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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the program?

The program is located here. Here you can also download a copy.

All presenters will be contacted by the Speaker Support, Grant Whitehead (Wallfly) to upload their talks in advance.

INTERNET

Guests can access the internet service in their personal devices’ WiFi options, by choosing the ''Hamilton Island'' network. WiFi is available in any of our conference rooms, Reef Lounge and Resort Centre hotspots. For in-room WiFi connectivity, guests may follow the directions on the TV Screen in each room. We strongly suggest the use of web based email (accessing your email via a web browser). Note that VPN connections may not be possible, depending on how your company’s VPN server is configured. Average complimentary internet speeds are based on a maximum of 4Mb down and 4Mb up. High volume usage may slow this service, and speeds cannot be guaranteed.

Will there be a Conference app?

Yes, details will be sent to you very soon.

Hamilton Island Tourist Guide App
A handy pocket-guide to everything there is to see and do during your stay at Australia’s favourite resort destination – Hamilton Island.

This on-island compendium is optimised for guests staying at Hotels owned or operated by Hamilton island Enterprises, but will be a handy tool to any visitor to the island. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/about-the-island/app#AdFudrYMJgqjpgM0.97

Where will the 54th Begg Meeting take place?

The Meeting will be held in the Ketch and Cutter Rooms at the Yacht Club.

The Yacht Club (and its villas) is located near the marina, which is just a short walk northwest from the Reef View Hotel across the resort area. If you prefer not to walk, free shuttles and the ever-popular golf buggies make the journey quick and fun.

By comparison, the Reef View Hotel is on the resort side of the island, just across from Catseye Beach.

1. The Yacht Club and Villas are clustered around the marina, which is northwest of Catseye Beach.

2. Walking or using the free Island Shuttle (or a golf buggy) is the easiest way to traverse this short distance. hamiltonisland.com.au.

3. Approximate walking distance from Reef View Hotel to the marina/Yacht Club: around 1 km — likely a leisurely 10–15 minute walk.

Walking Route (about 10–15 minutes)

1. Start at the Reef View Hotel lobby (on Resort Drive, opposite Catseye Beach).

2. Head left (west) along Resort Drive, keeping the beach behind you.

3. Continue past the Whitsunday Apartments and follow the road as it curves slightly inland toward the marina.

4. Walk past the Hamilton Island Conference Centre and Palm Bungalows until you reach the marina area.

5. The road will open onto Front Street at the Hamilton Island Marina.

6. Turn right and follow Front Street around the waterfront—passing cafés, shops, and restaurants.

7. At the western end of Front Street, you’ll see the distinctive sails of the Yacht Club overlooking Dent Passage.

Alternative

• The free green Island Shuttle bus runs every 15–40 minutes and stops near both the Reef View Hotel and the Marina/Yacht Club.

• Or you can hire a golf buggy, which takes just a few minutes.

Is there a map of Hamilton Island?

See an island map here.

Will there be a daily shuttle to the conference venue (Yacht Club) from Reef View Hotel?

YES! We have daily return shuttles to the Conference Room from the Reef View Hotel at the following times:

Thursday From Reef View at 12.45 pm Return from Yacht Club at 6.15 pm

Friday From Reef View at 8.00 am Return from Yacht Club at 5.45 pm

Saturday From Reef View at 8.15 pm Return from Yacht Club at 5.30 pm (after the final drinks)

What are some other modes of transport on Hamilton Island?

Being car-free gives Hamilton Island a very unique, relaxed and tranquil ambience. And despite the lack of cars, it's also still incredibly easy and fast to get around.
 
There are several ways to get around:

• Free Island Shuttle service:
  A complimentary bus service operates every day, from 7.00am until 11.00pm (subject to change). Simply hop on or off at the various shuttle stops across the island and use the service as much or as little as you like.

• On foot:
  One of the best ways to explore the island is by walking. With most activities, restaurants and bars conveniently located on the resort side of the island, it’s also easy to wander from your accommodation to some of the island’s key highlights. It is a leisurely 10 minute stroll from Catseye Beach/resort side over the hill to the marina.

• Buggy:
  Golf buggies are the main form of transportation on the island. 4-seater buggies are available for hire on an hourly, half-day, daily or overnight basis, or are provided complimentary for Holiday Home, Yacht Club Villa and qualia guests. Passengers four years and under are required to be restrained in an approved child seat or capsule, which can be provided for an additional fee and subject to availability. Drivers must be 21 years or over and a full drivers licence is required.
   
  For more information, visit: https://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/things-to-do/getting-around

What will the temperature be?

It's early Spring in September in the Whitsundays. The weather is mild to warm with some rain showers and an average daily temperature around 23°C. The evenings can still be cool.

What is the Conference attire?

Smart casual dressing is recommended during the daytime conference sessions. A jacket is recommended as the evenings can be still quite cool. 

See below for specific events.

Social Events

Reef View Hotel

Guests provided with an island information booklet and map on arrival in the welcome pack.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Main Arrival Date: Thursday 4 September
Check In Point: Respective hotel check in desks
Method of transfer from airport: Scheduled airport shuttle
Please be advised that check in time is 2pm and rooms cannot be guaranteed for arrivals prior.

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Main Departure Date: Sunday 7 September
Check Out Point: Respective reception desks
Method of transfer to airport: Scheduled airport shuttle
Check out time is 10am (Bag collection and shuttle times are provided to guests in their check-in welcome pack)

INFORMATION TO PORTERS

Upon arrival, please transfer bags directly to rooms for all guests. Please note that the delivery from the porter’s desk to the rooms will take approximately 45 minutes. Entry to guest rooms cannot be guaranteed until 2pm – it is recommended that guests bring a day pack (containing swimwear, sunscreen, hat, towel etc) with them to utilise if they are not able to access their room on check-in.

REEF VIEW WORKS 3 MAR - 13 DEC 2025

Upgrades to the balcony balustrades at the Reef View Hotel are planned. There may be some intermittent construction noise on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations must be advised in writing to the Conference Secretariat by 1 July 2025. There is an $150 cancellation fee. Refunds will only be issued in exceptional circumstances after this date, but substitute delegates are acceptable. Cancellations must be made in writing and sent to our Meeting Manager, lara@themeetingpeople.com.au. Verbal changes or cancellations cannot be accepted. 

PAYMENT OF FEES
Payment can be made by credit card (via secure online registration only with MasterCard or Visa only).  Please contact the Secretariat electronic banking transfer details.  All registrations need to be submitted via the online registration and they will be acknowledged by return email. If you do not receive a written acknowledgement upon the completion of your online registration, please contact the Secretariat to ensure that your details have been received. Payments will be listed on your credit card statement with The Meeting People Pty Ltd.

FEDERAL GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST)
ABSO is not registered for GST.

LIABILITY
In case of industrial disruption or other external events causing disruption to the meeting, the Local Organising Committee, ABSO and the Meeting Managers of the ABSO 54th Meeting accepts no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates.

PRIVACY
Personal information, as defined under the national privacy legislation, The Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2001, will be treated in accordance with the National Privacy Principles and only shared with related or third parties in accordance with those principles.

DISCLAIMER
The Conference Programme and registration information is correct at the time of printing. However, the organisers reserve the right to change the information where necessary without notice.

ABSO Meeting Manager

Ms Lara Malcolm
ABSO 54th Meeting Secretariat
c/- The Meeting People Pty Ltd
PO Box 1037, GLENELG SOUTH SA 5045

Tel: +61 411 439 410
lara@themeetingpeople.com.au