Welcome to the pre conference pack for Queer Collaborations 2003. Within this pack you will be informed about what to expect and some of your questions may be answered. Everything is briefly outlined and more information will be available to you when you register at the conference and hear the first days housekeeping's and information session. We are all looking forward to your arrival and are ready to hand over the conference to conference floor, to the delegates which you are one of. Please read things carefully and if you have any pressing questions send them to qc03@hotmail.com
Remember the conference is what YOU make it, we are just providing the skeleton within which it occurs.
Thank you,
Jenelle Davy
On behalf of the Queer Collaboration Collective
The week as it's planned
Since 1991 QC has created, expanded and recreated a distinct culture - a very queer culture. For one week each year over 300 queers descend on a location and breathe, live, debate and lavish being queer. QC has formed traditions that continue each year, yet every year is different from the last. QC 2003 comes to life in true conference tradition - yet is packed with deliciously different, stimulating, fun, social and political events to blow your mind.
Just to give you a taste of what you're in for, here's a quick rundown of how the week has been planned.
Whether you live in Melbourne or arrive from interstate on Sunday night, there will be a cold keg, a warm bar and a karoke machine waiting for you at the backpackers. Regardless of what time you arrive on Sunday, you can register (get ya showbag) and meet fine QC folks from 2pm at the backpackers. If you don't get to Melbourne before Monday, you can register at RMIT from the very decent hour of 8:30am.
Following some IMPORTANT housekeeping on Monday morning will be opened with a traditional Welcome to Country and a flag raising ceremony to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, and the concurrent events of National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Commemoration (NAIDOC) Week.
Unlike other years, QC 2003 has been based on the structure of Education Conference. Not only will we have plenaries and workshops, but had added seminars. All will be explained later, basically this is a way to have longer, less formal presentations that will follow for free flowing, fun and rigorous discussion.
Still keeping in mind that QC is a student dominated conference, QC2003 will broaden the scope to invite and attract people from wider queer circles. As well as student presentations and discussions, queers from the wider community have been invited to share their work, experiences and ideas with QC delegates.
On Monday some of the issues covered include womyn's health, the history of community and campus queer organising, and why refugee rights are queer rights - and queer issues. Workshops and seminars will offer a plethora of juicy discussions. Tuesday is Youth Day, where queers under 18 have been invited to join QC and share their feelings, experiences and discuss their issues and actions in school, family, mental health. The experiences of non-anglo queers will be examined and discussed all week. On Tuesday speakers will present on discrimination and race. Also on this day issues of difference will be discussed alongside the experiences of bisexual queers and intersex queers. Wednesday we look at Riotgrrrl culture, Transgender and liberation. The afternoon has been timetabled for caucuses. For those who don't attend these meetings, workshops will be re-run that have been held so you can get to the one's you missed earlier in the week! Thursday morning will look at issues arising from the caucuses and be an opportunity for the conference to evaluate how the week has been, thrash out issues arising from QC and so on. Thursday arvo will be the best session ever, This is the RESOLUTION session - fun-filled, loving, productive...You're gotta get yourself along to this one. There will be raffles, lollies, games and lots of creative ideas to direct QC 2004. Bids for QC hosts and Querelle will also be held on Thursday.
In place of the traditional action, QC2003 has been invited to join the rally and BBQ organised for NAIDOC week. Not only will this be a chance to get out onto the streets and walk/ yell/ dance in queer solidarity, but an opportunity to acknowledge the history of this country's invasion and show support for the rights of Indigenous Australians: queers, children, families and friends. These are issues relevant to all of us, let's get there on mass with a queerly loud presence.
So that's the day program. What about after the sun goes down? It's all about havin' a good time (after all) and solidifying those friendships you're making during the talk-fest.
