QCHSC 2024

August 19th-24th, 2024 (inclusive)

Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Organised by the CSSM (University of Adelaide)

Timetable and maps via our Indico site

Administrative support : Silvana Santucci

Website : Drs. Ayse Kizilersu and Padric McGee

Logo : Prof. Derek Leinweber

Site best viewed on desktop or laptop, browser width > ~1200 pixels

30 YEARS OF CONFINEMENT!

This conference series started in Villa Olmo on Lake Como in June 1994.

Special commemorative edition : the Quark Confinement conference series will be 30 years old in 2024, and we are celebrating this anniversary with our Australia–Asia Pacific “strong” QCD community colleagues.

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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM

PLENARY SPEAKERS

In preparation.

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ORGANISERS

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POSTER SESSION

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INFORMATION

IMPORTANT DATES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Student financial support

There will be a finite capacity for providing partial financial assistance with regards to student attendance at the Conference. 

Please note that this is indeed limited to students – there is not the ability to provide support for general participants.

Support is intended only for students who will be making a presentation (either oral or poster). 

Deadline for student support applications : June 3rd 2024.

Decisions on student support applications : June 10th 2024.

If you wish to apply for partial financial support, please send an email to ayse.kizilersu@adelaide.edu.au and cc it to cssm@adelaide.edu.au

Please make sure your email contains the following information :

• email subject line
  • QCHSC2024 student financial support application – YOUR NAME – YOUR INSTITUTION
• email body
  • First name
  • Surname
  • Institution (i.e. your affiliation)
  • Submitted talk type (oral or poster)
  • Talk/poster title
  • Talk/poster abstract
  • Reference letter from your supervisor
  • Additional information that you feel is relevant

Code of Conduct

The QCHSC2024 conference is a community event intended for presentations, networking, and collaboration as well as learning. We value a civil and respectful environment which encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas.

Should a lapse of professional decorum occur (such as discrimination or harassment), attendees are encouraged to bring issues, in a confidential setting, to the advisors appointed by the conference organisers. The advisors will suggest ways of redressing the matter and counsel the parties involved. The conference organisers may, after due consideration, take action as they deem appropriate, including, in severe cases, expulsion from the conference without refund.

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TIMETABLE

The Conference timetable is now available on Indico.

At present, individual presentations have not been scheduled – just the various Session times.

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AUSTRALIAN VISA

All travellers to Australia need a valid passport.

Visas are required by all visitors travelling to Australia except for New Zealand passport holders.

We advise all international travellers to consult the link below or contact the Australian Consulate in your country to organise the visa that best suits your travel plans.

Visa Information at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Depending on the country of issue of your passport, you may be eligible to apply for an eVisitor or ETA via the internet. Please see the following link for more information.

Online Applications at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

It is also important to note that Australia is an island of immense ecological diversity and takes Customs very seriously. To protect its natural ecosystems and agriculture interests, Australia employs strict Customs regulations. Organic items such as plants, food, animal products, timber and anything contaminated with dirt or sand may be restricted or even prohibited. Before you set out to Australia, it may be useful to check up on these restrictions at the link below.

Customs Information at the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service

If you require a Letter of Invitation for the conference, please contact us via email.

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ACCOMMODATION

Special accommodation deals for QCHSC2024 are listed below (Park Regis, Hilton, Accor).

Good reduced rates have been negotiated with Park Regis, and the Hilton and Accord hotel chains – details are given below.

Hilton Hotels

The two links below (Hilton Cairns and Doubletree by Hilton) will take you directly to booking pages that are pre-populated with basic details for the special rates. These rates are available for a full two-week period, giving participants the chance to extend their stay pre- or post-conference if desired.

Hilton Cairns : Guest Room $293/day | Deluxe Room $333/day | Corner Room $313/day

Doubletree by Hilton Cairns : Guest Room $293/day | Water View Room $275/day

All rooms will have either king or twin beds, and are subject to availability.

• Click on one of the links above (for your preferred hotel).
• For the Hilton Cairns:
  • once the page has loaded, on the calendar, click either “13th-27th” or “14th-28th” according to which better suits your plans (the full two-week period is the default, but can be changed in the next step);
  • the default dates will be as you selected in the first step above; you may edit your start and end dates, if needed, via the “Edit Stay” section near the top of the browser window (you may need to click “Update” when done);
  • then select your room type and click “Quick Book” to complete your booking.
• For the Doubletree:
  • the default dates are 13th – 27th of August; you may edit your start and end dates, if needed, via the “Edit Stay” section near the top of the browser window (you may need to click “Update” when done);
  • then select your room type and click “Quick Book” to complete your booking..

