OUR Policies

Payment Policy

Once your registration has been received, a tax invoice will be issued within 5 days. Once payment has been received, a confirmation letter will be issued. All accounts must be paid in full within 30 days from the date of invoice or by COB Friday, 23 August 2019, whichever comes first.

Payment for Early Bird registrations must be received by COB Tuesday, 16 July 2019.

If payment is not received prior to the conference, access will be granted only after full payment is made via credit card or cash onsite.

Concession and Companion Policy

Concessions are given to full time students, pension card holders, government beneficiaries, community services card holders (NZ), SuperGold card holders (NZ) and unemployed people only. Evidence (e.g. photocopy of pension card or student card) of concession/beneficiary status will need to be provided to TheMHS by either fax or email for the concession rate to apply.

At this time, TheMHS Learning Network is not registered with the Companion Card Scheme.

Refunds and Cancellations

TheMHS Learning Network is an independent, incorporated, not-for-profit organisation funded by delegate registrations, government grants and sponsors.  It is run by a volunteer Board.

Once financial commitments are made to external organisations (like conference venues), it is important for TheMHS Learning Network to be able to retain monies which have already been committed to these third parties for the provision of services.

At any point prior to the event you are welcome to contact us in writing to nominate a substitute delegate at no additional charge.  

Delegate fees will be refunded 100% (less a $120 administration fee) only if TheMHS Learning Network is notified in writing four (4) weeks before Summer Forum and six (6) weeks before the annual conference. This means that for 2019 events, the dates are:

• Thursday 30 January 2020 for TheMHS Summer Forum 2020
• Tuesday 16 July 2019 for TheMHS Conference 2019

50% of fee (less a $120 administration fee) will be refunded if written notification is received in writing two (2) weeks before Summer Forum and four (4) weeks before the annual conference. This means that for 2018 events, the dates are:

• Thursday 13 February 2020 for TheMHS Summer Forum 2020
• Tuesday 30 July 2019 for TheMHS Conference 2019

NO REFUND will apply after these dates, except at the discretion of TheMHS Learning Network’s Board. Late applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Board, with its decision being final.

Exhibitor cancellations are also subject to the above terms, however the administration fee will be $AU210. More information on Exhibitor Terms and Conditions can be found in the Exhibitor Portal.

If a delegate from a group of 10+ cancels, thereby reducing the group size to less than 10, the group coordinator will be invoiced for the 5% discount that was originally applied to the group.

All accommodation bookings will be subject to the individual hotel cancellation policy. Please contact Ozaccom+ for the hotel cancellation policy.

Shared Registration Policy

TheMHS Learning Network does not allow for any shared registrations. All registrations are non-transferable. Delegates can register for individual days of the Conference or Summer Forum, or for the entire event. Inability to attend the entire event will not be refunded.

How To Have A Great Time @ The Event

Our aim is for all delegates and presenters to have a wonderful experience at all events organised by TheMHS Learning Network.

We expect that all people who register and attend our events treat all staff, presenters and other delegates in a respectful manner at all times. TheMHS Learning Network staff and Board will endeavour to reciprocate this behaviour.

TheMHS Learning Network will not tolerate any improper behaviour or conduct that violates the welcoming atmosphere of our events, including bullying, lewd comments, unwelcome touching or other actions that make another person uncomfortable.

TheMHS Learning Network will take reasonable actions to promptly act on any report of inappropriate harassment or behaviour as best we can. As part of this, delegates are reminded that they must follow the instructions of venue and TheMHS Learning Network staff.

Let’s make all our events a safe, respectful and equal place for sharing, listening and learning.

Delegate, Exhibitor or Sponsor Special Requests

Special requests for services (like room hire, AV hire, dietary requirements, assistive equipment etc) require TheMHS Learning Network to enter into financial agreements with third parties. As such, special requests are welcome but must be accompanied by actual payment of the fees prior to these services being engaged.

Bursaries

Bursaries are provided by TheMHS Learning Network for the annual TheMHS Conference.

Bursaries enable mental health consumers (refers to people with lived experience of mental illness) to attend the annual conference. Bursaries are strictly limited. Australian and New Zealand consumers are eligible to apply for a Bursary if they (in priority order):

• Are presenting (whether paper, workshop, symposium or poster) at TheMHS Conference and would have financial difficulty attending the conference.
• Have been actively involved in consumer groups/organisations or consumer advocacy.
• Would be unable to attend this year’s TheMHS Conference for financial reasons.
• Did not receive a TheMHS Bursary for the previous TheMHS Conference.

Media Attendance Policy

This covers all “media” – including individuals, mainstream organisations, freelancers and researchers. It includes any communication channel through which information (including for news, research, entertainment, education, or promotion) is obtained, processed and disseminated.

All “media” (whether delegates or not) must outline a plan to TheMHS Learning Network regarding their purpose for attendance at the event – eg. planned interviews with whom, specific topics, purpose for attending etc.

All “media” must have permission from TheMHS Learning Network prior to attending, interviewing and recording presenters and members of the audience. This is important because of the potentially sensitive subject matter of our events.

All “media” enquiries should be directed to the Communications Manager at TheMHS Learning Network.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate medical, travel and personal insurance prior to the commencement of travel to cover any losses should you be unable to participate in the event for any reason.

Disclaimer

The information given by presenters at events does not represent the views of TheMHS Learning Network, and does not constitute therapeutic advice. This includes the collection of presentations and others materials from the past 25 years that are available from TheMHS Learning Network’s Resource Library.

In the event of industrial action, force majeure or other unforeseen disruption, the conference organisers do not take responsibility for any loss of monies incurred by conference delegates. We strongly advise conference delegates to arrange their own personal insurance. TheMHS Learning Network will not be liable for any participant failing to take out their own insurance.

Review

These policies are current as at March 2019. These policies are reviewed annually by TheMHS Learning Network.

Privacy Statement

Delegate Information

Delegate names and contact details will be used by TheMHS Learning Network to notify delegates of future mental health related events.

If you do not wish to have your details used for correspondence from TheMHS Learning Network, please email info@themhs.org.

Full names, positions and organisations submitted online during the abstract submission process for speakers may be used in the online conference program. If you do not wish your name or your co-presenters or co-authors names to appear online, please do not include it in any online forms and please email info@themhs.org to advise the Event Manager of your request.

For the purposes of networking, delegates full name, organisation, state and country only will appear on the list of participants within the conference app which will be available to all delegates, sponsors and exhibitors. If you do not wish your name to be used for this purpose, please email info@themhs.org to advise the Event Manager of your request.

TheMHS Learning Network endeavours to adhere to the Australian Privacy Principles. Please inform our Privacy Officer of any privacy matters at comms@themhs.org.

TheMHS Learning Network uses encrypted software and is a secure site for all financial transactions.

Intention to Photograph and Record

Attendees are advised that photographs and recordings of presentations may be taken during the meeting and reproduced for promotional purposes.