Quickly... Monday: in place of gay skate, strap on your shoes and prepare yourself for 80s bowling. The Bangles, slapbands and groups games...Tuesday we celebrate the beauty of queer art on celluloid. Popcorn, loveseats and directors Q&A will cover this queer film night. Wednesday will take us to Melbourne University Grand Buffet for a massive masquerade ball. The national Australian queer publication, Querelle, will be launched during this soiree. Masks will be provided. Thursday night in Melbourne is pumpin' for queers on both the South and North side of the river. Check out your program for a list of venues and have yourself a safe and wild time. From 7pm Alia Bar has been made womyn-only. Nibbles and grrrl-style cocktails will be provided for a wonderful 2 hours! Friday...traditionally the conference descends on a nightclub in the host town. This year we descend on RMIT's best venues and the dance party goes all night. There will be cheap drinks, DJs, performances and everything you've come to expect from an underground night. For a small fee this party is open to a queer and queer-friendly folks. Invite all your friends (If you're from Melbourne) and dance til yer drop!
So, that not-so-brief run-down barely even scratches the surface. For the rest, you'll have to just come and see for yourself....
One of the quintessentially unique aspects of QC is that for one week a year, queers have the opportunity to express themselves freely. For those delegates who would like to do so through art and performance rather than on the traditional conference floor, times and spaces can be made:
Wednesday Evening - Querelle Launch and Masked Ball. Poetry or prose
readings, theatre or other live performance, music (acoustic or electronic).
Contact: Daniel Skeleton
Friday Evening - Q-TOPIA : Dance Party at RMIT. Live performances of theatre/dance/music,
slide projection, Electronic Music (for dance).
Contact: Jenelle Davy
Other opportunities for slide projection, data projection, musical and physical performance, spoken word, exhibition or other showings may be possible, such as at lunchtimes. Three collective members are convening this component of the conference, and they are negotiating what equipment, spaces and times will be available. Call or email the above contacts or the arts contacts listed on the Contacts Page (at the end of the Pack).
Don't keep it all to yourself!
Flying - Where to go from Melbourne Airport?
Skybus
The Skybus is a shuttle bus, which leaves from Melbourne Airport and takes you to the centre of Melbourne. It Operates 24 hrs, 7 days a week. The Skybus Super Shuttle service departs the airport and the city every 15 minutes and will take you to their central terminal and or your the backpackers. Skybus Super Shuttle will cost you $13 one-way - around the clock.Taxis
Taxis are available from the ground floor level of Melbourne Airport. Expect to pay around $35 to $40 for the 30 minute trip into the centre of Melbourne. A $2.00 taxi parking fee now applies at Melbourne Airport. This $2.00 per vehicle fee only applies to passengers leaving Melbourne Airport from a taxi rank. A $3.00 per vehicle pre-booked taxi fee also applies for passengers catching a taxi from the Premium Parking area opposite the International Terminal.
Entering on the Western Highway
Follow the Western Hwy into Melbourne Turn right onto the Western Ring Rd (Melways Ref:Map25 K8) Follow that for approx. 12km onto the West Gate Fwy (Melways Ref:Map40 E11) About 15km later, that should turn into Citylink... GET OFF BEFORE THEN! There should be a turn off AFTER the Kingsway turn, get off there (MAP 43 H11). Follow that around past Crown Casino. Turn Right at Clarendon St. Clarendon St turns into Spencer Street after going over the Bridge. Follow Spencer Street for about 1km, then turn right down Latrobe St. Follow that for about 1km and turn left up Queen St About 300m later, turn right down Franklin St... home of the backpackers! YAY!Entering on the Hume Highway
Follow the Hume all the way into melbourne. It turns into Sydney Rd, Royal Pde, Then finally Elizabeth St. After it has become Elizabeth St, Follow it for about 1km then turn right down Franklin St... home of the backpackers! YAY!
Public Transport
Metcard: To get around Melbourne on public transport you may need to buy a shiney Metcard. Interstate concession cards wont be accepted by Victorian Metcops* who are also known to travel undercover especially in the city.
Zones: The CBD is in zone 1, but if you wish to travel elsewhere in Melbourne you may need to purchase zone 2 or 3.
A short trip ticket allows you to travel once up to two sections (approx 5 to 9 stops) on trams and buses only. Cost: $1.80
Two hour ticket: $2.70
Daily ticket: $5.20
Weekly ticket: $22.90 (2hr, daily and weekly tickets allow unlimited travel during the stated period)
*Metcops get paid a commission for the fines they hand out, so they tend to not care if you claim to not understand the system. Keep an eye out for anyone wearing a blue trench coat or clothing that says "Yarra Trams" on it or anyone holding a clip board, or just buy a ticket.
