Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the conference?

The conference will be held at Clocktower Centre – Pascoe Room. The address is 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039.

How can I reserve a spot at the conference?

You can book through our event management platform, Trybooking. The link to our event is www.trybooking.com/DFCHZ. Registrations close on 27th April so venue can be notified of final numbers.

What are the Melbourne conference’s theme and topics?

The theme is ‘Adapting for Tomorrow: Supporting future health and function’. Topics include: ‘Safe and sustainable approaches to exercise and functional maintenance’, ‘My Assistive Technology Outcomes Framework: putting outcomes measurement in the hands of equipment users’, and ‘Adapting for tomorrow’.

Is there a cost to attend the conference?

The Conference, its registration, seats, food and resources are all free for registered attendees. The costs you are responsible for are your transport to and from the venue, any accommodation you use in attending the conference, and any meals you have outside the hours of the conference. Reimbursement for parking will be organised for those who request it on the day of the event.

Where should I stay if I am travelling to Melbourne?

You may choose to stay at any hotel of your preference, or to stay with family and friends in Melbourne. The conference venue does not have accommodation.

If I am arriving in a private vehicle, where can I park?

Parking is available in the surrounding area of the Clocktower Centre; however, spaces are limited and cannot be guaranteed. We encourage attendees to allow extra time to find parking or consider public transport where possible.

Some options attendees may wish to explore include:

• Drop-off area: A drop-off lane is located at the front of the Clocktower Centre for those requiring the shortest walking distance to the venue.
• Mt Alexander Road: There is 4-hour free parking along the centre strip on the western side of the venue. If you hold a valid disabled parking permit, the allowed time is generally extended to 8 hours, which may cover the conference’s 7 hours.
• Pascoe Vale Road car park: A parking lot east of the Civic Centre may offer free parking, though it tends to fill quickly, so arriving early may help.
• Queen’s Park street parking: Additional free street parking may be available around the northern edge of Queen’s Park, though these spaces also tend to fill early.
• Moonee Valley Racecourse area: Some parking near the racecourse may be available; however, current construction may reduce capacity.
• Feehan Street open-air parking:  Please note this option involves an uphill walk via Dean Street to reach the Clocktower Centre

For the flattest walking route, parking north or west of the venue may be preferable.

As parking availability can change, we recommend arriving early and allowing time to locate a suitable space.

Venue website: clocktowercentre.com.au/getting-here-and-accessibility/

How can I get to the Clocktower Centre by public transport?

Clocktower Centre is well serviced by Melbourne’s public transport network, with several options that stop within a short walk of the venue:

• Tram – The 59 stops just south of the venue (120m across the main intersection).
• Bus – Moonee Ponds Interchange/Mt Alexander Rd is directly across the street from the venue.
• Train – Yellow/Craigieburn Line is west of the venue (via Hall St 525m; or with awnings shelter via Puckle St 680m).
• Taxi or Uber – Can drop off at the front entrance drop off lane at coordinates: -37.76573663530733, 144.92457935916985.

When does the conference start and end?

Doors open at 9:30 am on Thursday the 14th May 2026 for a 10am start. The conference’s agenda ends at 3:30pm, with doors closing strictly by 4:00pm.

Can I have a relative or support person join me at the conference?

Yes. Please be sure that you have chosen enough tickets for you and anyone joining you. It is unlikely that spare seats will be available on the day.

Where can I see the conference agenda?

The agenda can be viewed on this webpage. Minor changes may be applied closer to the conference date.

Who will be speaking at the conference?

We have three guest speakers who will present for 40 minutes each, a 30 minute update by Polio Australia and state member organisations, and a brief review of Polio Australia’s resources.

Who are the guest speakers?

Our three guest speakers are:

• Dr Tim Lathlean, PhD, ESSAM, AEP, AES – Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Adjunct Lecturer, School of Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide University. Topic: Safe and sustainable approaches to exercise and functional maintenance. This presentation will cover: Accessing health practitioners with expertise in exercise-interventions for post-polio; Evidence-based recommendations for exercise-interventions for post-polio; and How polio survivors can best employ exercise into their daily routines.

 

• Dr Natasha Layton, PhD, BSc OT, MHealthSc OT – Associate Professor with Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University. Topic: ‘My Assistive Technology Outcomes Framework’: putting outcomes measurement in the hands of equipment users. This presentation will summarise the ways assistive technology is funded in Australia, and the ways outcomes are measured. The ‘My Assistive Technology Outcomes Framework’ considers the costs and outcomes of the bundles of assistive technology (AT) useful for polio survivors, and provides a way to turn lived experience into data and make a case for good AT provision.

 

• Dr Benny Monheit, MBBS, MPH, FAFPHM, FAChAM – General Practitioner, Public Health and Addiction Medicine Specialist and Polio Survivor. Topic: Adapting for tomorrow. Benny will speak about his encounter with polio, dealing with chronic conditions in the medical framework in Victoria, and current challenges in dealing with mental and physical health issues in people with polio.

What meals will be included?

Morning tea (tea, coffee, assorted Danish pastries, gourmet quiches, fresh fruit), lunch (assorted selection of sandwiches, gourmet hand-crafted pies, salad bowls, petite four desserts), and afternoon tea (tea and coffee). Meal time are shown on the agenda. If you have food allergies, please let us know.* If you have a specialised diet, this venue allows you to bring a meal to be stored upon arrival and issued at lunchtime by the caterers.

* Food production facilities may also process food that contains nuts and other allergens and as such, neither the venue supplier, nor The Clocktower Centre can guarantee that food provided by these suppliers does not contain traces of nuts and other allergens.

Is the venue accessible?

The venue is fully accessible for those using any form of wheeled mobility device, wheelchair or power chair.

Can I watch the conference online or get a video link?

This conference is an in-person live event, and will not be recorded for later viewing. The resources prepared for attendees at the event will only be provided to those who are in attendance on the day.