12Th International Metropolis Conference: Migration, Economic Growth and Social Cohesion

METROPOLIS MELBOURNE 2007

12th International Metropolis Conference: Migration, Economic Growth and Social Cohesion

8-12 October 2007, Melbourne, Australia For more information: www.metropolis2007.org 1 12TH INTERNATIONAL METROPOLIS CONFERENCE

The International Metropolis Project Who should attend? Other research-based themes will include international comparisons of policies to encourage migrant settlement in The International Metropolis Project (www.international. The 12th International Metropolis Conference will be of interest regional areas and issues relating to skilled worker intakes. metropolis.net) is a forum that bridges research, policy and to policy-makers, representatives from non-government practice on migration and diversity. The project aims to organisations (NGOs), academic researchers, graduate enhance academic research capacity, encourage policy- students and interested private sector stakeholders. Metropolis About Melbourne relevant research on migration and diversity issues, and wishes to reach all those with a professional interest in Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is considered facilitate the use of that research by governments and non- international migration, diversity and urban management one of the most enlightened and liveable cities in the world. It is government organisations. issues. A special registration fee has been made available for home to a diverse, multicultural society comprising more than students and NGO representatives. The early-bird closing date 200 different communities, in which 100 different religious faiths In the decade since its inception, the project has grown to for registration is 27th August 2007. are practised, and more than 180 different languages spoken. include researchers, policy-makers, international organisations and non-government organisations from North America, most Melbourne is a place of great presence and beauty, enjoying a of Europe and much of the Asia-Pacifi c region. The project is Conference Theme: striking cityscape of fi ne 19th century buildings, gardens and perhaps best known for its international conferences, which Migration, Economic Growth and Social boulevards, and state-of-the-art architecture. Recognised as the are the largest annual gatherings of experts in the fi elds of Cohesion cultural hub of Australia, Melbourne offers a sophisticated arts migration and diversity. Metropolis International 2007 is an internationally signifi cant scene, the country’s best shopping, a lively passion for eating Each conference attracts upwards of 700 delegates for high- research-based conference that focuses on immigration and and drinking, and international sporting events. It is also ideally level plenary sessions, a comprehensive study tour program settlement issues. placed for sightseeing, being just a few hours drive from the and more than 60 concurrent workshops. The conferences It will be an event of major importance for Australia and places coast, alpine regions and rural Victoria. are an opportunity for delegates – both expert and novice Melbourne in good company, with previous host cities including During October, the city will also be celebrating Australia’s – to discuss critical issues, identify research and policy gaps, Milan, Copenhagen, Zichron Yaacov (Israel), Washington, leading cultural festival, the Melbourne International Arts compare international experiences and build the Metropolis Vancouver, Rotterdam, Oslo, Vienna, Geneva and Toronto. Festival. There will be a range of other international conferences network. The 12th International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne staged during Metropolis Melbourne 2007 to tie in with the themes of the Conference, on legal, business, government and Local organizers will concentrate on Migration, Economic Growth and Social Cohesion, and will feature Australian and global leaders and policing issues. The 12th International Metropolis Conference 2007 is being offi cials, renowned academics and key stakeholders in the For more information on Melbourne and the sights of Victoria, organised by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global migration debate. please visit www.visitmelbourne.com Movement at Monash University and the Australian Multicultural Foundation, in collaboration with Metropolis Project. In addition, a major set of studies on social cohesion in Australian and international societies will be launched at the The Conference is made possible thanks to generous fi nancial Conference. They have been commissioned by the organisers support from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments, of Metropolis 2007 and generously funded by the Scanlon other State Governments, the City of Melbourne and in-kind Research Foundation. The four interrelated areas of research support from the private sector. are: 1. components of social cohesion 2. measuring the components of social cohesion 3. constructively attaining social cohesion in Australia 4. minorities in Australian and international society

2 CONFERENCE TIMETABLE Please take note of 8 - 12 October 2007 on your calendar today and visit the conference website (www.metropolis2007.org) regularly to stay informed of all news and updates.

