About the Conference

Engineers Without Borders Conference brings together professionals and students from a variety of disciplines to explore the role of development programs in creating and leveraging access  to knowledge, resources and technology.
Using the technical sectors in which EWB works as a focus, core development principles will be explored in hands on, theory based and group work sessions.

About the FOUR Cs to Development

EWB’s “Four Cs to Development” is central to the conference theme. The conference program is designed so that as delegates explore each technical sector they will:
• Become CONSCIOUS, often in new ways, of the relationship technical sectors have to community development
• Become CONCERNED by hearing stories of how these sectors impact on communities around the world
• COMPREHEND the complexities of the situation by listening to national and international experts explore issues in detail and by participating in hands-on activities
• CHALLENGE themselves by planning for and committing to actions inspired by conference content

• Day 1 – Past. How did we get here?

Examining past pathways, practices and sucesses in the fields of sustainability, engineering and international and local community development.

• Day 2 – Present. Where are we now?

Examining current projects and relevant issues in the context of sustainable development and appropriate technology.

• Day 3 – Future. Where are we going?

What challenges and opportunities face us in future development work?

How can we apply past lessons to developing future approaches and initiatives?

The 2009 Conference aims to allow delegates to build on last year’s conference themes by giving participants the opportunity to apply development theories to EWB’s areas of program expertise. Issues of gender, community engagement and effective partnerships will be explored within the context of specific technical sectors.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in depth community development simulation activities throughout the conference.
Engineers Without Borders 2009 National Conference is open for registrations. Numbers will be capped at between 250 and 300 people, so book your place now!

Accommodation

Engage2009 is held at the University of Melbourne in Parkville, which is close to Carlton, North Melbourne and the City Centre.

The following are a list of conference accommodations recommended by EWB:

The Nunnery

Highly Recommended – book in early as this place is popular!
Ph: 1800 032 635
Website: http://www.nunnery.com.au/
Address: 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Victoria Australia (approx 1.5km (20 minute walk) from conference venue.)

Quest Royal Gardens – Serviced Apartments  –

Ph: 03 9419 9888
Fax: 03 9416 0451
Website: http://www.questroyalgardens.com.au/
Address: 8 Royal Lane, Fitzroy
Approx 15-20 minute walk from conference venue.

Elizabeth Hostel

Ph: 1800 611 897
Website: http://www.elizabethhostel.com.au/
Address: 490 – 494 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 (approx 1km (12 minute walk) from conference venue)

Arrow on Swanston

Ph: 92259000
Website: http://www.arrowonswanston.com.au
Reservations: reservations@arrowonswanston.com.au
Address: 488 Swanston Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Australia (approx 1km (12 minute walk) from conference venue.)

YHA Hostels –

Melbourne Metro YHA

Ph: (03) 9329 8599

Website: http:/

/www.yha.com.au/hostels/map.cfm?hostelid=98
Address: 78 Howard Street, North Melbourne 3051 (less than 1 km (10 minute) walk from conference)

Melbourne Oasis YHA

Ph: (03) 9328 3595

Website: http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=99
Address: 76 Chapman Street, North Melbourne 3051 (approx 1.5 km from conference venue)

Social

• Day 1 – Lawn bowls and drinks!

To help you unwind from the intense sessions from the first day of the conference we will be hosting a lawn bowls and drinks evening so you can  relax and mingle with fellow delegates.

• Day 2- Critical Mass Birthday ride

Critical mass is a dis-organisation or rather it’s an organised coincidence. Conceived in San Francisco, Critical Mass is a monthly bike ride that occurs simultaneously in nearly 100 cities worldwide. Critical mass takes place in Melbourne on the last Friday of each month with up to a thousand cyclists meeting at 5.30pm at the State Library of Victoria in central Melbourne. This growing international movement aims to raise awareness of cycling as a healthier and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Although Critical Mass has achieved heights such as Bolte Bridge in 2003 this year’s critical mass will likely follow the more scenic routes of Melbourne’s suburbs.

This year the Engineers Without Borders conference offers you the opportunity to participate in this ride (bicycles and helmets are provided if needed). So after a day of listening to speakers, why don’t you come and participate in a relaxing ride around Melbourne as a show of support of this radical movement for a more sustainable future.

Critical Mass is celebrating its 13th year in Melbourne in November!

http://www.criticalmass.org.au/melbourne/

• Day 3 – Conference Party

To celebrate the finale of the conference, you’re invited to drinks and finger food at the conference finale party held at The Mint, a classy bar located at the historic old Melbourne mint.