"World Stamp Expo May 2013" Melbourne & Stampboards presence

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 10 Dec 2012 17:14

I have been asked to supply information on the venue.

GJ50

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 10 Dec 2012 17:32

It is a grand old building. It should have enough room for all the exhibits, dealers and hopefelly the crowds.

Situated on the edge of the CBD it is easy to get to by tram and train and has plenty of parking.

I love this interior fish eye photo I found. It gives you some idea of the grandeur of the building.

fromdownunder · Post by **fromdownunder** » 10 Dec 2012 17:40

And for anybody who wants a couple of hours away from stamps over the weekend, the Victorian Museum is right next door. For $10.00 it's well worth a visit if only to see Phar Lap.

Norm

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 10 Dec 2012 18:33

[quote="traralgon3844"]It is a grand old building. It should have enough room for all the exhibits, dealers and hopefelly the crowds.

From that picture, Australia Post will be in the middle under the dome, with 40 dealers past them in the distance with Championship Class and Court of Honour. To the right will be dealers and entrance, including A2013 products. From where the picture is taken in that annex will be more dealers, Literature, Patrons Club Cafe seating , Stage and exhibits. Up on the Gallery level, which in picture you can see upper right is where 3/4 of exhibits will be.
GJ50

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 10 Dec 2012 18:51

Another view showing one of the upper galleries. From memory they run above the the entire hall.

This one helps put the size of the main hall into perspective.

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 10 Dec 2012 18:53

Nice HDR photo. Or it looks like a HDR. (The fish eye one). It been years since I've been inside, I think the last time was a boat show back in the late 80's.

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 10 Dec 2012 19:12

traralgon3844 wrote:

The size of the ants [people on the floor ] help to show the size of the place.
GJ50

ivqii · Post by **ivqii** » 10 Dec 2012 19:39

Lovely building

Certainly puts the venue for London 2010 to shame

PeterS · Post by **PeterS** » 11 Dec 2012 07:32

The Royal Exhibition Building was the site of the first Australian Parliament after Federation. It is a lovely building with gardens to match. The building was built at a time when, thanks to gold, Melbourne was the richest city on earth. And, unlike those Canadians to the north (in the harbour city), a large number of the magnificent buildings that arose in the 19th century are still here and still in use.

As Paul has suggested, the Melbourne Museum (right next door) is well worth a visit.

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 11 Dec 2012 08:46

PeterS wrote:And, unlike those Canadians to the north (in the harbour city), a large number of the magnificent buildings that arose in the 19th century are still here and still in use.

Yes, Sydney got the dreaded Manhattan skyscraper bug from the '60's onwards and many of the grand old buildings since then are now gone. Buildings such as:

The Regent Theatre (which was on the Register of the National Estate but still got demolished): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regent_Theatre_(Sydney)

Anthony Hordern's Building: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Hordern_%26_Sons

The last couple of times I've been in Melbourne it struck me that even at peak hour on a weekday afternoon there weren't many people about in the CBD nor were there hardly any cars compared to Sydney.

The answer must be that the relatively small number of skyscrapers in Melbourne's CBD compared to Sydney reduces the concentration of people and their cars.

It was also good to see the older historic buildings in Melbourne are still there. Far preferable to skyscrapers and hordes of people and cars. You do not want to be trying to drive out of your Sydney CBD office on a weekday at peak hour, believe me

PeterS · Post by **PeterS** » 11 Dec 2012 08:54

Lakatoi 4 wrote: The last couple of times I've been in Melbourne it struck me that even at peak hour on a weekday afternoon there weren't many people about in the CBD nor were there hardly any cars compared to Sydney.

The answer must be that the relatively small number of skyscrapers in Melbourne's CBD compared to Sydney reduces the concentration of people and their cars.

It was also good to see the older historic buildings in Melbourne are still there. Far preferable to skyscrapers and hordes of people and cars. You do not want to be trying to drive out of your Sydney CBD office on a weekday at peak hour, believe me

Tony, you don't see many people because they are all in those old-fashioned tram thingies, or down at a station.

Seriously, though, the traffic is horrific around the edges and on the freeways/tollways feeding the CBD. Many cars park on the edges of the city and so traffic within the CBD itself is lessened.

As to skyscrapers, we have plenty. It's just that we didn't knock down historic buildings to put them up.

