Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists

Platinum Sponsor

Thank you for Attending!

Thank you for joining us at the 54th Meeting of the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists, held on Hamilton Island, Queensland, from 4–7 September 2025. The sun was (mostly) shining, and the ocean views from the lecture room were truly hard to beat.

ABSO meetings welcome all clinical philosophies, techniques, and persuasions, with invitations open to registered orthodontists and post-graduate students from around the globe.

This year, our keynote speakers Dr Tung Nguyen (USA) and Dr Roberto Carrillo (Mexico) delivered outstanding lectures, and we were delighted to also host Dr Hans Booij (Netherlands). Alongside them, a vibrant scientific program showcased a wide range of presentations from both academia and clinical practice.

Of course, learning goes hand-in-hand with connection. The social events on the island provided the perfect backdrop for networking, catching up with colleagues, and enjoying some tropical mingling.

We are especially proud to continue supporting post-graduate researchers and future specialists. Their contributions enrich our profession, and with over 30 students attending this year, the energy and enthusiasm they brought was inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our sponsors and supporters, whose commitment makes meetings like this possible:

Platinum Sponsors - DentiCare

Gold Sponsors - American Orthodontics and Ormco/Spark

Silver Sponsor - DentalMonitoring

Coffee Cart Sponsor - American Orthodontics

Exhibitors - AB Orthodontics, Angel Aligner, APAC Digital Dentistry and Laboratory, Clear Correct - A Straumann Group, Invisalign, Dental Axess, LightForce, Macono Orthodontic & Dental Laboratories and TP Orthodontics.

Supporter - MIPS

We hope you enjoyed Hamilton Island as both a learning environment and a warm escape from the southern winter.

On behalf of the ABSO Committee, thank you again for being part of a friendly, informative, and fun meeting. We look forward to welcoming you to our next meeting in 2027 (details to be announced soon).

ABSO 2025 Organising Committee

Dr Stephan Oleschenko, ABSO President
Dr Lasni Kumarasinghe, ABSO Secretary
Dr Berna Kim, ABSO Treasurer
Dr Seerone Anandarajah, Emeritus Prof Craig Dreyer, Dr Simon Freezer, Dr John Fricker OAM, Dr Ravi Kamisetty, Dr Mark Leedham AM, Dr Helen McLean, AM, Dr Andrew Savundra, Dr Jeff Swann, Prof Seong-Seng Tan

Discover Hamilton Island: A Breathtaking Island Escape

Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most stunning and sought-after destinations. With pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes, the island offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays in Queensland,  Australia. It is positioned approximately 887 kilometres north of Brisbane and 512 kilometres south of Cairns in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

A Unique Conference Destination
Hamilton Island provides an inspiring setting for conferences, combining world-class facilities with breathtaking natural beauty. Delegates can enjoy seamless access to the island via direct flights from major Australian cities, making it a convenient and unforgettable destination for any event.

Unparalleled Natural Beauty
Surrounded by the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Whitehaven Beach. Whether you choose to explore by boat, helicopter, or on foot, the island’s spectacular scenery is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Luxury, Leisure, and Adventure
From luxury resorts and fine dining to water sports and hiking trails, Hamilton Island caters to every traveler. Enjoy a round of golf on one of Australia’s most scenic courses, relax at a world-class spa, or take part in thrilling reef excursions.

Seamless Stay for Delegates
A range of accommodation options is available within walking distance of conference venues, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for attendees. Whether you're here for business, networking, or leisure, Hamilton Island offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable event.

Experience Hamilton Island – Where Business Meets Paradise.

Getting around the island

Hamilton Island has a very unique, relaxed and tranquil ambience and despite the lack of cars, it’s also still incredibly easy and fast to get around. Please see the following ways to get around the Island.

On Foot
One of the best ways to explore the island is by walking. With several 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.

Complimentary Bus Service
A complimentary bus service operates every day, from 7.00am – 11.00pm (subject to change) along three selected routes.

To get more information on the shuttle service please click here.

Further information regarding our Yacht Club daily transfers will be updated soon.

Buggy
If you want to explore the island at your own pace - or if you’re staying at accommodation that’s further away from the action, you may wish to hire a buggy.  There are both 2-seater and 4-seater buggies for hire. 

Buggies are not necessary as there will be transfers to the meeting venue, the Yacht Club, and the dinner locations are walkable from the Reef View Hotel. However, the buggies are in demand and sometimes difficult to secure if you wait until you arrive on the island. For more information on buggy hire please see the link below -

www.hamiltonisland.com.au/getting-around-island/buggy-hire

Ferry
Ferries cruise to Hamilton Island throughout the day from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour on the mainland. Long term parking is available at the Shute Harbour & Port of Airlie terminals, as well as other parking within the precinct.

If you’re travelling to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns, coaches run to Airlie Beach, and arrive at the Port of Airlie transport terminal, right at the Port of Airlie ferry departure point.

Before you arrive

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

Climate
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.

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

Flying—book early to avoid disappointment
The only Whitsundays Island with its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island Airport services direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, with Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas.