Accessibility

Event: Having a Say Our Choice Expo 2025

General information

Contact name

Christine Scott

Contact number

0475 698 884

Travel instructions

Trains There are frequent train services between Melbourne & Geelong through V/line. The trip takes about an hour. V/Line buses also operate from other towns (e.g. Ballarat) directly to Geelong. People who require mobility assistance need to book with V/Line in advance. Timetables & more details are available at www.vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007. Airport Transfers Gull Bus service operates regular buses from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport to Geelong and this currently costs about $38 one way, per person. For Bookings & Info phone: 03 5222 4966 or www.gull.com.au Avalon Airport, where Jetstar flies to, is only 15 minutes from Geelong. The Avalon Airport Shuttle will take you door to door to any motel/hotel in Geelong and costs about $28 one way per person. For Bookings and Info phone: 03 5278 8788. Queenscliff-Sorrento Ferry Peninsula Searoad Transport operate the car/passenger ferry service 7 days a week, departing each hour on the hour between 7am and 7pm. Bookings and Info phone: 03 5257 4500 or www.searoad.com.au Taxi Geelong Taxi Network provides both a general and multi-purpose taxi service in the Geelong Region. Phone: 131 008 Maxi Taxi: We would strongly advise that you book in advance for a Maxi taxi (especially for Dinner Disco) up to 2 weeks prior to the conference. Maxi Taxi Phone: 03 5278 5785

Entry instructions

Exhibitors can set up from 8.30am on each day. If required, you can unload materials on the corner of Smythe & Gheringhap Streets opposite the ‘Cube’ / pedestrian crossing entrance. We hope to have volunteers on this corner or under the Cube to trolley your load to your table on Tuesday morning. Only Display Vehicles approved beforehand can come into the Courtyard. Please be aware if you try to unload in the Courtyard the Security staff who are extremely vigilant will BOOK YOUR VEHICLE.

After entry instructions

The Expo is at Street level from Gheringhap Street - enter at the Cube entrance and go straight down the corridor into the Courtyard (passed the lifts) and it is then on your left. Sponsor Expo - turn right through the glass doors following the Costa Hall signs, up into the Costa Hall Foyer

Hazards

The Cube entrance is fully accessible with electric opening doors and flat surfaces throughout, to both of the Expo areas in Gallery and the Foyer of Costa Hall.

Toilet location

A Changing Places facility (with ceiling hoist, changing table and all amenities) is located just inside The Cube entry, half way down the corridor. There are also two other accessible toilets in the Costa Hall Foyer area.

Accessible parking

Final information will be sent out IN THE WEEK BEFORE THE CONFERENCE, please look out for the final reminders email. Parking is likely to NOT BE AVAILABLE in the Deakin University car park diagonally across from the Conference due to a new building going up. If you do park during the conference in the Uni carpark avoid parking in the Deakin Staff parking bays. There are also metered car parking spaces at the conference venue. There are also many private car parks within walking distance from both venues. Mini Buses can park in the above mentioned car parks however there will also be designated Bus Parking in Gheringhap Street (outside Costa Hall) for Mini Buses with Disabled Parking Stickers.

Accommodation

For information on a large range of accommodation please contact the Visitor Information Centre on 03 5223 2588. Some accessible accommodation can be located through the Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine service www.tourismgeelongbellerine.com.au or www.visitvictoria.com/geelong

Attendant Care

Attendant Care support is available for people who are attending the conference independently (i.e. without staff or family support). This support is ONLY for short-term personal care and meal assistance during the conference and conference dinner. It is important for you to be aware that this support cannot be provided to people on a 1 to 1 basis for long periods of time during the conference. If you are planning on attending the conference independently and have a higher need for support (i.e. require one to one support) please talk about your needs with your supporters/family or Support Coordinator or NDIS planner and the services that you use. If you need more information about this issue, then please contact the HavingaSay@valid.org.au to discuss how we can assist you.