Conference Handbook for International Delegations

The 18th Annual Asia-Pacic Model United Nations ConferenceAMUNC2012

1

AM

UN

C2012

R i g

h t

s

R e

c o

g n

i t

i o

n

R e

s p

o n

s i

b i l i t

y

J u

l y

0

8 -

1 3

t h

02 Welcome to Melbourne

04 Australian Culture and Slang

07 Food on Campus

09 Religious Services on Campus

11 Winter Weather in Melbourne

12 Tourism in Melbourne

14 Shopping in Melbourne

15 Transport Information

15 Study Opportunities in Australia

15 Expand Networks in Asia-Pacific Region

2

Welcome to Melbourne! A taste of global culture

International

Australias most accessible multiculturalism has been captured in a big city which retains that small-city feel.

Four main waves of migration have a created a diversity where 140 nations live side by side. Hosting over a

million international visitors each year,[1] Melbourne is well placed as an international city. Melbournes

leading educational institutions attract students from all over the world. Almost 55 per cent of students living

and studying in the city are international students [2] and almost 41 per cent of the inner city population was

born outside of Australia. As a result AMUNC international delegates will not feel out of place as visiting

scholars. The context will be perfect for a conference based around discussion, cooperation and mutual

respect and understanding.

Cultural capital

The cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is known for its art, music, cuisine, fashion, performance, design and creative ideas. Indeed

the city is home to countless art galleries, museums, libraries, theatres,

musical performances and live gigs. Coincidentally, Melbourne was the

second city after Edinburgh to be named a UNESCO City of Literature.[3]

AMUNC2012 will provide you with a great opportunity to experience the

cultural aspects of Melbourne. Evenings out, exploring the wide range of

nightspots, up flights of stairs, down graffiti covered laneways, on rooftops

or in an orchestra pit; you will never be short of options for a new cultural

experience.

Cultural heritage and cityscape

While the Melbourne of today presents a sense of community which respects diversity and change, the city still

holds a reverence for its unique character and heritage. This is clearly reflected in the high levels of heritage

protection dedicated towards ornate Victorian-era, Euro-style architecture. Heritage also protects the older

carriages which make up the Melbournes iconic tram network. Contrasting with the vast 471 hectares [4] of

leafy green parkland throughout Melbourne, are the narrow winding labyrinthine laneways which sprawl away

from the bustling corporate city centre. Laneway and caf culture are also characteristic of the unique

atmosphere found within Melbourne.

3

Indigenous heritage

In welcoming you to Melbourne, AMUNC2012 also respectfully acknowledges the heritage of the land and its

rightful ownership. The conference will be held on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation more commonly

known by its European name Melbourne. The land has in the past been an important meeting place and

location for events of social and cultural significance for the many traditional Indigenous Australian tribes which

make up the Kulin Nation. The City of Melbourne respects this unique historical and cultural heritage and

collaborates with its Indigenous community in the development of many strategies to support and expand

Indigenous culture throughout Melbourne and beyond.[5]

Combining the modern, international, cultural, heritage and indigenous aspects of Melbourne, we hope that

international delegates will find it to be a welcoming, globally cultured and thought provoking city.

4

Australian Culture and Slang

Before hearing our thoughts on Australian culture, the international team would like to refer international

delegates to more comprehensive descriptions of Australian culture provided by:

Wikipedia o Culture of Melbourne o Aboriginal culture o Torres Strait Islander Culture o Australian Rules Football (AFL) culture o Australian sense of humour

Aboriginal Culture Creative spirits (Aboriginal Culture) Torres Strait Islander music and culture

Follow these links provided above for more information on particularly interesting and unique facets of

Australia.

5

Recently many waves of immigration have brought greater cultural diversity to Australia and Melbourne

in particular. However, before this growth of multiculturalism, Australia was dominated primarily by an

Anglo population. As a result, the culture of Australia was grounded in its Anglo-British history

Yet nowadays, we are more culturally diverse. Few people would agree on a single idea of what

Australian culture is. Indeed, Australian culture is difficult to define because it is made up of so many

different cultural tapestries. Waves of immigration have brought various languages, religions, music, art

and foods from overseas to Australia. While we see the growth of this new mesh of cultures, Australia

also has its own ancient indigenous culture, which has often remained mysterious to much of the world.