All conference delegates who will be residing at the Backpackers will have their rooms allocated for them. All care will be taken to allocate delegates to rooms with requested groups. Upon arrival, a registration desk will be set up at which you will be able to collect your key and be directed to your room. Keys will need to be returned at the end of the week.
There are lockers in the foyer so that delegates may lock away any valuables that they do not wish to leave in the room. There are shared bathroom facilities for use and both towels and lockers are available for hire from the Backpackers' front desk. However, delegates are welcome to bring their own towels. responsibility will be taken for any goods which may be lost, damaged or be stolen during the course of the week. There are shared kitchen facilities and each delegate will need to make their own breakfast and dinner arrangements.
The backpackers is located within walking distance of the conference locations, Queer Victoria Market, and various shops and bars.
Hotel Bakpak
167 Franklin St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Check in: After 2pm, Sunday 6th July
Check out: Before 10am, Saturday 12th July
Contact: Jenelle Davy or Daniel Skelton
From The Airport.
We have a shuttle bus from the Airport running several times a day. If
it is not there the Skybus leaves every 1/2-hour and stops at the Franklin
Street bus terminal. Hotel Bakpak is only a 2-minute walk up the road.
From the Spencer Street bus and train terminal.
Catch the free city loop tram and jump off at Melbourne Central, walk
up Elizabeth Street and turn left into Franklin Street. If this sounds
to difficult give us a call and we will come and pick you up.
Do you have a bar?
Yes, it opens nightly offering great entertainment and cheap drinks.
Do I have a bathroom in my room?
Currently there are no private bathrooms, but there are large clean male
and female bathrooms on every level.
Do you have a cafe?
Yes, it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a wide variety
healthy and affordable snacks and meals.
Do you offer safes?
Yes, safes available on the ground floor. There is a minimal daily charge
for this service.
Is there a television?
Yes we do have a TV room lounge. The hostel also has its own cinema playing
movies all day long.
Is smoking allowed inside?
The only inside area that you are able to smoke is in the bar, otherwise
you have to go outside.
Work Out.
With all that eating and drinking going on, there will be a need for honest
to goodness exercise. Hotel Bakpak Melbourne guests have free entry into
the local gym. Facilities include swimming pool, sauna & spa, gym
and aerobic circuit. Numbers are limited.
Childcare is again a huge issue in the city but we have arranged a nannying agency (which Jenelle works for!) to look after the children, please don't leave this to the last minute - book into childcare now. There will be 2 shifts, 9am to 6pm and then 7pm to 12pm Monday to Thursday (Friday - 8pm to 1 am) available. This will be free of charge. For children over the age of 4 we are hoping to have a couple of outings to the Museum and Aquarium during the week for which written permission will be needed. You will need to provide food for your children to eat during the week ( there is a cafŽ in the University).
Car Parking is limited in the city, the parking inspectors (like tram inspectors) are everywhere and have zero tolerance. For those travelling in and out to the conference we recommend the Wilson Car Park in Cardigan St (next to Dracula's). If you are there before 10am it costs $8 (during school term you need to be in there by 9am to get a park, but I suspect it would be quieter then). If you are staying at the Backpackers we have limited car parking which has already been paid for. It is a first come first served situation, but we will try and help. Contact Jenelle NOW if you need it!
We will provide lunch for you as part of your registration Monday to Friday. All dietary needs will be provided for, but you need to indicate it on you registration form! Vouchers will be given to you when you register for the week, the cafŽ at RMIT University are providing the lunches. On Friday we have joined NAIDOC for the march and there will be a BBQ lunch with them after it. Breakfast and dinners are your responsibility.
Cheap Eats around Melbourne will be provided in your conference handbook. At the end of Franklin St (1 min from Bac Packers) is the Queen Victoria Markets! If you are here early check out Brunswick St in Fitzroy or Victoria St/Pde in Collingwood which are both accessible by trams, or walk to Little Bourke St in the city for China Town and you will find good food!
