Melbourne
After years of neck-and-neck competition, 2011 saw Melbourne overthrow WorldMUN host city Vancouver from the top spot of The Economist’s World’s Most Livable Cities. This achievement puts a lot of pressure on the AMUNC2012 Secretariat to show off our hometown in all its gold medal glory – a challenge we have gladly accepted!
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. 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.
Melbourne’s labyrinth of laneways and intimate spaces provides an otherworldly experience different to Australia’s other capitals. Street art lines most of these, bright colours dancing in urban spaces, inviting visitors to explore further and see what awaits them. Around every corner you can find a gem, a hidden cafe or bar to spend a few hours in, lost to the bustle of a busy metropolis. It’s easy to forget the world in these places, off in your own thoughts with a latte prepared by an expert barista. Coffee, like everything else in this city, is taken to the level of an art form – delegates will find much reward in sampling the best we have to offer.
This spirit of creativity is reflected in all spheres of life. Artistically rich, Melbourne is the country’s multicultural hub. A lot of this is owed to the diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants – 41% of the inner city population was born outside of Australia! This will provide the perfect context for a conference based around discussion, cooperation and mutual respect and understanding. Our own city’s success in this endeavour is evident in the enigmatic style that is inherent in Melbourne’s world renowned art, music, cuisine, fashion, and design.
The city provides the perfect location for delegates to enjoy the social aspects of the conference with its beautiful location by the Yarra River, lined with heritage buildings, integrated with modern structures and surrounded by a lush array of parks and gardens. Built on the riches of the gold rush, much of Melbourne’s architecture heralds back to the colonial era, with grand Victorian buildings and a parliament house with walls literally painted in gold!
An educational hub, Melbourne is home to 8 major universities and a plethora of higher educational institutions. Melbourne is truly a students’ city. Inner-city Melbourne is host to over 20,000 international tertiary students. AMUNC delegates will be right at home as visiting scholars!
Ample public transport around the city operating late on weekend nights allows young people to travel safely to and from their evening activities, including jaunts to and from La Trobe University on our iconic tram network.
Delegates will find exploration beyond the city borders very rewarding. Melbourne itself sits only an hour’s drive from one of Australia’s premium wine regions, the Yarra Valley. A trip to the east allows delegates to sample Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir from a number of award winning wineries. Local hub Healesville is also home to the Healesville Sanctuary, one of the country’s leading native fauna reserves. International delegates shouldn’t miss the opportunity to cuddle a koala! Heading south-west instead, a drive down the Great Ocean Road is rewarding in and of itself, but visitors to the Port Campbell National Park will find themselves in awe of the 12 Apostles, a natural landmark that is fast fading into the sea.
The AMUNC2012 Secretariat is looking forward to the opportunity to open our city to interstate and international guests!
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