The traditions of the Aboriginal and Torres Straight are some of the oldest surviving cultural traditions

on Earth.

In terms of stereotypical Australian culture of the modern day, many see typical Australians as

possessing a number of shared ideals:

-Mateship : you may hear the term mate a lot more than you are used to back home. Yet rather than

using formal terms, the word mate expresses friendship but also equality.

-A fair go: related to support of an underdog, the egalitarian Australian society often shows support

for the underdog.

-Informality: rather than taking themselves too seriously Australians often prefer local, colloquial,

friendly and informal language and behaviour.

6

In some cases the Australian identity has also been characterised with a love for sports and social drinking.

While there is some truth in this perception of Australia it would be an inaccurate generalisation to say that all

Australians like sport and drink alcohol.

It is important to remember that many of these fun facts are based upon generalizations. As a result, such

representations of Australia should only be seen as true to the extent which one can generalise an entire

country. Like most other country Australia displays great diversity, this is especially the case in Melbourne

which has experienced so many waves of immigration.

7

Food at La Trobe University

Thanh Thanh @ Asian Gourmet on Agora

downstairs near Agora Theatre Fusion (Halal food) Mamak Rice & Noodle @ Agora downstairs

Pings Chinese Restaurant @ Union

Hall

Pings Chinese

Restaurant @ Union Hall

f

Pings Chinese

Restaurant @ Union Hall

Pings Chinese

Restaurant @ Union Hall

Cafe Spice (Halal food) @ Agora South West Corner

Caffeine Japanese Sushi

@ Agora downstairs

next to Agora Theatre

Thanh Thanh Asian Gourmet @ Agora downstairs

next to Agora Theatre

8

Subway Sandwich @ Student Hub

Charlies Kebab @ near Agora Theatre

Life Skills Cafe @ Next to Indian restaurant

(Vegetarian Food)

Veloce Restaurant @ Agora upstairs above

bookshop The Eagle Cafe @ Eagle Bar

9

Religious Services

The university provides a chaplaincy service that is visited by chaplains of the Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Coptic

Orthodox, Orthodox Christian, Presbyterian and Catholic faiths. For further information visit the conference

hub or http://www.latrobe.edu.au/chaplaincy/bundoora/index.html

MUSLIM PRAYER FACILITIES

In terms of facilities for the 5 daily prayers of the Muslim faith, AMUNC 2012 has made sure that there will be

time and space provided.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

Location: HU-ED Level 2

Separate Muslim Prayer rooms for both male and female delegates can be found on the 2nd floor of the

Humanities and Education Building. The Musolla (prayer room) is a spacious place fully equipped with

wudhu facilities, toilets and a small kitchen with microwaves. Access can be made by keying in the security

code which can be obtained at the start of the conference.

MELBOURNE CITY - MELBOURNE MADINAH Location: La Trobe Street.

Situated at the very core of Melbournes CBD is Melbourne Madinah - the citys only public access Mussolla,

recently established by Mercy Mission Australia in mid 2011. Mercy Mission Australia is reputedly known for

the annual Islamic conferences it organizes such as the Twins of Faith conference and other outreach

programs for but not limited to Muslims in Australia. The two-storey building of Melbourne Madinah offers

and caters for a great number of wide-ranging services for the Muslim population in Victoria and those in

Melbourne in particular. This includes the weekly conduct of congregational prayers, Arabic and other

educational classes and courses, hosting community welfare projects and many more. Simply put, Melbourne

Madinah together with the help of the Mercy Mission team of Australia provides a multipurpose platform for

Muslims to gather and develop holistically. The Musolla is open 24/7 and does not require any security code

to enable access.

For more FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS in Melbourne

PLEASE VISIT: http://expandyournetworks.blogspot.com.au/

10

How to get there?

Tram

City Circle (free): Get down at stop 8 and proceed with a 5-10 minute walk along La Trobe Street.

Paid Tram: 30 (towards St Vincents Plaza), 24 (towards North Balwyn)

Get down at stop and proceed with a 5-10 minute walk along La Trobe Street.

