We are delighted to be joining the AARE Executive Committee as the new Co-Chairs of the Conference Standing Committee, after the incredible Catherine Smith steps down following two years leading the successful 2023 and 2024 conferences (we have big shoes to fill!). A huge thank you, again, to Catherine for her unwavering dedication, efforts and insights.
We are equally delighted to be inviting you to our hometown for this year’s conference! It’s the first time since 1994 that the AARE conference will be hosted by the University of Newcastle. The conference will be held from 30th November – 4th December, so please save these dates in your calendar. The key venue will be the University of Newcastle City Campus, located in the CBD.
For those unfamiliar with Newcastle, it’s an easy two-hour drive up the coast from Sydney. We have Newcastle Airport, with direct flights from most capital cities, convenient public transport options and many great accommodation options. Better yet, we have many fantastic tourist sites in and around the city, including beautiful beaches, the Hunter Valley vineyards, and a thriving food, entertainment and art scene. See Visit Newcastle for more information!
Catherine has compiled the 2024 conference report and this will be provided to the Executive at February’s Committee meeting. Thank you so much to everyone who provided feedback which will help us with the preparations for the 2025 Conference (already well underway). As always, we aim to deliver a valuable, engaging and innovative conference; if you do have any additional suggestions to make, please feel free to get in touch with us at conference@aare.edu.au, we’d love to hear from you!
Keep an eye out for the conference theme and call for papers in the coming months.
Have a wonderful start to the year,
Sally Patfield and Wendy Taggart