46^th Aust National Science Fiction Convention Rydges Melbourne  8-11th June 2007 'The person books built'

Progress Report 1 – January 2006

Welcome to our first progress report.  The committee has been busy with boring and unglamorous administrative stuff since winning the right to stage the 2007 Natcon (the Australian National Science Fiction & Fantasy convention) last June. You can see who this covert committee is by visiting our Contacts page.

The Convergence website is now live and information about the convention is being added as it comes to hand.  Check it out and book mark for future reference.

Keeping up and keeping in touch

A general forum is now open for discussing stuff about Convergence 2 and for posting really important announcements about the convention.  To access the bulletin board follow the Forums link on the Convergence website.  You don’t need to be a member of Convergence 2 to read the topics on the Forums; you do need to register if you want to post messages, reply to others and to take advantage of some of the spiffy features this secure open-source software has to offer. 

Where to stay when attending Convergence 2

Convergence 2 will be held at the Rydges Melbourne, located in the heart of Melbourne on the door-step to fabulous Chinatown.  Convergence 2 members receive the special convention room rate of $179.00, including breakfast.  Stay at the convention hotel and be a part of all the fun things happening at Convergence 2.  To book your hotel accommodation direct with The Rydges Melbourne using its reservations service go to our website.

Melbourne has a wide range of alternative accommodation close by the Rydges Melbourne.  Our Hotel and Accommodation page is a good starting point.

News from the Guests of Honour

Isobelle Carmody, author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles has received critical acclaim for her diverse talents as a consummate and much-loved storyteller. With a host of award-winning novels to her credit, she is one of Australia’s most highly regarded and prominent authors of fantasy for young adult readers. Her latest novel, Alyzon Whitestarr, published by Penguin Australia, is available now from all good booksellers. Visit Carmody Online a fan based website for all the latest news on Isobelle.

Margaret Mahy is one of the world's best and most famous children's and young adult authors.  She has published over 130 titles (including school readers) and has written and adapted for television. Margaret has two books currently on the book shelves:  Zerelda’s Horses part of the Kiwi Bites series from Penguin NZ, a children’s book illustrated by Gabriella Klapatski.  Maddigan’s Fantasia from Harpercollins, is a tie-in book for a 13 part half-hour children’s television series, screening in the UK on BBC television, Channel Nine in Australia and TV3 in NZ, in late 2005.

Note a member yet or know somebody who might be interested?

A convenient membership application form can be downloaded from our website.  Remember, that children 15 years and younger are free, but must be accompanied by an adult, and, Students can join for $55.00.  Students are defined as either high school pupils or anyone that holds a Student Union card.  The Student rate will not rise.

Want to join the Cabal?

Convergence 2 is looking for people to form a team to undertake some marketing and PR activities.  Marketing & PR is a huge job with many different facets.  Given that Convergence 2 is a national convention, the job’s complexity is further compounded by the tyranny of distance.  So volunteering for this responsibility won’t mean that you’ll get landed with doing “The Lot”.  Instead, you’ll be part of a team working with people who have a passion for SF&F and meeting lots of interesting people from varied backgrounds as you go about the business of promoting Convergence 2.  Fancy being a part of this dynamic team? Then contact Alison Barton.

Australia in 2010 News

A group of fans from around the world is currently working on bringing the worldcon back to Australia in 2010.  To find out all about the bid visit the Australia in 2010 website. You can join a forum to keep up on all the news.  Follow the link on the Victorian Science Fiction Conventions website.

Convergence 2, GPO Box 1212, Melbourne 3001 or
emailed to convergence at natcon dot org dot au (credit card payments only)
– convert this form into a pdf or scan and send as an attachment

www.natcon.org.au/2007
email convergence at natcon dot org dot au or phone 0418 540 160