The science is settled: Geelong is an ideal conference venue.
Well, maybe that should be the scientists are settled, with more than 340 of them visiting Geelong last week for the 13th Asian Textile Conference.
The talkfest provided a financial windfall for Geelong as the delegates, some of whom brought family members with them, spent four days in the city.
“We chose Geelong because of its strong connections with textiles and fibres, its culture, reputation for excellent food and wine and beautiful setting on Corio Bay. It was clearly the right choice,” said Kerryn Caulfield, of the Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Association.
“Our delegates, some bringing wives and families, came from China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan the Middle East, Europe, Britain and the Americas. There were many positive comments on the beauty of the seaside location, the warmth of Geelong hospitality, the excellent food and the four-day program filled with opportunities to share knowledge and their work with colleagues from across the globe.”
The association hosted the conference in conjunction with Deakin University.
Professor Xungai Wang, director of Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials, said hosting the conference was a “privilege” for the university and Geelong.
“Textiles and fibres play a vital role in society today in our clothing, sport, the cars we drive, our farming, mining, coastal parks, medicine and much more. This is why this conference is so important,” Prof Wang said.
“As one of the world’s leading conferences on textiles and fibres, it sets the direction for the advancement of textiles and fibres for the future benefit of society.”
The response of the visiting scientists to the event will back Geelong’s case for government funding to build a convention centre, which City Hall and other bodies have placed at the top of their priority lists.
The Indy reported last week that businessman John Haddad had proposed building a convention centre with a casino on a new Yarra Street pier extending from Geelong’s waterfront.
The proposal would require State Government changing laws to allow a second casino in Victoria.
Opponents to the proposal, including the Greens and Liberal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson, have urged the government to reject the proposal.
Mayor Darryn Lyons has enthusiastically supported the conference centre proposal and development of a new Yarra Street pier but was last week still waiting for more information on the casino plan.
