As we approach December and the 2008 conference, the Knowledge program has now been set and plans for the social and cultural activities are well on their way. Read the articles below for the latest WIPCE news and visit our website, www.wipce2008.com for further information.

Delegates encouraged to perform at the Traditional Welcome to Country and the Closing Ceremony

Plans are underway for the two major cultural celebrations of WIPC:E 2008, the Traditional Welcome to Country and the Closing Ceremony. Expressions of Interest forms are now available, and we encourage all registered delegates to get involved. The Traditional Welcome to Country will take place at the Aborigines Advancement League and will be performed by representatives of the Kulin Nation followed by members of the WIPC:E 2008 team. Delegates will then have the opportunity to respond, either through speech, song, dance or other forms of cultural expression. With delegates hailing from Botswana to Bangladesh, Norway to New Zealand the breadth of performance is sure to inspire. The Closing Ceremony, taking place at Rod Laver Arena, will include a Parade of Nations and special performances by some of Indigenous Australia’s musical stars.  

Emerging leaders to discuss maintaining culture in the global age

Aboriginal hip hop performers, a dancer and an arts curator will join sporting star Evonne Goolagong Cawley, and a surprise international guest speaker to discuss “Maintaining Culture in the Global Age”. Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Ltd (VACSAL) is partnering with the Victorian Aboriginal Youth Advisory Council to present a day of interactive activities and explosive performances. All delegates with an interest in youth affairs are encouraged to attend, and individual day registration is available for the discount fee of $220. Does American music influence your style? Has the internet brought your closer to Indigenous youth around the world? Has BEBO affected your community relations? Emerging leaders, budding artists and inspirational youth get together to workshop ideas, debate policy or create a performance for the Closing Ceremony.

Flight Centre, airline partner of WIPC:E 2008

Flight Centre has come on board as the official airline partner of WIPC:E 2008. Simply download and complete the travel request form and Josh Zuker, our Account Manager will respond within 24 hours with your quote.

Profile your organisation or business with an Information Stall at Rod Laver Arena

With an expected attendance of 3000 delegates from Indigenous communities across the world, what better way to profile your organisation or business than with an exhibition stall at WIPC:E 2008. You can exhibit at Rod Laver Arena for the full duration of the conference butplease note, due to licensing agreements goods are only to be sold on the Thursday Market Day. 3m x 3m exhibition stalls are available for $3,000 and display tables for $700 for the four day period.

For further information please contact Helen McGowan on: (03) 9645 6311 or helen@wsm.com.au