Social Activities
Welcoming Function – Sunday 5th July 2026, 6.30-8.30 pm
Please join us to start the conference off at this informal get-together to catch up with old friends and colleagues and make new ones at Smith’s Alternative Book shop and Cafe, 76 Alinga St, Canberra ACT.
Smith’s is a 15 min walk from the Shine Dome. The owners are zoologists who used to work for Bush Blitz. It is a relaxed hangout with a boho vibe featuring coffee, alcohol, light bites and alternative music acts, poetry and theatre. Platters of finger food will be provided, and individuals can purchase their preferred drinks from the bar. More substantial meals can be purchased elsewhere and brought into the venue, or there are lots of restaurants nearby if you want to go out afterwards.
Your registration pack will be available for collection at this function (or at the conference venue from Monday).
This is a free event, but please indicate in your registration form if you will be attending to assist with catering and venue numbers.
Informal Dinners Tuesday night 7th July 2026 – optional but all welcome
‘Old buggers’ – Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Canberra, with drinks available at the bar and food to be collectively ordered in (e.g. bulk pizzas).
‘Students and ECRs’ – venue to be confirmed.
Costs will be paid by delegates on the night, but please indicate on your registration form if you are likely to attend to help with venue size requirements.
Conference Dinner – Wednesday 8th July 2026, 7-10 pm
The Conference Dinner will be held at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT. Built in the 1920s, Old Parliament House is a beautiful national heritage-listed building and a treasured icon. It displays many of the original 1927 furniture and fittings and every part of the building tells a story. On the way in you can stand on the steps where Whitlam made his famous speech: “Well may we say ‘God Save the Queen' because nothing will save the Governor-General”. And standing in the bar you can imagine politicians making deals! It will be a special place to hold our Conference Dinner.
Dinner will consist of a two-course meal, crafted by award-winning chefs, with three drinks included (and further drinks available for purchase from the bar). Please advise us of any special dietary requirements when you register.
The cost of the dinner has been subsidised to encourage everyone to attend, with the rate for students reduced even further. The non-student cost is $99 and student cost is $59. You are welcome to bring aguest to the dinner, however they will be charged at a non-subsidised rate ($129).
Old Parliament House is a 37 min walk from the Shine Dome. There are multiple transport options.
During the dinner there will be the usual Australian Mammal Society battle of brains and creativity in the form of the annual AMS limerick contest, and the prestigious Scruffy Award will be awarded.