Monday Soﬁ tel Hotel, Melbourne 8 October Community visits to various sites throughout Melbourne Various locations Conference check-in at registration tables in foyer of Soﬁ tel Melbourne Welcome reception

Tuesday 9:00 -10:05 9 October Opening address

10:05 – 11:25 11:55 – 1:15 2:15 - 5:00 Plenary Session 1: Keynote & Panel Plenary Session 2: Panel Workshops Conference Dinner Migration and the Global Economy Skilled Migration and its Effects on Developing

Countries: The Health Care Professions coffee break

Wednesday 9:00 -10:30 10 October Plenary Session 3: Panel Social Cohesion, Identity and Belonging

10:30 -10:45 Special address on Social Cohesion

10:45 -11:15 11:45 -1:15 2:15 - 5:00 Launch of Scanlon Foundation Social Plenary Session 4: Panel Workshops Reception 2 Cohesion Project (i) Return Migration: New Developments, New Responses

(ii) Mayor’s Roundtable on Social Cohesion in coffee break Diverse Societies lunch

Thursday 9:00 - 9.45 11 October Plenary Session 5: Panel Migration directions in Australia and New Zealand: Special Policy Address

9:45 -11.15 11:45 -1:15 2:15 - 5:00 Plenary Session 6: Panel Plenary Session 7: Panel Workshops Free night (i) The Diversity Advantage: Experts Roundtable (i) Immigration and Settlement Outside of Major (ii) Minorities and Security Urban Centres: An Examination of Comparative Approaches

(ii) Faith and Social Cohesion coffee break Friday 9:00 -10.30 11:00 -12.30 12 October Plenary Session 8 Plenary Session 9 The Asia-Paciﬁ c Region The Migration of the Unskilled