Train:

Exit Melbourne Central Train Station heading towards Swanston Street and proceed with a 5-10 minute walk along La Trobe Street.

Walking

5-10 minute walk along La Trobe Street from Melbourne Central.

11

Winter in Melbourne Weather in winter - June, July and August

Melbourne's winter can be a little unpredictable with average temperatures hovering around 13

degrees. The days can be overcast with the odd fine weather raising the temperature to about 18

degrees.

Melbourne winter is especially unique because it is so volatile. On any given day you may see a sunny

morning followed by heavy storms in the afternoon. On another day you may wake up to torrential rain

which eventually clears up to a bright and sunny day.

The lesson to be learned is that it is best to always be prepared. Make sure that you bring your raincoat

and umbrella. At the same time, be ready to stow away this rain-proof apparel when the sun finally

comes out.

Because of the unpredictable nature of the weather in Melbourne, a common saying is that the people in

Melbourne experience four seasons each day.

For those of you who dont like surprises follow Melbournes forecast to stay ahead of the weather.

Check www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml for up-to-date weather forecasts

Climate www.melbourwwwwneaustralia.com.au/visitorguide/climate/

Melbourne Weather Forecast http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml

12

Tourism in Melbourne

CITY PRECINCTS

PLEASE VISIT

http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Melbourne/Destinations/City-precincts.aspx

13

GETAWAYS

Great Ocean Road

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

Phillip Island

Gippsland

The Grampians National Park

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Mornington Peninsula

14

Shopping in Melbourne Calling all shopaholics!!! Melbourne is heaven for shopping. Here we have compiled a few links

which includes almost everything you need to know about Melbournes vibrant shopping places.

Markets

Inner city shopping

Direct factory outlets

Arcades and Lanes

Top 10 Places for Shopping

Suburban shopping and shopping streets

15

Transport Information

Please visit our Transportation Guide

Study Opportunities in Australia

http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/

http://www.studiesinaustralia.com/

http://www.gostudy.com.au/

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/2-year-study.htm

http://equalstudentexchange.blogspot.com.au/

http://equalstudentexchange.blogspot.com.au/

Expand your networks in Asia-Pacific Region

You will find out more international organizations related to your country via this

blog http://expandyournetworks.blogspot.com.au/

16

Participating International Delegations

Bogor Agricultural University Univeristas Diponegoro (UNDIP)

China Delegation National Hua Qiao University

Universitas Padjadjaran Pakistan Delegation

Universitas Indonesia (UI) Sriwijaya University (UNSRI)

Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (UNPAR) State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta

Taylors College, Malaysia SZABIST University

Tsinghua University University of the South Pacific

Delhi University Univeristas Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI)

Universitas Hasannudin Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)

Doverbroecks College (Oxford) University of California Berkeley

ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara Singapore University of Management

Ghana Institute of Languages and Social Sciences East West University, Bagladesh

North South University, Bangladesh UNYNZ

National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) China

17

With Thanks

Welcome to Melbourne Nicholas Metherall

Australian culture and slang ShaoQing Huang and Nicholas Metherall

Food on campus ShaoQing Huang and Syarifah Nor Amirah

Religious services on campus Syarifah Nor Amirah

Winter weather in Melbourne ShaoQing Huang and Nicholas Metherall

Tourism in Melbourne ShaoQing Huang

Shopping in Melbourne Syarifah Nor Amirah

Transport information Justin Boyd

Study opportunities in Australia Nicholas Metherall

Design and layout - ShaoQing Huang and Karina Lee

Image sources:

Kenny Lim

Anisa Ismail

ShaoQing Huang

AMUNC2012 would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners:

Primary Sponsor:

La Trobe University

Partners:

PPIA (Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Australia)

KJRI (Konsulat Jenderal Republik Indonesia)

FSCOVA (Fijian Social Cultural Organisation of Victoria Australia)

Centre for China Studies and Confucius Centre (La Trobe University)

La Trobe University

La Trobe Generations

La Trobe International Relations Association

United Nations Association of Australia

FIJI SOCIAL CULTURAL ORGANISATION OF VICTORIA AUSTRALIA (FSCOVA)

Primary Sponsor:

Partners:

With special thanks to: CENTER FOR CHINA

STUDIES