Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I secure my spot at the conference?

You can book through our event management platform, Trybooking. The link to our event is www.trybooking.com/DFCEA.

What are the Sydney conference’s theme and topics?

The theme is ‘The Next Chapter: Navigating change in body, community and health care’. Topics include: fatigue, managing new changes, adapting your environment, working with health professionals, challenges and enablers for ageing well, mobility and independence, self-advocacy in healthcare interactions, and barriers to equitable ageing.

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.

Where should I stay if I am travelling to Sydney?

The venue – Rydges Camperdown – has rooms that can be booked by attendees the nights either side of the conference. Remember to mention when booking a room at Rydges that you are attending the Post-Polio Conference. You may choose to stay at any other hotel of your preference, or to stay with family and friends in Sydney.

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

Secure underground parking is available at the Rydges Camperdown Venue ($35/day). Street level parking is also available around the venue.

How can I get to Rydges Camperdown by public transport?

Rydges Camperdown is well serviced by Sydney’s public transport network, with several options that stop within a short walk of the hotel:

• Bus – Missenden Road (opposite St Joseph’s Church): At and across the road from the hotel entrance. Buses from Central Station, Railway Square, and Circular Quay frequently stop here.
• Bus – Parramatta Road (before Lyons Road): Approximately 250 m (2–3 minute walk) from the hotel. Services run along Parramatta Road between the city and the Inner West.
• Train – Newtown Station: Approximately 900 m (10–15 minute walk) south from the hotel via King Street and Missenden Road. Newtown Station is on the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, providing direct access from Central and Town Hall.

When does the conference start and end?

Doors open at 9:30 am on Wednesday the 19th November 2025 for a 10am start. The conference’s agenda ends at 3:30pm, with doors closing by 4:30pm.

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 min each, two people with lived polio experience sharing their polio journey over 20 minutes, a 30 minute update by Polio Australia Board and member organisations, and a brief review of Polio Australia’s resources.

Who are the guest speakers?

Our three guest speakers are:

• Emma Tan – Occupational Therapist & PhD Candidate, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney.
• Gayle Kennedy – Award-winning Writer, Disability Advocate and Speaker, and Member of the Wongaiibon Clan of South West NSW.
• Natalie Holland – Occupational Therapy Team Leader, Advance Rehab Centre, Hurstville.

What meals will be included?

Morning tea (tea, coffee, savoury item), lunch (Chef’s Buffet of hot foods, salads, seasonal fruit), and afternoon tea (tea, coffee and a sweet item). Meal time are shown on the agenda. If you have food allergies, please let us know.

Is the venue accessible?

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