12:30 -1.15 Closing and invitation to next International Metropolis Conference

3 PLENARY SESSIONS

Tuesday October 9 Wednesday October 10 citizenship, has allowed people to maintain exceptionally strong social, family, business, and other links to their homeland, something made possible by advances in transportation and 9:00 – 10:05 Conference Welcome 9:00 – 10:30 Plenary - Social Cohesion, communications. Although Italy, Spain and Portugal, among Identity and Belonging other countries, have also witnessed such duality, immigrants 10:05 – 11:25 Migration and the Global It is widely accepted that for societies to be successful, some from Hong Kong have often been viewed as the prime example Economy degree of internal cohesion is necessary. Nonetheless, many of this transnationalism. More recently, a strong return Globalization and the global economy are known to have question the extent to which social cohesion is compatible movement has emerged, not only to Hong Kong, but also to an impact on migration fl ows. However, to fully capture and with the principles of liberal democratic societies including, China, India, and other source countries. Research suggests understand these effects, additional research and policy are most notably, protection for individual rights and for minorities, that such returns are the result of economic opportunities in needed. In this opening session, we will look at the effects tolerance of pluralism and respect for the rule of law. These the homeland, but also dissatisfaction with their experiences of globalization on migration patterns and migrants. What questions are not new, and liberal democracies have been in their destination countries. This session will explore these changes can we expect in these fl ows and patterns? Have structured to permit the debate and negotiations that allow developments, try to assess their causes and impacts on the the relative preferences for skilled and unskilled labour been for evolution in the face of social and demographic change. destination country and the country of origin, and suggest what altered? Is the profi le of immigrants changing, and is migration This was evident, for example, in demands among women might be the longer-term implications for those countries that becoming increasingly feminized? What should we expect for broader inclusion in the structures of liberal states. More seek immigrants. in the future? And how will these changes affect the world’s recently, ethnic, racial, religious, linguistic and cultural groups cities? Discussions on globalization tend to emphasize the have put forward similar challenges. Can a liberal democratic (ii) Mayor’s Roundtable on Social Cohesion in high-skilled entrepreneur who moves relatively freely between society legitimately limit behaviour or practices in order to Diverse Societies economies, often ignoring the impact of globalization on achieve social cohesion and a sense of belonging? How can As with most migration-related issues, it is cities that are poor or lower-skilled migrants. Our aim is to move beyond societies maintain social cohesion and a sense of belonging on the front lines of the social cohesion debate. Indeed, discussions that look solely at the migration of poorer migrants as diversity increases and members’ identities become more social cohesion problems are nearly always local problems to richer countries; we will thus also consider South-South diffuse? requiring local solutions, and although national policies and movements of poorer migrants. global conditions affect what takes place in our cities, it is 10:45 – 11:15 Launch of Scanlon Foundation often local remedies that are most effective. This session will 11:55 – 1:15 Skilled Migration and its Social Cohesion Project bring together mayors from a number of cities to discuss the challenges to social cohesion that they now face and to look at Effects on Developing Countries: The Health This session will launch an important new project on social how cities can most effectively encourage social cohesion. Do Care Professions cohesion, generously funded by the Scanlon Foundation, on cities have the capacity and powers to address these complex constructively attaining social cohesion in Australia. In addition, Countries with skilled migration programs have been under issues? Are there incentives for residents, both new and a senior Australian Minister will discuss a new program much pressure to take seriously the impact of the outfl ow of long-standing, to make contributions to the well-being of their designed to build social cohesion by bringing communities skilled migrants from the world’s poorer nations to its richer communities? What role can civil society play? nations. Many question the ethics of wealthy countries admitting together. Particular focus will be placed on building a positive those whose skills are in short supply in their countries of origin understanding of the contribution that Australians of Muslim and, many skilled migrants arrive in the country of destination faith have made to Australian society. only to fi nd that their skills and qualifi cations are not recognized by employers or licensing bodies. In this session, we will 11:45 – 1:15 Concurrent Plenary Sessions concentrate on the movement of health care professionals. Panellists will look at the facts and policy implications of health (i) Return Migration: New Developments, care professionals lost not only to migration but to retirement, New Responses death, and other forms of leaving the profession, to the capacity Since its inception, Metropolis has paid considerable attention of universities in the sending countries to replace those lost to to transnational communities whose members reside or have these multiple causes, to the opportunities for and conditions of ties to more than one country at the same time. This duality, employment in the homeland and destination countries. which extends far beyond the holding of more than one

