The NUGAS Convention Committee welcomes you all to Melbourne for the 34th Annual NUGAS Convention. The NUGAS convention will be run over 9 days from Saturday 11 January until Sunday 19 January 2003.

Melbourne, “the most liveable city in the world” is a culturally diverse and cosmopolitan city. It is the cultural, culinary, sporting and shopping capital of Australia with a great selection of activities and events to entertain all NUGAS delegates. Melbourne is alive with colours, aromas, sights and sounds. It is renowned for its nightlife, parks, and great weather, clanging trams, upside down river, football and its modern European look.

Melbourne is a city famous for its sense of style. Glamorous events such as the NUGAS convention are a trademark of the city. There are beautiful buildings, fantastic shopping precincts and countless shows, exhibitions and galleries to entertain. It is also very easy to get around with the constant stream of trams.

As the third largest Greek populated city in the world you will discover the beauty and exuberance of the Greek spirit down under. The NUGAS convention will celebrate style and sophistication through the best cafes, fashion, events, wine and wildlife the Melbourne has to offer, with fascinating diversity hidden in every corner.

Through NUGAS you will experience a great convention with added bonus of a marvellous Melbourne holiday full of fun, culture and parties that will foster new life friendships, that have been shared by thousands of Greek Australians for over three decades.

Melbourne knows how to impress. The streets are tree-lined and the atmosphere relaxed. Whether you want to cruise the schmooze spots or soak up the casual chic of the “secret” life of NUGAS, you cannot escape its lushness and variety.

Thus we welcome you to visit our city to enjoy the best that we have to offer, as we are the place to be during January of 2003. What ever you are looking for, Melbourne delivers.

For further information please contact:

Phillip Georgoulas on 0413 310 565

John Mavroudis on 0407 877 811

Or via email: melbourneconvention@hotmail.com

Convention 2003 (Melbourne) – Programme of Events

Day 1 – Saturday 11th of January
Morning /Afternoon
Delegates arrive and transportation from the airport will be organised to take you to one of Melbourne’s premier hotels, Rydges North Melbourne. Upon arrival at the hotel, delegates are required to register. A BBQ lunch will be provided with your new friends.

Evening
As night falls in the glamorous city of Melbourne, delegates are required to dress in formal attire for the official opening cocktail party of the 34th Annual NUGAS convention. We will then mingle and dance the night away at one of the most renowned clubs in the city.

Day 2- Sunday 12th of January
Morning
The day begins with traditional church service at Agios Eustathios, South Melbourne

Afternoon
We will then move onto the picturesque scenery of Albert Park Lake for the lunchtime picnic. Today we will receive information on the progress of the 2004 Olympic games in Athens and then we will venture into Lakeside Oval to host our interstate NUGAS Sports Day

Evening
Tonight is a night where great effort is needed. Make sure you look sharp as we dead down to Crown Casino for a buffet dinner at a renowned restaurant, followed by a tour and flutter at the Crown Casino. We will then move onto the biggest party on a Sunday Night at the “Heat Discothθque”.

Day 3- Monday 13th of January
Morning
As you arrive home from a great night out, you have plenty of time to catch up on sleep, as today we have a late start. At 12 noon we head out for a lunch followed by a lecture on the future of the Modern Greek language in Australia

Afternoon
After lunch we will set out in the streets of Melbourne for the famous NUGAS Pub Crawl. We will be visiting some of Melbourne’s premier watering holes and also have a short stop for dinner.

Evening
We will continue on, coming to a final stop at one of Melbourne’s finest Greek clubs, Kivotos, where we can dance and drink the night away.

Day 4- Tuesday 14th of January
Morning
Wake up nice for the NUGAS National meeting, which all delegates are encouraged to attend.
Afternoon
Delegates will be given the opportunity to hunt down a costume, for the ultimate night of entertainment.

Evening
Make sure you warm up your vocal cords for the evening’s entertainment, as we welcome you to the NUGAS “Hollywood & Music Superstar” Karaoke/ fancy Dress party, where we will be singing the night away.

Day 5- Wednesday 15th of January
Morning
Important that you rise and shine and don’t miss the bus!!!! Today we make our way down to Lorne, one of Victoria’s best holiday destinations.

Afternoon
Along the scenic route we will be making a stop for lunch along the bay in Geelong, which is Victorias second largest city. Make sure you have your camera ready, as the views are spectacular. We will then continue our journey to Lorne where delegates are free to explore the famous seaside resort and the excellent surf beach.

Evening
After hot days play at the beach and surrounds, we will then move on to watch the sunset from the Lorne pub, leaving Lorne pub we will head straight to the “Gamma Bar” for the official NUGAS Beach Party where will be spending the rest of the evening.

Day 6- Thursday 16th of January
Morning
Wake up for the NUGAS Annual General Meeting, which all delegates are encouraged to attend.

Evening
We will start the evening with dinner that will be followed by a presentation on “University fees and a more equitable higher education system”. Then we kick start our own “Ultimate Traffic Light Retro Party” at “Strata Greville”

Day 7 – Friday 17th of January
Morning/Afternoon
Welcome to AustralEllada day, where delegates have the opportunity to visit Melbourne’s finest landmarks. Take a tour of the CUB Brewery or shop till you drop at Melbourne’s premier retail stores for all your fashion needs at bargain prices. This will be followed by lunch where we will enjoy a traditional Australian lunch and then progress onto a tour of the famous MCG.

Evening
Firstly we will attend a presentation for the “Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles” and all will be encouraged to sign the international petition. We will then put on our favourite dancing shoes, and prepare for the NUGAS Tavern Night. Here we will dance the night away as the band plays all the favourite Kalamatiana, Zebekika and Tsiftetelia at the Kolonaki Tavern in South Yarra.

Day 8 – Saturday 18th of January
Morning
Wake up late for the NUGAS brunch in the park.

Afternoon
This will be you free afternoon as you prepare for the NUGAS ball and ensure you look your best. Delegates are encouraged to visit cultural sites like the Immigration Museum or the National Gallery of Victoria.

Evening
As night falls and convention draws to a close we invite you to attend the NUGAS convention Ball where you can all reminisce the past nine days.

Day 9 – Sunday 19th of January
Morning
THE FINAL DAY OR IS IT?????

Afternoon
LUNCH FOR ALL, fare well for those leaving, for those staying the fun has just begun.