The best night's sleep...

Dear Colleagues

I invite you to our Annual Scientific Meeting in Darwin, the most exciting and diverse tourist destination in Australia. This is the first ASM for Darwin and the symbolism is important. We are a huge country and this meeting will demonstrate not only our support for our Northern Orthopaedic Surgeons but our recognition that we have fantastic colleagues in the countries to our north. The Scientific program remains a showcase of Australian Orthopaedic intellectual talent and in this location we will be engaging more than ever with particularly the ASEAN countries.

Allan Wang ran the most successful ASM ever last year, yet I am sure he will trump that effort this year. I am excited with our theme and guest speakers but of course the real value will be found in the general program and in the discussions. The meeting has been compressed to three days to allow for exciting pre and post conference tours.

Most of you will have a curiosity to see Darwin and relive its history from cyclone Tracy and the second world war. The pearling and crocodile industries are exotic, the barramundi legendary and the evening sunsets complete with natural pyrotechnics from thunder storms breathtaking.

The new Darwin Conference Center has proven a great success especially with its location next to a beautiful water park featuring a wave pool virtually in the middle of town. Alison Fallon, our in house event organiser, has been working tirelessly to make the whole event a great experience both socially and scientifically. The options to explore the fascinating and fast developing area around Darwin will be facilitated by Alison and the famed NT hospitality and informality promise a unique experience.

I hope to see you all in October.

John Owen

AOA President