4 Thursday October 11 related to terrorism and security, while avoiding the alienation relationship extend, and are there limits to the connection between or marginalization that results when communities are unfairly governments, religion, and faith-based institutions? In treating this – and unhelpfully – viewed as posing a threat. Panellists will challenge, speakers will seek to understand and offer solutions 9:00 – 9: 45 Migration directions in Australia also look at the role of the larger society, with a focus on how to some of the better-known points of tension, namely, religious and New Zealand: Special Policy Address public attitudes, disparate economic and social outcomes, and symbols, religious holidays, and the treatment of women. This session will focus on the future directions for Australian intolerance may contribute to feelings of marginalization or the and New Zealand immigration policies and the key issues turn to radicalization. What national and local policies are needed Friday October 12 confronting each country in this policy area. to assist us in navigating this complex array of issues? 9:00 – 10:30 Plenary - The Asia-Pacifi c Region 9:45 – 11:15 Concurrent Plenary Sessions 11:45 – 1:15 Concurrent Plenary Sessions The 12th International Metropolis Conference is the fi rst to take (i) The Diversity Advantage: Experts (i) Immigration and Settlement Outside of place in a country of the Asia-Pacifi c region. This provides an Major Urban Centres: opportunity to become more familiar with migration issues in Roundtable the region, including managed fl ows, refugee movements, Since the publication of Richard Florida’s The Rise of the An Examination of Comparative Approaches economic migration, and migration for family re-unifi cation. Creative Class, those in the business of thinking about the In most countries, migrants settle in larger urban areas, rather What trends are we seeing with respect to migration to, integration of immigrants in multicultural societies have been than in small cities and rural communities. At the same time, from and between the countries of the Asia-Pacifi c? What exploring how to make diversity an advantage for a society. labour market needs, declining populations and a desire for impact has this had on national economies, populations, and Businesses and governments, in particular, have integrated this regional economic development have prompted governments, social and cultural conditions? What have been the policy thinking into their operations. Many are directing their attention employers, and citizens to look at how to attract and retain responses? Equally importantly, we will look at what migration to the “business case” for diversity, to the issue of supplier immigrants outside of major metropolitan areas. Many refer to within this region means for the rest of the world, particularly as diversity, and to including principles of diversity management in this as “regionalization,” whereby various programs or policies the economic fortunes of the Asia-Pacifi c continue to brighten. their human resource plans. Some question, however, whether are put into place to encourage immigrants to settle and remain there is a clear link between diversity and economic advantage. in cities outside of a country’s major metropolitan areas. This 11:00 – 12:30 Plenary - The Migration of the This session will explore the question of whether diversity and plenary will showcase the results of a recent comparative economic advantage are linked and, if so, how? Panellists study of approaches to regionalization. Speakers will consider Unskilled will also examine the factors that may encourage or hamper initiatives designed to encourage regional migration, including Although less-skilled and unskilled migrants can benefi t the ability of cities and businesses to tap into the benefi ts that their success in directing immigrants to smaller centres, signifi cantly from migration, they can place the greatest diversity may bring. the impact of these initiatives on regional economies and pressures on the countries to which they migrate and thus, demographics, and the effectiveness of retention strategies. are sometimes less welcomed and less sought. Low-skilled (ii) Minorities and Security and unskilled migration also raises serious questions about (ii) Faith and Social Cohesion integration and management. How are we to understand the In the current climate, much has been made of the real, potential, situation of unskilled migrants, the choices available to them, and or presumed link between immigration and security. As attention Religion has always played a role in organizing and structuring the means they have to take advantage of these choices? In this to “homegrown terrorism” has increased, the security aspects of societies, but as these societies have become more multi-faith, fi nal session, we will attempt to better understand the situation immigrant integration have broadened to include all minorities, the place of faith has been a source of debate. For many, the of unskilled migrants and the response of countries of origin and immigrant or not. Many now believe that the protection of solution is to clearly separate a public realm from a private realm destination. To what extent do unskilled workers turn to migration national security requires effective co-operation between security and assign religion to the private; for others, this is untenable as an option to improve their economic fortunes? How do they agencies, communities, and members of minority groups. given that religion plays a key role in organizing and structuring fi nd the avenues and means to migrate when they may lack However, some suggest that such co-operation is undermined societies, whether secular or not. Is secularism an appropriate the resources or skills of migrants who are more highly sought by racial profi ling or certain foreign policies. This session will integration strategy that builds social cohesion? Does the by destination countries? And are the ways in which countries look at how these forms of co-operation can be developed attainment of social cohesion in multi-faith societies require the are attempting to manage or limit the migration and permanent and nurtured to manage the risks posed by radicalization quarantine of religious life? Indeed, governments can, and often residence of unskilled migrants appropriate and effective? and terrorism, whether international or domestic. Importantly, do, turn to faith institutions and religious leaders to communicate panellists will consider how to engage communities in questions with religious and minority communities. How far should this 12:30 – 1:15 Closing and Invitation to Next International Metropolis Conference 5 WORKSHOPS

