Your invitation to the APSAD 2009 conference
On behalf of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs, I am pleased to invite you to join me in Darwin for the 2009 conference.
The conference theme, Living on the Edge, was chosen by the scientific program committee to reflect a number of realities.
There is the reality of Darwin’s geography – at the edge of this country. There is the reality that alcohol and drug issues span a number of disciplines and professions and that while the broader society often views alcohol and drug issues as an arena defined by marginality, our focus is to bring these issues from the periphery to the centre. There is also the reality that for those of us working in the alcohol and drug sector, whether as researchers, teachers or professionals, we are on the cutting edge of new research, initiatives and programs allowing us to work more closely across disciplinary, social, cultural, and institutional boundaries.
This conference, being held at the Darwin Convention Centre from Sunday 1 - Wednesday 4 November 2009, will feature an exciting program which includes international and national speakers, focussing on new treatment, prevention and policy in the areas of drug and alcohol research. The conference will include local issues and content relevant to our region, but will also offer a range of presentations and workshops that have international relevance. Featuring original work from the field, the conference program will, for the first time, encourage alternative presentation styles such as film, yarning circles and artwork whilst maintaining conventional modes of presentation such as oral and poster presentations, participatory workshops and debates/discussions.
Today’s Darwinites hail from at least 60 countries making the city rich in cultural diversity and with an average age of around 30, Darwin is considered one of Australia’s most youthful cities.
The dawning of November marks the beginning of the wet season bringing with it temperatures of between 25 – 32 degrees C. This tropical climate shapes an outdoor lifestyle…Darwin is a green city with spectacular ocean views and a tropical look and feel that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Also, with the likes of Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Litchfield and the Tiwi Islands on Darwin’s door step, why not make the most of your time before or after the conference and explore the Top End?
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the APSAD 2009 conference.
Dr Richard Chenhall
Senior Research Fellow
Menzies School of Health Research
Darwin, Northern Territory
2009 Convenor
