Next EGA

PRE-SALE EVENT ONLY: The EGA 2011 conference is strictly a pre-sale event with very limited numbers and there are no tickets available at the actual event. Please do not bring any additional people with you who don’t already have tickets. We don’t want any misunderstandings on the gate. No ticket no entry. Tickets are currently only available from our tickets link on our web page.

2011 FAQ

Last updated 27 November 2011 – But do check again before heading off to the conference.

DISCLAIMER

EGA is a conference ABOUT plant substances and altered states, not a conference ON plant substances or psychedelics - so please do not bring any items that would endanger the organisers or the future of the event (but do feel free to bring as many books, notes, pictures, photos etc as you like!). Also keep in mind there are police-operated random drug and alcohol testing buses operating all over Victoria and certainly we anticipate that this may include in and around our event.

All content in the EGA 2011 program is the opinion of the individual contributors and does not directly represent the views of Entheogenesis Australis itself.

CONTEXT

Entheogenesis Australis (EGA) is a not-for-profit association that exists to create a supportive environment that fosters mature, open discussion about psychoactive plants and chemicals. We seek to explore ways to assess societal impacts and examine the positive applications of plant-based psychoactives and empathogens.

FORMAT

On site there is one main conference space where most of the lectures take place, as well as large main workshop areas and two smaller workshop spaces to be utilized over the weekend. On site there is a central market space connecting the main conference spaces. There is also a visionary art space, the ‘Sensorium’, where people can chill out and relax for some down time during the program. We will also have a healing space operating during daytime hours.

SEATING

EGA is an outdoor conference and seating is on the ground. For your own comfort, please bring bean bags, camping chairs, cushions and rugs for the main conference space and workshop domes.

WEATHER

The conference domes are open air, and not 100% weather proof, so please bring hats and sunscreen for sunny days, and umbrellas, raincoats and good shoes for any rain.

THE SITE

This year’s EGA is located at the most amazing site nestled in the beautiful Strathbogie Ranges in North East Victoria, Australia. When at the site we ask you to treat it and its owners with respect. We very much hope to return to the site in the coming years, so let’s all behave ourselves so we are welcomed back. There will be bins on site (but please try to minimise waste as much as possible) as well as public toilets and some showers. Bring along good shoes and appropriate clothing for warm days and cool nights. Bicycles are also recommended for travelling around the site.

THE SITE MAP

Download the EGA 2011 Site Map.

EGA 2011 Screen site MAP Link

EGA 2011 printable Site Map Link

DRIVING TO THE SITE - THE LAST 10km

When you reach Swanpool, turn right at the hall and netball court. About 1.5 km along this road turn left into Lima East Rd. From this point on, it is a narrow dirt road until you reach the conference site. Please take care, and go slow, as there are 4WD and dirt bike campers using this road as well as buses, trucks and other local traffic. Keep well to the left of the road on blind corners, and do not stop in the middle of the road. Drive slowly and responsibly to avoid creating too much dust or hitting wildlife. Please be mindful of others.

CAMPING ON SITE

All attendees are encouraged and welcome to camp FREE in the designated camp areas on the conference site. Small campervans are also welcome on the property. (No Winnebago or buses, or other largish vehicles due to road conditions and site restrictions).

I'M CAMPING - WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Tent, shade structure/tarp and ropes
Camping chairs, esky and ice
Water – it will be hot, make sure you have enough!
Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent
Torch – (There’s a lot of space between the camping and the conference space, which we do not have the capacity to fully light, so a torch is definitely recommended. Head-torches work brilliantly.)
Sleeping bag
Appropriate clothing for hot weather (30 degrees plus) and cold nights
Appropriate footwear for camping/bush conditions
Swimmers
A bicycle if you have one
Your own bean bags, camping chairs, cushions and rugs for the conference spaces
Whatever you might need to live for 4 days in the outdoors
Raincoat
Sunglasses
Ear plugs for the cicadas

We recommend you bring a small first-aid kit if you have one as small scuffs and bites are common first aid issues on site. There will be mobile toilets and simple bucket showers available on site – bring a towel and (to be on the safe side) a spare roll or two of toilet paper.