The workshop programme has become a hallmark • An Empirical Comparison of Cross-National Integration • Temporary Foreign Workers: Comparing Policy of International Metropolis Conferences. This year’s Paths Approaches, Responses and Impacts conference will feature more than 80 workshop • Immigration and Community Relations in Japan, Canada, • Measuring Social Cohesion: Selected Findings from Cyprus and Australia Longitudinal Data on Immigrants sessions on some of the most pressing migration topics. The workshops are an opportunity to discuss • Fear, Human Security, Migrant Integration and Social • Pioneering Pathways to Inclusion: Recognizing Prior Cohesion: Issues, Responses and Policies Learning in Three Countries research fi ndings, debate policy implications and • Role of Education in Social Cohesion • The Second-Generation in Europe, Australia and North strengthen comparative links on key issues. America: Integration and Social Cohesion • Migration and Development Home and Away: What Workshops will take place on the afternoons of Counts as Development? • Narratives of Inclusion: Multiculturalism versus Plural Monoculturalism in Liberal Democracies Tuesday 9 October, Wednesday 10 October and • The Contribution of Cross-Cultural Training to Social Thursday 11 October. Some workshops are 90 Cohesion • The Emigration of Immigrants: A Liability or an Asset? minutes in length while others are 180 minutes. All • Engaging with Diaspora: Strategies for Leveraging • Strategic and Targeted Measures to Increase Employment have been selected from an open call for workshop “Identity” and “Connectedness” in Transnational Among Immigrant Groups Populations proposals and include international comparisons and • International Perspectives on Sudanese (Re)settlement: • Migration and Development in Transnational Societies: Canada to Finland and Down Under perspectives drawn from research, policy and the non- Pacifi c Perspectives governmental sector. • Doing the Hard Yards: Developing Contextual Models of • Return to China and India? Subsequent Mobility of Urban Cohesion Immigrants to Australasia and North America Please note that this is a preliminary list of sessions • Immigration Policy and Practice in a Globalising World: and is subject to change. A complete workshop • Religion and Migration: Pathways of Integration Country Perspectives list and schedule will be posted on the conference • The Lure of Smaller Places: Experiences from Australia, • The Diffi culty of Measuring Progress on Anti-Racism website in August 2007. Canada and Germany Initiatives • Cultural and Organizational Diversity: The Role of Key • Policies and Practices Affecting Teacher Mobility Across To view workshop descriptions and contact details Players National Boundaries of session organizers, visit the “Workshops & • How Migration Enhances Social Cohesion and Builds • Historical Memory and Social Cohesion: Armenian and Organisers” page on the Metropolis website at Social Capital Turkish Migrant Communities http://www.metropolis2007.org/workshop.php • Social Cohesion and Cultural Canons: Examples from a • Social Cohesion and Security in Times of Calm and Crisis Changing Europe • Immigrant Integration in Two Continents: A Case of East • Settlement Planning and Social Inclusion of the ‘Visibly Indians in Canada and Australia Different’: Social Science and International Policy • Border Control and Trade/Migration Policies Perspectives • Occupational Health and Safety Issues Affecting • Ethnic Diversity and Social Cohesion Immigrants Workers • Ethnic Diversity and Entrepreneurship: Australasian, North • Gaining Economic Advantage through Migration: Policy, American, and European Perspectives Research and Practice Perspectives • Recognizing Foreign Credentials in Federated Systems: • Migrant Women and the Labour Force: Census, Challenges, Approaches, Best Practices

