Although Alice Springs maybe your destination for the National General assembly in November, you might consider a visit to Alice in August for the centrepiece event of the Year of the Outback – particularly if you represent a desert region.
A message from Mayor Fran Kilgariff
In 2001, I chaired a working group that sought to win the right to stage the Outback Expo. Our success has cemented Alice Springs’ position as the ‘true capital of the outback’. Now part of ten days of celebrations, this gives us a great opportunity to network with other arid zone towns and regions. We also aim to show people from urban areas that less settled regions in Australia are not technologically or culturally backward. We live very rich lives out here.
The Desert Knowledge Symposium is an exciting initiative that will discuss various ways to promote what is unique about desert areas. The Expo enables other towns and regions to showcase what is special about their own locality. As we all face similar challenges, this opportunity to come together and discuss issues will have many positive spin offs. The Youth Muster, presented in real time and virtually through the Internet, will raise issues confronting young people and assist in enhancing their leadership skills.
We are proud to welcome people from overseas and across Australia to Alice Springs to come and experience all that the desert has to offer.
OUTBACK CENTRAL 23 August to 1 September 2002
Some 84 per cent of Australia lies beyond the metropolitan/urban fringe – the Great Outback. 2002 is the Year of the Outback, a time to celebrate and reflect on achievements while contemplating pathways to the future. Alice Springs lies at the centre of this diverse land – the true capital of the Outback. For ten days at the end of August, the knowledge, wisdom, insights, culture and passion of the Outback along with its traditional hospitality will be on display. Conferences, meetings, exhibitions, cultural activities, sports, youth events, fun and entertainment will all take place in Alice Springs.
Brand new Convention Centre
With a Symposium and Expo at the new Convention Centre, featuring interactive and static displays, other events will be staged in venues throughout the township and its environs.
The Desert Knowledge Symposium
Worldwide, close to one billion people live in desert environments. This first ever Symposium will draw together experts from around the world to discuss and debate solving problems in remote desert regions. Establishing foundations for developing and exporting Australia’s world class knowledge will feature strongly in the conference agenda.
The Outback Expo
This will provide a vivid picture of the Outback’s strengths, its problem solving capacity and ability to plan for the future. With exhibits from regions across Australia, the Expo will showcase industries; business; community organisations; and government agencies, Local, State and Federal. It will feature best practice, new initiatives, forward plans and investment opportunities.
Alice Springs Festival
It is Festival time in the Centre as winter gives way to spring. This annual event will feature a variety of cultural offerings, including concerts, extended performances, exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art, music, theatre, dance and desert song.
Street Party to welcome the Last Camel Train
A Carnivale will fill the streets with music, food and entertainment as the Last Camel Train arrives after an epic journey from Oodnadatta over 600 kilometres away – a re enactment of the history of the mails. Motoring enthusiasts will celebrate all week long at the Transport Hall of Fame.
National Youth Muster
A gathering of young people from Outback towns and settlements culminates in a Youth Muster – web based and realtime. Young people from around Australia will meet face to face and online to create a unique view of Australia’s future.
The future – a nation inclusive of all
The Outback has been central to Australia’s psyche since stories began of an Inland Sea. Building on the reputation and realities of Australia’s Heartland will help forge the way forward as a nation inclusive of all. Outback Central is a must for all those who seek a future that is productive for all Australians.
For further information contact Di Mills (08) 8953 6944 or email central@outback2002.com Check out the website at www.outback2002.com/outbackcentral.