HOW LONG DOES THE CONFERENCE RUN?

It is not a long weekend in Victoria when the conference is on but it does go for 4 days - Friday to Monday - all the same, with around 50% of EGA attendees coming from interstate it seems most people take holidays to make the most of the program and we strongly recommend doing so to make the most of the EGA experience.

Gates open 12pm Noon Friday 2 December and the Opening Ceremony for the conference begins at 5pm. Lectures and workshop start at 9am Sat-Mon and will continue throughout the day until 12 midnight Fri-Sun nights. The conference officially ends on Monday afternoon, with a light communal banquet served at 1pm and a closing ceremony at 2.30pm Monday.

If you need wish, you can stay until Tuesday morning on site in the camping ground. Everyone (except for core crew) must leave the site by 11am Tuesday. This is a direct request from the property owner, which we would ask you to kindly respect.

ATTENDEES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE SITE BEFORE THE GATES OPEN 12 NOON FRIDAY - NO MATTER WHAT. If you are in the area early, there is a small camping ground on the same road before the site called James Reserve (James Camping Reserve Link) or alternatively consider staying at a local caravan park on the Thursday before the conference if you are in the area early, or looking to stay locally before traveling home. Maybe try Mansfield Holiday park.

James Reserve - Suggested early (Pre event) camping site.

WILL THERE BE FOOD AVAILABLE?

There will be food stalls in the market place for the duration of the conference. We do recommend bringing your own snacks or other food if you have special dietary requirements. There is no cooking equipment available on site so you will need to bring your own. There is a General Store in Swanpool approximately 15 minutes off site (2373 Midland Highway – 03 5768 2261) and supermarkets around 35 minutes drive away in both Benalla & Mansfield.

FOOD STALLS ON SITE

Market Stall Link

BANQUET

On Monday at 1pm EGA is providing a free light communal banquet to all paying attendees. We wish to encourage attendees to enjoy this delicious social event and share a lovely outdoor meal together in the spirit of the conference. Please bring blankets, cushions or chairs to ensure you dine in comfort. Feel free to bring anything you wish to contribute to the feast space.

CAN WE HAVE FIRES?

There will be limited fires on site this year, and strictly within designated areas. Please refrain from making your own fires and help keep the communal fires burning. Summer fire restrictions are in effect for the region on the weekend of the conference. In the event of a total fire ban we will not have any fires on site. We will have up to date information regarding fire restrictions at the info tent. Please observe any public notices regarding restriction levels and warnings – particularly if a day of total fire ban is declared.

WHAT'S THE CONFERENCE SPACE LIKE?

The main dome can hold approximately 550 people. We encourage you to bring your own seating (camping chair, beanbag, cushion, blanket and so on). The conference structure is designed to provide shade but unfortunately is not 100% waterproof, so if there’s heavy rain predicted you should bring a waterproof jacket. While we will have an effective sound system installed in the dome, it will not be possible to keep outside noise from intruding into the space – so, if you want to chat to friends outside, please move away from the main conference space so you’re not disturbing those inside.

WILL THERE BE AMPLIFIED MUSIC ON SITE?

EGA is primarily a conference, however some music will be programmed. In the past EGA has included a more dedicated sound space than will be available this year. In 2011 there will be two 4hr low-key ambient sound slots one on Friday night and one on Saturday night, with a cinema space scheduled for Sunday night.

INFO TENT AND FIRST AID

We will have an info tent near the main conference dome. The info tent will be open from about 9am to 9pm each day, closing on Monday at 3pm. Outside these times, the main contact point for any matters will be the entrance gate. The info tent will have a continually updated version of the conference program, a notice board, directions to all parts of the conference site, directions to towns and facilities off site, and a raffle table for purchase of tickets, plus EGA merchandise.

We will have a number of qualified First Aiders on hand at all times. Should you need medical assistance of any kind, the two points of contact will be the info tent and the front gate, both of which will have radio links to assistance. If you are currently taking medication, bring enough for the whole weekend. A basic first aid kit is also a good idea, and if you suffer from hayfever or asthma – come prepared with inhalers, anti-histamines or the like.