6 Administrative and Survey Data-based Findings • Public Policy Responses to Affi rmations of Religious • Accommodating Diversity: Do Current Critiques of Identity: Australia and Canada Multiculturalism Miss the Point? • Civic Integration Training for Religious Leaders: A Multifaith Approach • Making Foreign Competences Visible: Portfolio and • International Perspectives on Policies for Regional Individual Approaches Settlement of Immigrants • Exploring the Potential for a Metropolis Wikipedia • Multiple Migration and Hyper-Transnationalism • Promoting Ethnic Entrepreneurship: Some International • Resettlement from Protracted Refugee Situations: Comparisons Implications for Integration • From Migration to Inclusion: Promoting Urban Indigenous Youth Engagement • Linking Migration, Development Cooperation and • The Settlement of Refugees and Asylum-seekers: An Integration: Possibilities and Lessons Learned International Comparison of Outcomes • Glimpses from Norway, Australia and Canada: Strategies for Social Cohesion in a Multicultural World • Health Care Interventions • Protection Elsewhere: The Challenges and Opportunities for International Refugee Protection • Involuntary Population Displacement and the Evolving • Without Borders: The Labour Mobility of Health Policy Response Professionals • Community Engagement and National Security: Government and Police Perspectives • New Citizens, New Identities • Reducing Discrimination and Promoting Diversity: Perspectives from Quebec and Victoria • Transnationalism and Integration: The Paradoxical • Framing Knowledge Mobilization Strategies for Policy Relationship Development and Civic Engagement: Transatlantic • Immigrants Shaping the New Economy Comparison • Communicating Hope and Fear: Media, Cultural • Regional Migration Experiences: Perspectives from Discourses and the Alien Presence • Local Governance and Social Inclusion: Comparing Australia, Canada and New Zealand Governance Approaches • Identity, Social Cohesion and National Values: A Youth • Labour Market Regulation and Protection of Migrant Perspective • Nature and Impacts of Contemporary Temporary Migration Workers • Impacts of Early Overseas English Education for Asian • Benefi ting Through Skills: Comparative Management Families Challenges • Immigrant Integration and Community Cohesion • Challenges in Maternity Care Provision for Immigrant and Refugee Women • National and Regional Responses to Traffi cking: Lessons for a Global Response • Ethnic Communities in Social Architecture: Constructing Cohesion in Multicultural Societies • Immigration, Diversity, and Social Cohesion: Comparisons of Approaches to Multicultural Diversity • From Multiculturalism to Social Cohesion: What Works? • What Happened to the Migrant Middle Class? Analysis of • Management of Irregular Asylum/Migration Flows in the International Foreign Credential Recognition Asia-Pacifi c Region • “Ten-Point Commitment” Towards an Inclusive Urban • Intra-European Workforce Flows Society • Social Cohesion, Networks, and Women’s Struggles for • Missing Minors: Defi ning a Serious Problem Equality Post-Migration • Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres: Valuing • Effi cacy in Racism Policy: A Comparative Analysis of Diversity, Strengthening Civil Society Practice • Enabling Immigrant Integration: Onsite Overseas, Online • What Happens in the Family Doesn’t Necessarily Stay in and On Arrival the Family

7 REGISTRATION INFORMATION

How to Register Category Early Bird Standard All conference participants including invited speakers, (paid before 27 August 2007) (paid after 27 August 2007) delegates and presenters must be registered in order to attend the conference. Participants are kindly requested to register as soon as possible as the block booking of accommodation Full Delegate $800 $920 rooms will be released back to the hotel on 25th July. Five-day conference (all sessions, community tours, materials, Register on-line at: lunches, morning/afternoon teas, welcome receptions, http://www.metropolis2007.org/reg.php conference dinner and conference satchel)

Registration Fees Student Registration* $300 $350 A reduced early-bird rate applies for registrations made before 27 August 2007 (refer chart below). Five-day conference (all sessions, community tours, materials, lunches, morning/afternoon teas, welcome receptions, Registration Cancellation and Refund Policy conference dinner and conference satchel) Cancellations must be made in writing to the Conference Secretariat, Irene Thavarajah by email Employee NGO* $300 $350 [email protected] Five-day conference (all sessions, community tours, materials, Cancellation before Monday 17 September 2007 will incur an lunches, morning/afternoon teas, welcome receptions, A$100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date cannot conference dinner and conference satchel) be accepted, although it is possible to transfer registration to another person. All refunds will be paid at the conclusion of the conference. Conference fees are quoted in Australian dollars. Day Registration $300 $350 Admission to one day (sessions for one day, materials, lunch, morning/afternoon tea and conference satchel)