Grievance procedures will be detailed in the Conference Handbook. This year the facilitating collective has been given access to the student rights officers from RMIT to assist with grievances - since they currently have skills in this area. There is a grievance process that the SRO's and the collective will be organising.On Monday morning the SRO's will outline the grievance procedures, these will be available for all as they will be printed in the handbook and extra copies available. For those interested in being part of a grievance committee a workshop will be held on Monday afternoon to provided information and basic skills. We are hoping to have 1 state rep (5) on the committee (3 womyn), we are hoping people might discuss this at each states Q101 and volunteer for the positions on Monday morning.
The procedures will outline what a grievance is, some easy mistakes can happen when having a political debate that is heated verses a harassment and intimidation...they are NOT the same thing, and spurious grievances will not be tolerated if they are about point scoring. We ask people to use their discretion while at the conference.
This paper is designed to make the meeting procedure of QC more user friendly by providing some basics for understanding how dialogue is facilitated at QC. It pays to be familiar with both meeting procedures and standing orders - and try no to be bullied or intimidated by the process. We encourage everyone to make their voice heard!! Meeting procedure can be viewed as unnecessarily bureaucratic, alienating and even undemocratic, however it is effective in accommodating discussion on such a grand scale.
Here are some things you should know about:
Standing Orders
This term refers to the meeting procedure any given conference or meeting
uses and will be further explained during the conference.
The role of the Chair
Although this position can have a lot of authority, in reality it carries
the responsibility of ensuring a fair and democratic process. The role
of the chair is to assist the conference floor to achieve its goals. This
means taking direction from the meeting to:
Anyone from the floor who disagrees with the ruling of the chair may move ÒThat the chair's ruling be dissented fromÓ, the intent bring to correct a bone fide mistake or to give legitimate effect to the will of the conference floor. It is not a motion of no confidence in the chair.
How is discussion organised:
What are motions - Types of motions
There are five different types of motions. Each deals with a different aspect of debate. Often it will be necessary for a formal decision or resolution to be made. A motion is a proposed resolution that is voted on by the conference floor. Thus a motion can help to achieve a particular outcome by focussing the discussion. Whoever drafts the wording of a motion is in a position to "set the agenda" for any given debate, particularly in the Resolutions session.
The first three motions require a mover and seconder. The mover is the person who puts forward their idea for debate. A seconder is someone who may or may not agree with the motion but wishes the issue to be discussed. These may have to be written down, as in the resolution session or can be called from the floor.
i) Substantive: is one proposing a particular action, directing someone to carry out a certain task, expressing direction for the conference or generally dealing with organisation activities. These are the most common.
ie; That pink be the official QC colour
ii) Amendment: is a proposal to change a substantive motion. It enables a substantive motion to be improved or its intent slightly changed. These can be used to get a compromise position up. Strictly speaking, an amendment should not result in a motion that contradicts the original motion nor change its focus to a different subject.
ie; That pale pink be the official QC colour
iii) Foreshadowed: is moved during the debate of a motion or amendment when someone wants to propose a further motion or amendment dealing with the same subject. This is particularly useful if the foreshadowed motion (or a desired amendment) contradicts the substantive motion or if someone wants another option considered during a debate.
ie; That yellow be the official colour of QC
iv) Procedural: are motions concerned with a how a meeting should deal with a particular issue not about an issue. They can cover such things as the order of business, whether a series of motions should be voted on as a bloc, deferral of debate on a particular motion, conduct of debate (eg two speakers for and two against)
ie; That we end debate and vote on the substantive motion (that pink be the official colour)
Procedural motions require a mover and seconder and must be dealt with before any other motions or business except a point of order. Those concerning the conduct of debate usually are put to the vote without discussion.
v) Point of order: is taken (rather moved) when a person feels that an irregularity has occurred in the proceedings. A point of order takes precedence over all other business and the chair must make a ruling either to uphold or disallow the point. A point of order must be taken at the time the alleged irregularity occurs. Normally a point of order is open to discussion to enable a case to be put to the chair before a ruling is made.
A point of order can't be taken just because someone disagrees with the opinion of a speaker or believes they have made an incorrect statement. For example A person taking a point of order must prove that the speaker is using offensive or inappropriate language (sexist/racist etc), not speaking to the motion etc.
More information will be available during the conference, feel free to ask other delegates or conference organises to explain the process if you are having trouble having your voice heard.
Jenelle Davy
suche.queer@rmit.edu.au
Daniel Skeleton
queer@union.unimelb.edu.au