BYO ALCOHOL

There will be no alcohol available or served on site, but you can bring your own in responsible quantities. Excessive drinking is not appropriate for this event and on the site. Illegal substances are not permitted on site.

BINS & RUBBISH

Try to minimize your rubbish. There will be approximately 20 bins on site - use these and be respectful of the site.

WHAT TIME WILL XYZ PERSON BE SPEAKING? IS THERE A TIMETABLE?

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM NOW

You will receive a copy of the program upon arrival at the conference, but here is a sneak peek.

EGA 2011 Program Link

All full paying attendees will receive a program in the Journal or as a separate hand out upon arrival at the conference. This will list the program as it was intended at the time of printing, however, times may alter slightly as the event evolves, so check at the info desk for up to date schedules. We will also have a provisional timetable at the event on display which will be updated regularly at the info tent, be clearly visible and nearby to the conference space. We will do our best to stick to the timetable, some sessions may run overtime, some speakers may be running late due to unforeseen circumstances; basically things that are out of our direct control. We can however tell you that our keynote speakers will be speaking after dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights.

We will do our best to keep to our planned timetable, and we request all attendees to assist us wherever possible. As you will appreciate, we have a very full program and at times we will need to work hard to keep things tight – so please understand that our Moderators/MCs will need to limit speakers to their allocated times, and in some cases limit question time after presentations. The MCs will act for the best of the conference as a whole so respect their authoritas.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE RAFFLE?

The Raffle will be drawn at the conference on Sunday evening. Check our website for further updates. Anyone, except for the raffle organizers, can purchase as many tickets as they like. Winners will be notified by phone or email if they are not present to collect their prize. Please show your support, as it is the raffle that helps keep this event alive economically.

WHAT'S THE CAMPING and PARKING LIKE?

There are two camping areas: one with space to park cars with your tent, and one area which is camping only - no vehicles. We need to be very conscious of space to get everyone in to the site safely and comfortably.

DO MOBILE PHONES WORK ON SITE?

Please be aware that the venue is a reasonably remote location with unreliable mobile phone signals. Not all phones work, but most can SMS from some part of the site if you take a walk up the hill. However best to let love ones know there is very limited phone reception before attending the conference.

CAN WE RECORD THE CONFERENCE OR TAKE PHOTOS?

We will be recording all the lectures from the main space for release at a later date on an EGA DVD, so no recording equipment is permitted and you will be ask to turn it off. Photos are allowed. However, please be respectful of the speakers and don’t use a flash at inappropriate moments, as it will impact the video documentation.

CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN OR MY PET?

No dogs/animals allowed. Children okay though (as long as they are on a leash…lol) under 12 years free of charge but must have a responsible guardian with them at all times. We will not be providing childcare in any form, nor will we be responsible for attendee conduct in the presence/vicinity of any children on site.

CAN I GET A PASS OUT?

Yes – you can get a pass out at any time from the volunteers on the gate, as long as you have your EGA armband on. If you are leaving with a number of people in one car, ALL people in the vehicle will require a 2011 armband to re-enter the event.

There is a nice swimming Spot only 15 minutes from site up the highway towards Mansfield, if you are looking for a nice place to visit.

NEIGHBOURS AND SOUND POLLUTION

The site is very close to neighbouring properties, and we all have to be respectful of our surroundings. So please keep sound to a respectful level, especially during the night hours. Examples of not so kind activities would be playing drums in the camping grounds during the night, which are located closest to the neighbouring properties. Please don’t do this! Save it for another time. When we turn off our PA system for the evening, take that as a cue to keep the sound down, as we have agreed hours of operation with the council, law enforcement agencies and neighbours.

WHERE CAN I GET FUEL AND OTHER SUPPLIES?