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Discount rates of 15% below standard are available over the period 17th-25th August, and rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Booking options:

• at this link, adjust your start and end dates as or if required (note that the defaults are August 18th-23rd), and select from the available room options (discount rates are already applied); or
• go to accorhotel.com
  • enter “Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort” in the Destination field
  • select your check-in date, then your check-out date
  • click “More options”
  • in “Other special rates and promo code”, select “Promo code”
  • enter “QCHSC24”, then click the Confirm button
  • click the Search button, and select your room, etc, and complete your booking;
• or, contact the Reservations Team on +61 7 4080 1888 (extension #1) (working hours are Monday–Friday 08:00-17:00, Saturday–Sunday 09:00-15:00 Queensland time (GMT+10:00)), or email  h0534@accor.com and please mention the website promo code ‘’QCHSC24’’ at the time of booking to be given the discounted rate. 

Pullman Cairns International

The above link will take you to the website for the Pullman Cairns International, with details pre-populated for the Conference reduced rate and default dates 18th-23rd August 2024.

The reduced rate is available also for two days pre- and post-conference, and offers a 15% discount over the standard room rates.

Crystalbrook Collection

Rooms at the Crystalbrook Bailey, Crystalbrook Riley and Crystalbrook Flynn are available at 15% off the best available rates, over the period 17th – 25th August.

To book online,

• go to this site;
• from the “Hotels” tab, select one of the three above-mentioned hotels;
• click the “Book Now” button, and select your check-in and check-out dates;
• select also the number of adults, etc (under “Select Guests”);
• enter “QCHSC2024” in the Promo Code box;
• click on “Check Availability”, select your room type, and complete your booking.

Alternatively, contact Central Reservations on 1300 002 050 and quote the promo code “QCHSC2024”.

Mantra Trilogy and Mantra Esplanade

Rooms at 10% off the best available rate are available over the period 15th – 27th August.

To book online,

• go to this site;
• in “Where do you want to travel”, type “Mantra Trilogy Cairns” or “Mantra Esplanade Cairns”;
• select your Check-In and Check-Out dates;
• adjust the “Rooms & Guests” selections, if needed;
• click “More options”;
• in the “Other special rates and promo code” box, click the down arrow and select “Promo code”;
• enter “QCHSC2408” (please note this field is case sensitive), then click “Confirm”;
• then click the “Search” button;
• select your room and complete your booking (you should see “Special Offer” in each room description, to indicate that the special rate has been applied).

***PLEASE NOTE: promo codes are only valid for bookings made online; rooms are subject to availability & will require full prepayment. Bookings will also be subject to any minimum-night-stay restrictions as listed on the website. Online Terms and Conditions apply to these bookings. For full terms & conditions please visit  https://all.accor.com/information/legal/internet-sales-conditions.en.shtml

Once booking is confirmed, it can be accessed via My Bookings on the same website or app, by logging in using the Reservation number on your confirmation and the Surname on the booking.

Below are listed other accommodation options (in order of increasing distance from the Convention Centre in each category).

Apartments

(*) Park Regis City Quays and Piermonde Apartments 450m

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CONFERENCE EXCURSIONS

We offer three conference excursion options – “Outer Reef”, “Oldest Rainforest”, and “Rainforest with Aboriginal Experience”. As a conference participant, you and your accompanying guests are able to choose one of these three during the registration process.

As the number of places for each option is limited, do be aware that your first choice of excursion may not be available, should that limit already have been reached. Also, as these excursions are optional, the cost will be added to your overall registration costs if you should choose to participate.

Please note that the excursions are scheduled for the final day of the conference, Saturday August 24th, with the conclusion of the scientific program occurring on Friday, August 23rd.

EXCURSION CHOICE : 2

KURANDA AND RAINFOREST

EXCURSION CHOICE : 3

CAPE TRIBULATION / DAINTREE / WILDLIFE TOUR

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LOCAL INFORMATION

Getting Around

The best way to get around the city is by foot, however if you need to travel outside of the city, there are also taxis and Ubers, as well as a local bus service. Translink operates the local bus service –  here’s further generic information and a link to the bus routes. Please also note the only way to purchase a ticket is with cash on the bus – tickets can’t be pre-purchased or paid for by credit card.

Driving

Here are some basic points relating to driving in Australia:

• Australian cars are right-hand drive;
• drive on the left-hand side of the road (i.e. the driver will sit closer to the centre of the road);
• for rules relating to roundabouts, see here;
• for rules relating to school zones, see here;
• speed limits are given in km/hour, and in urban or suburban areas, the default limit is 50 km/hr, and in rural areas, the default is 100 km/hr. Other speed limits apply if they are indicated, and the defaults apply if no speed limit is indicated. See here for more information;
• information on road markings can be found here;
• if driving in suburban or rural areas, be on the watch for animals crossing the road, especially around dusk or at night.

Weather and Climate 

Far North Queensland enjoys a tropical climate, but the period from May to October is considered the dry season, heralding mild temperatures. Around the Cairns area, seawater temperatures are a comfortable 23°C (73°F), and on a sunny day you can generally stay in the water all day.

