We are pleased to announce that the 11th Annual Conference for ASTSS, Advancing Traumatology, will be held in Sydney on 10-11 September, 2004 at the Marriott Hotel, College Street.

As the theme suggests, Advancing Traumatology will focus on human suffering that results from interpersonal, societal and international violence. Innovative ways to help alleviate the human suffering that frequently accompanies violence and trauma will be explored.

We are both excited and delighted with the enthusiastic response we have received from the various speakers invited to participate in this program. While speakers Mary Harvey, Paul McGeough, and Ulrich Schnyder will be flying in from overseas, the majority of our invited speakers have been drawn from the rich array of trauma specialists that Australasia has to offer, experts who are familiar with our political and social climates as well as the regional and local contexts in which we work.

Paul McGeough will talk about his experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq; Mary Harvey and Caroline Taylor will present a session on violence on women and children; Ulrich Schnyder will discuss trauma and suffering following physical injury; Sandy McFarlane and Patrick McGorry will present the latest information on trauma and mental illness with Sandy also presenting his neuroimaging data; Colleen Jackson, Richard Bryant, Grant Devilly and Janet Haines will discuss post-trauma interventions; Stephanie Hodson will present an overview and update of the interventions and consequences of the Bali bombing; and Judy Atkinson will inform us on violence and trauma within the indigenous community. All speakers will be including aspects of recovery and resilience. They promise to challenge and extend our theoretical and clinical frameworks, to stimulate our thoughts on potential interventions, and generate interest in potential preventative actions.

The conference design ensures that delegates will be involved in all aspects of the meeting and workshop style formats have been included in the program. While there will be no call for papers, delegates who would like to share their thoughts on something relevant or controversial, or who would like to present findings from their research will be able to register each morning for a ‘speakers’ corner’ session which will be held during the lunch break. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking; an extended afternoon tea break has been programmed for ASTSS Chapter or interest group get-togethers, and a Cocktails and Conversation evening has been included.

We invite you to join us in this unique forum for advancing and sharing information about violence, trauma and human suffering, and to hear about ways to minimise the immediate and long-term consequences of such traumas. With the impressive list of international and local speakers, an inspiring setting, beautiful Sydney spring weather, and good company, it promises to be a vibrant meeting.

Don't forget to mark this event in your diary! We look forward to seeing you there.

Lynda Matthews, Conference Chair

Enquiries: The Conference Organiser, Tel: 02 9449 5279, Email: davidk@victimsa.org