The nearest small town is Swanpool. There is a general store in Swanpool approximately 15 minutes off site (2373 Midland Highway – 03 5768 2261) and supermarkets around 35 minutes drive away in both Benalla & Mansfield. Ask the gate volunteers for directions.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Driving to the Site

We have written up some directions but we recommend using a Melways, GPS, or getting a road map from the airport if you are flying in, or from a large service station or town info centre if you are driving. Also remember when approaching the site to drive slowly and responsibly to avoid creating dust or hitting passing wildlife.

From Melbourne Airport….

Leave the airport via the Tullamarine Freeway (43)
Take the first exit to the Western Ring Road (M80) then take the Hume Freeway (M31) exit.
Keep following the Hume Freeway all the way to Benalla then refer to Option 1 directions.

Option 1 – from Melbourne

Head up the Hume Hwy towards Benalla.
At the Benalla exit turn right towards Mansfield onto the Midland Hwy (B300).
Follow Midland Hwy for approx 19km until you get to Swanpool.
Turn right when you see the hall and netball court.
About 1.5 km along this road turn left into Lima East Rd

From this point on, it is a narrow dirt road until you reach the conference site. Please take care, and go slow, as there are 4WD and dirt bike campers using this road as well as buses, trucks and other local traffic. Keep well to the left of the road on blind corners, and do not stop in the middle of the road. Drive slowly and responsibly to avoid creating too much dust or hitting wildlife. Please be mindful of others.

Travel along this road to the camp… it is at the end of the road, through the gate across the cattle grid. Head downhill to the checkpoint (gate).
You will recognise that you are there because there are big gates and signs that say
Strathbogie Outdoor Education Centre.

Option 2 - Travel to Yea

Head towards Mansfield. Go through Bonnie Doon and just after Maindample turn left onto the B300 (Midland Hwy link – takes you onto the Midland Hwy).
Follow Midland Hwy for approx 34km until you get to Swanpool.
Turn left when you see the hall and netball court.
About 1.5 km along this road turn left into Lima East Rd

EGA Bus

24 NOVEMBER - EGA BUS IS BOOKED OUT!

We will be running an EGA chartered bus again in 2011, departing Friday morning 2 December from Melbourne CBD to Melbourne airport and then on to the site. Returning to Melbourne CBD by Tuesday late afternoon 6 December. As around half of EGA attendees come from outside of Victoria, we hope that this service may make your journey to the conference a lot smoother from a logistical point of view – as well as being cheaper. Naturally everyone’s travel will be slightly different, but below is some more information so you can judge for yourself. As we will be booking bus sizes based on demand, booking your bus seat earlier rather than later will make our lives a little easier. The coaches will also need a minimum of 14 seats booked to operate.

No one way tickets available on the Bus. Costing is for return ticket and will be $70 all up.

Bus timetable

Date	Friday 2 Dec	Tuesday 6 Dec
Meet time	10:40am	11.00 am
Location	ACMI – Flinders Street	Charnwood Camp, Lima South
Depart time	11:00am	11:30am
Meet time	11:20am
Stop location	Melbourne Airport – Meet at Groups & Tours Desk	Melbourne Airport – Drop off
Departure from stop time	11:45 am	Arriving 2:30pm
Arrive time	3:00pm	3:30pm
Arrive location	Charnwood Camp, Lima South	ACMI Flinders Street Station

To book the charter bus click the below link, all bookings are for both to and from the site. no single way bookings and the bus will be timely on departure and arrival.

Charter Bus Ticket Link

Public transport - Train and Bus to Swanpool (not the site)

Not tested by us – not recommended by EGA

Take the Train to Benalla on Thursday:

http://www.vline.com.au/discover/regionalvictoria/destinations/benalla.html

On Friday morning at Benalla, catch Stewarts Bus Lines - Mansfield - Benalla via Barjarg, Lima South, and Swanpool. Get off at Swanpool and walk. The venue is 15km from Swanpool - 3 hour walk.

http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/route/view/4890

Then do the reverse trip, departing Swanpool on Tuesday morning. To plan the trip, consult relevant webpages for timetables.

Travel safe and bring plenty of good vibes and plants to share for all!

Love and Light,
EGA HQ