a message from the minister for tourism and major events
the Honourable John Pandazopoulos

I extend a very warm welcome to all conference delegates to the Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport being held in Melbourne during October 2005.

Here in Victoria we love our sporting events. Visitors from far and wide visit the State each year in search of the thrill of the Formula 1™ Foster's Australian Grand Prix, the Spring Racing Carnival, Australian Open Tennis Championships and the Boxing Day Test.

Victoria is known as the events capital of Australia, and a key element of this well-deserved reputation is our ability to host events which appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Melbourne is a city which is purpose-built for events. Our comprehensive public transport system is situated close to the major sporting precincts and can cope with large crowds, allowing visitors to navigate the city with little fuss.

Aside from the buzz of major events, visitors to the city can discover a spectacular combination of old and new architecture, elegant streetscapes, first class dining, sensational shopping and beautifully laid out gardens. Add to that the city’s multicultural appeal, a love of arts and culture and you have one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Just beyond the city, visitors can experience the diversity and beauty of provincial Victoria. Within a couple of hours drive of Melbourne, Victoria offers world-class cool climate wines, spectacular scenic coastal drives and outstanding natural and man made attractions. Further afield there is much more - the alpine high country, national parks with their stunning scenery and, of course, excellent food and wine.

All of this and more is what will make Melbourne the pride of Australia when we host the 2006 Commonwealth Games. As sporting enthusiasts and professionals, I hope that you will be amongst the crowds cheering the 4500 elite athletes from over 71 Commonwealth countries who will compete over 12 days for medals to take home.

Enjoy your stay in Melbourne and I invite you to come back in March next year, for what will be the best Commonwealth Games ever staged.

JOHN PANDAZOPOULOS MP
Minister for Tourism and Major Events

a message from the conference chair
Dr Jill Cook

The Organising Committee of the 2005 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, to be held in Melbourne, Australia between 13-16 October 2005 invites you to join in this exciting exchange of “Promoting innovation, measuring success” in sports science, sports medicine, physical activity and injury prevention.

The conference theme “Promoting innovation, measuring success” will be explored within all three Conferences and is an excellent opportunity to keep abreast of the latest findings and developments in research and interventions.

This year the program will include several outstanding speakers from Australia and around the world, who are leaders in sports medicine research and practice. The Conference will again feature a controversial debate, which will bring together experts to debate a range of opinions in an entertaining and informative environment.

The Conference will be an exciting and congenial opportunity for delegates to discuss and explore innovative sports medicine techniques. There will also be opportunities for active and more passive leisure-time activities.

I look forward to seeing you in Melbourne.

Jill Cook
Conference Chair