* In our continuing effort to assist students and NGOs, we are pleased to offer a special conference rate. Students must present valid identifi cation to obtain the student rate and NGO representatives must submit an offi cial confi rmation of their status of affi liation when submitting. Please send this proof to the Conference Secretariat, via email oce@adm. monash.edu.au or fax +61 3 9905 1343

8 COMMUNITY TOURS

Study tours have been organised for conference Tour B1 Culture and Community participants on Monday 8 October. These are designed Visit SBS Studios, broadcasting in over 60 languages, and the to provide practical and cultural experiences for Immigration Museum . Lunch in vibrant Chinatown and visit the City of Darebin, to experience one of Victoria’s most culturally delegates, and include sites that show a broad range diverse local councils. of social cohesion and migration programs on offer in Victoria. The tours are free to all delegates. Please state Tour B2 Culture and Community your preferred tour when registering on-line. The number Visit Multicultural Arts Victoria, Victoria’s leading multicultural arts organisation. Visit a school’s “Living in Harmony” of participants on each tour is limited and the places will program. Lunch with the students from Isik College and visit be fi lled on a fi rst-come, fi rst served basis. Broadmeadows police station to meet with multicultural liaison offi cers. Tour A1 Migrant Resource Centre Tour Visit Dandenong, one of Australia’s most culturally diverse Tour B3 Indigenous and Community districts. Visit the Migrant Resource Centre and Adult Meet with the local Koori community and experience local Multicultural Education Services and enjoy lunch at Dandenong business interests. Enjoy cultural tours and heritage walks, and Market along the way meet with local artisans.

Tour A2 Language, Employment and Tour C1 Faith and Community Settlement Visit interfaith networks and places of worship, lunch in the Visit community organisation, the Arabic Social Services, lunch Vietnamese cultural precinct and visit to Russian aged care at a Turkish cultural precinct, visit a multicultural workforce at centre, Ford Australia. Tour C2 Faith and Community Visit a Migrant Information Centre to see community understanding projects on youth and media in progress. Lunch in the Vietnamese cultural precinct.

9 LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION

Conference Venue Sofi tel Melbourne 25 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia Web: http://www.sofi telmelbourne.com.au/ The Conference will be hosted at Sofi tel Melbourne, 30 minutes away from Melbourne airport and situated at the Paris end of Collins Street, in the heart of the city’s premier shopping, dining and theatre precinct. As a fi ve-star luxury hotel, Sofi tel Melbourne has an uncompromising approach to quality and standards, with a demonstrated commitment to the individual and group demands of its guests.

This award winning fi ve-star hotel has 311 luxuriously appointed rooms, featuring fl oor to ceiling windows with breathtaking city views and is convenient to the cricket ground and tennis centre. Guests can enjoy both fi ne dining in Cafe La and the relaxed atmosphere of Sofi s Piano Bar or The Atrium on level 35.

Over the years, Soﬁ tel Melbourne has won numerous awards for its culinary skills, and in 2004 was voted ‘Number One Hotel in Melbourne’ by readers of international Travel and Leisure magazine. Recently, the hotel was inducted into the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World collection.

Hotel Accommodation When registering for the conference, you may also reserve your hotel accommodation in Melbourne via the online conference website (www.metropolis2007.org). Rooms have been reserved at several hotels close to the conference venue for Metropolis conference participants. There will be a choice of different price categories and amenities. Be sure to book your hotel accommodation well in advance, since Melbourne expects many visitors during the time of the Conference.

