National Conference FAQs

What is the National Conference? What do we have to do?

The National Conference is a cannot miss, once a year Oaktree extravaganza, bringing together all of our volunteers from across the country for three days of partying, training, great speakers and sleepless nights.

This year’s program will include time dedicated to development training, featuring some incredible speakers and activists from the likes of Plan International, Oxfam and AusAID, as well as functional team training and plenty of time to get to know your peers.

All you have to do is register and pay, arrive at the State Library of Victoria at 2:30pm in Melbourne on Friday December 3rd and we’ll do the rest. So for those of you travelling from other states, make sure your plane lands by 12pm at the latest. You’ll receive e-mail updates in the lead up to the conference and a welcome pack on arrival.

What is the Conference program?

Stay tuned for more information. The program will be released before the conference as well as being given to you in your registration pack.

Where is it being held?

The Conference is being held at Phillip Island Adventure Resort in Phillip Island, Victoria. About a 2 hour drive from Melbourne. Check out our accommodation here: http://cyc.org.au/piar/

When is it?

Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th of December 2010. Registrations are at 2:30pm on Friday at the State Library of Victoria, after the panel session buses will be taking all participants up to Phillip Island Adventure Resort. We’ll have you back at the office by 7pm on Sunday evening.

How do I register?

Unfortunately, registrations have now closed for the 2010 National Conference.

How much does it cost?

The Conference is $150 per person for the whole weekend. This will cover all of your food, accommodation, awesome entertainment as well as transport to and from Phillip Island (from the Victorian Oaktree office) and all other conference costs.

If you have registered but have not paid, you can go here to finalise your registration. Unfortunately you will not have a confirmed place at the conference until both the registration form and payment have been received.

Who can attend? How many people will be there?

The 2010 National Conference is open to all Oaktree volunteers across Australia and is a must go for anyone planning to be involved in Oaktree in 2011. We have limited number of spaces, so book your ticket as soon as possible.

You will be hanging out with 150 of your fellow Oaktree volunteers for the weekend.

I’m under 18, can I come?

Of course! We will just need written consent from your parent or guardian.

What do I need to bring?

General school camp stuff: Clothes, shoes, toothbrush, towel, teddy bear…

Important things to remember:

- There is a pool available for our use, so if you would like to swim bring bathers

- There will be the opportunity for physical activity, so bring some clothes that you don’t mind getting sweaty and dirty in and a pair of runners

- Pillow and a light doona is provided, but please bring a pillow case, sheets/sleeping bag and a towel

- Laptops are a good idea, but Oaktree will accept no responsibility for them or any of your other valuables

- Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are to be brought

- It will be December in Oz so hot hot hot! Wear your summer gear and don’t worry about business attire, dress code is smart casual

I’m from interstate, how do I get to Melbourne?

Your transport to Phillip Island from the State Library of Victoria and back to the Victorian Office (605 Camberwell Road, Camberwell) is covered but you will have to organise your own way to the office. For more information please see your state teams.

Is there any funding available?

Yes! Oaktree will be providing a limited amount of subsidies for the cost of travel incurred by volunteers from states other than Victoria. Western Australian volunteers are eligible for up to $250 and all other states are eligible for $100 in funding. For more information send an e-mail to g.mckay@theoaktree.org

I’m from interstate and arriving a day early, where can I stay?

There will be a limited number of beds available for interstate volunteers to stay with Victorian volunteers the day before and/or the day after Oaktree National Conference 2010. If you require accommodation please send an e-mail as soon as possible to g.mckay@theoaktree.org

Why do you need to supply a photo?

We will be creating a Conference ‘Face Book’, this will include your full name and photo.

More questions?

Feel free to e-mail Georgina McKay at: g.mckay@theoaktree.org