6pm. Prices are: adults $22, children aged 4-16 $12, concession $14, and family discounts are available. Full disabled access and disabled car parking is available. Ph (03) 9620 0999.
• Melbourne Cricket Club Museum: Guided tours operate daily from 10am - 3pm on the hour and half hour, except on major event days. They depart from the foyer of the Australian Gallery of Sport, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. No bookings are required. Tickets are: adult $16, concession $10, family $40. The tour lasts for 75 minutes, going inside the MCC pavilion, and includes the 4 exhibitions of the Australian Gallery of Sport. Ph (03) 9657 8879
• The new Melbourne Museum: Located in the Carlton Gardens next to the Royal Exhibition Buildings, a short walk from Melbourne University. Open daily from 10am - 5pm, ticket prices are: Adult $15, concession $11, child $8, family $35. This is Australia's largest museum, with a large variety of hands-on and interactive displays.
• Queen Victoria Market: Open every day except Monday, experience the hustle and bustle of Melbourne's busiest market. Easily accessed from Melbourne University, the Queen Victoria Market is located on the corner of Elizabeth St and Victoria St, in the city.
• Southbank: a great place for dinner, over the Yarra River from Flinders Street Station.

More information on Melbourne activities: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au or www.visitmelbourne.com.au, or phone the Melbourne Tourist Information Service on 13 28 42

Some Image of Melbourne - Slide Show