Despite milder temperatures, on clear days you can begin to burn in less than 20 minutes. To protect yourself from the sun, you should always wear a shirt, hat and sunscreen, and, where possible, stay in the shade. More information on weather here.

Medical Services

Australia’s medical services rate amongst some of the best in the world. Overseas visitors should take care to obtain their own medical travel insurance to ensure that they are covered in an emergency. Visitors from the UK, Italy, Malta, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and New Zealand are entitled to subsidised medical care under reciprocal national health care agreements.

Other Useful Information

Taxes : Most goods and services are taxed in Australia using a value-added tax of 10%, called the GST (Goods and Services Tax). The tax amount is normally included in the displayed price – what you see is what you pay.

Tipping : Tipping is rarely expected in Australia. Exceptional service can be rewarded by rounding up the bill.

Smoking : It is important to note that Queensland law restricts smoking in a number of public areas. Smoking is prohibited at restaurants and in any licensed bar or club where drinks or food are consumed, either indoors or out, as well as within 4m of non-residential entrances. Be aware that on-the-spot fines of AUD$150 apply for any breaches. To avoid any hassles, when in doubt – ask.

Electrical appliances : Australia’s mains electricity operates at 240V with a 50Hz AC signal. A three-bladed plug is used for most devices, however some double-insulated devices don’t have the bottom, earth blade. All powerpoints have three holes, and almost always have a switch for each socket.

Swimming

Swimming in Far North Queensland is great at all times of the year, but you will need to take care in the water. Box jellyfish and dangerous surf pose a real threat; however, the majority of beaches are signed to indicate any dangers that may be present. Always swim on patrolled beaches and those with protective stinger nets.

Simple Guidelines to Safe Swimming:

• Surf lifesavers supervise swimmers at the beach – always follow their advice.

• Safe, supervised locations are designated by red and yellow flags.

• If unsure about your ability to handle the sea conditions, do not swim.

• Do not swim at night, dawn and dusk.

Wildlife Safety

BE WISE IN CROC COUNTRY

STAY SAFE IN THE OCEAN

The oceans around northern Australia are home to some of the world’s most spectacular marine life. This includes marine stingers, some of which are dangerous, most famously the box jellyfish and Irukandji. These can be found around Tropical North Queensland along the coast as far south as Gladstone, from around October/November through to May/June.

Many popular beaches have stinger nets (patrolled by lifeguards) in place so you can swim safely. However, it’s recommended you wear a protective suit to help shield you from the sun and to minimise the risk of jellyfish stings.

On patrolled beaches, lifeguards conduct daily checks for jellyfish prior to putting out the flags. Always follow advice from lifeguards on duty and it’s a good idea to check with them directly if you’re unsure about anything.

If you do happen to get stung, don’t panic. Wash the site thoroughly with vinegar (you’ll find a bottle on most beaches) and pull off any remaining tentacles, ensuring your fingers and hands are protected. See the lifeguards for assistance or call Triple 000 in an emergency.

The most important advice is not to be afraid of swimming at Tropical North Queensland’s gorgeous beaches. Fatal stings are very rare and it’s easy to stay safe by following these simple precautions. Current local beach conditions can be found on the Surf Life Saving North Queensland website.

BE SHARK-SMART

Did you know that sharks can replace a lost tooth naturally in just one day? Getting up close with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef is a bucket-list activity for many divers. Species commonly seen are the white-tip reef shark, grey reef shark and the silver-tip shark (which can be up to 1.8 metres in length). The white tip has between 80 and 100 rows of teeth!

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, have specialised in shark diving for many decades, offering passive shark attraction and shark-feeding dives in the Coral Sea Marine Park, at Osprey Reef’s ‘North Horn’ dive site. Up to 60 sharks attend their feeds, where divers can safely view the spectacular ‘feeding frenzy’ for 2-3 minutes within a distance of approximately 6-7 metres.

It is important to note sharks will not attack humans in the water by mere presence and do not recognise humans as a food source. Attacks are very rare and generally only occur when safe swimming practice recommendations are ignored, particularly relevant when sea conditions have either low light or low visibility.

The Queensland Government has suspended its Shark Control Program in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Everyone can be ‘Shark Smart’ by following these safe swimming practices:

•Don’t swim at dawn or dusk

•Always swim in clear water (not in murky water, busy anchorages, estuary mouths or canals)

•Don’t throw food scraps or fish waste overboard (including in anchorages or where people are swimming)

•Don’t swim where fish are being cleaned

•Swim, surf, snorkel or dive with a buddy

•Follow local signage and swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.

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SELF-EXCURSIONS

Before or after the conference, if you wish to take some time off and enjoy tropical Queensland, please use the link below, which takes you to a website at which you can select from a number of curated trips, of various durations, which explore different aspects of the region’s natural and cultural diversity. Please note that these are not part of the Conference.

INDICO

For registration, timetables, and notifications, please visit the conference’s Indico site.

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SUPPORT

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