10 GENERAL INFORMATION

Languages Travel and Visa Requirements Delegate Funding Support The offi cial language of the Conference is English. Please With the exception of New Zealand citizens, international Unfortunately, the organisers of the 12th International note there will be no interpretation facilities for Metropolis visitors to Australia require a visa or an electronic travel Metropolis Conference are unable to fund the participation of participants. authority. It is the responsibility of individual delegates to ensure conference delegates. Travel, accommodation and registration documentation is correct and complete before your journey is costs are the responsibility of conference delegates. Promotional Opportunities commenced. Information on obtaining visas or electronic travel authorities can be found on the website www.immi.gov.au/eta/ Some people have requested funding support which we are Trestle tables are available for displaying your promotional index.htm unable to provide, although we certainly wish that we could. material. For more information please contact: We do offer a reduced registration rate for students and NGOs, Should you require a letter of invitation to the conference to Ms Irene Thavarajah and we would encourage you to seek support from external either obtain a visa or to secure funding, please contact the institutions, acknowledging that this can be a challenge. We Conference Secretariat via email at: [email protected] Conference Secretariat also post presentations from the conference online, so that 12th international Metropolis Conference those who cannot participate are able to derive some benefi t Money Matters from our conference. Events Management Offi ce The Australian Dollar is the currency in use in Australia. Bank Monash University, Building 65, services are available at the airport and throughout the City. Tourism Information Melbourne’s banking hours are generally are 9am – 4pm For more information on Melbourne and the sights of Victoria, Clayton Victoria 3800, AUSTRALIA Monday to Thursday and 9am – 5pm on Fridays. Banks please visit www.visitmelbourne.com do not close for lunch. The city is well supplied with ATMs. Transportation Major international credit cards are accepted in ATMs, hotels, A private company, Link Tours, has been appointed to The Melbourne airport is 30 minutes away from the conference restaurants and most shops, as well as car rental agencies. manage the holiday tours program for the Metropolis 2007. venue and the suggested hotel accommodations are also in Link Tours are a Melbourne-based business who have been very close proximity. All plenary sessions and some workshops Climate established for more than 20 years. Their tours are not part of the Conference (unlike those listed in Conference tours) and will be held at Sofi tel Melbourne. Workshops planned to Melbourne sits within the southern hemisphere where the are listed here simply as a convenience for those who wish to be held at other venues are within walking distance. The seasons are reversed to those in Europe, North America and add holiday options to their visit to Melbourne and Australia. Conference’s social events are also organised at venues within most of Asia. The month of October falls in the autumn season The tours are not included in the Metropolis 2007 registration walking distance. Several volunteers will be available to provide with the average minimum temperature of 9.4C / 48.9F and the fee and are to be paid for separately. For details, visit the directions. average maximum of 19.6C / 67.3F. Warm attire, especially for Metropolis website at: www.metropolis2007.org During the conference, transportation will be provided on evenings, is suggested. Monday 8th October for the various community tours and the welcome reception at Government House. Melbourne City has an easy-to-navigate gridlike city map and is well known for its excellent tram, train and taxi services. The city circle tram is available free of charge, providing the opportunity for conference participants to explore the vibrant City of Melbourne. The train service is also in close proximity should participants wish to explore beyond city grounds.

11 Contact Information

For questions regarding conference content: John Nieuwenhuysen 12th International Metropolis Conference’s Local Executive Organising Committee Telephone +61-3-9905 1595 Email: [email protected] For questions related to registration, accommodation and other logistics, contact: Metropolis 2007 Conference secretariat Mrs Irene Thavarajah, Manager, Events Management Ofﬁ ce, Telephone: +61-3-9905-1344 Email: [email protected] For questions related to the workshop program or call for workshop proposals, contact: Erin Tolley Metropolis Project Telephone: +1-613-957-5971 Email: [email protected] For further information on the International Metropolis Project, visit www.international.metropolis.net or contact: Rinus Penninx Co-Chair, Metropolis International Steering Committee University of Amsterdam Telephone: + 31-20-525-3627 Email: [email protected] Howard Duncan Co-Chair, Metropolis International Steering Committee Citizenship and Immigration Canada Telephone: +1-613-957-5916 Email: [email protected]