The Eureka Tower (visible from the 25th floor window of my office) is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and there is talk of building an even taller tower.

Philanthropist · Post by **Philanthropist** » 11 Dec 2012 09:23

a) Those possessing a Seniors Card have free public transport on weekends
b) With the same card, free entry to the Museum
c) The museum also has underground car paking, but at a $$
d) Free to everbody to enter the State Library in Swanston St in the CBD, nothe classic building
e) St Vincent's Hospital opposite the park adjoining the Royal exhibition Building has a cafe ( opposite the Old Fire Station - another museum worth visiting ) in Victoria St. that will have reasonable prices for feeding.
f) Lygon Street, Carlton, a couple of blocks to the West ( even I can walk that ) has all the eateries you could desire. Mainly Italian, but Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern, Ice Cream, visit King & Godfree, worth the experience of a unique & quaint Continental Licensed grocery store, Supermarkets etc.
g) walking distance again, the oldgoal where Ned Kelly was hung, now a museuem type thing, also mear the former Russell St police station where the infamous bombing took place, and again opposite there the Old Melbourne Magistratess' Court, then only a block to the State Libary.
h) Parliament Railway Station in the City Loop,and then a short walk would be my suggestion, but otherwise catch the TRAM fromthe city.
i) the free tourist tram makes a turn at Victoria Street, at the intersection where St Vincents ' Hospital and the Fitroy Gardens are, with the Exhibition building at the top of the gardens.
j) Bring a camera
Regards

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 11 Dec 2012 10:09

We may take our time and drive down to Melbourne for Australia 2013 rather than fly. Haven't driven there for around 30 years so why not

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 11 Dec 2012 10:14

Lakatoi 4 wrote:
PeterS wrote:And, unlike those Canadians to the north (in the harbour city), a large number of the magnificent buildings that arose in the 19th century are still here and still in use.
Yes, Sydney got the dreaded Manhattan skyscraper bug from the '60's onwards and many of the grand old buildings since then are now gone. Buildings such as:

Sydney got rid of their 'Exhibition Building' way back in the 1800's.

According to Scratching Sydney's Surface, the Garden Palace was originally intended as a temporary structure, but as it had proved such a success, the authorities decided to keep it. So when the timber Palace was completely engulfed by fire in Sep 1882 and destroyed, it was a total disaster. The newspapers suggested three possible reasons for the blaze. One theory was that wealthy Macquarie St residents, upset their harbour views had been stolen by the giant building, lit the blaze. Another was that it was burnt to destroy the 1881 census. Stored in the Garden Palace, the records apparently exposed embarrassing secrets about the convict origins of many leading families. Or possibly the fire was just an accident.

crosscrescent · Post by **crosscrescent** » 11 Dec 2012 10:59

Am sending my exhibit for this exhibition and wish I can be there but unfortunately
because it is during the semester the university I work at will not allow be to go out of the country.

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 11 Dec 2012 15:18

Andrew, sorry you can't make it, would have been good to catch up with you again.

What's your exhibit on

mcgooley · Post by **mcgooley** » 11 Dec 2012 17:41

GJ50, just a question....do you know what, if any, provisions have been made for buses coming in from out of town? The Geelong club is seriously considering hiring a bus for a day for the members.

I've heard whispers that we aren't the only club considering this, but my memory fails me when I try to remember the parking arrangements at the REB.

PeterS · Post by **PeterS** » 11 Dec 2012 18:36

Parking anywhere around there is quite expensive, not sure what arrangements there would be for buses, though.

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 11 Dec 2012 19:25

mcgooley wrote:GJ50, just a question....do you know what, if any, provisions have been made for buses coming in from out of town? The Geelong club is seriously considering hiring a bus for a day for the members.

I've heard whispers that we aren't the only club considering this, but my memory fails me when I try to remember the parking arrangements at the REB.

Unfortunately this can be a very expensive exercise. They discourage buses. They suggest if using buses that the bus drops you off and it finds a parking spot [which I am told, all companies know about ], then they come and pick up again.

Would not Train be better ? A day ticket from Geelong would go to Southern Cross then onto the tram to REB. [All included in the one ticket.]
GJ50

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 11 Dec 2012 19:31

For those considering public transport in Melbourne. These are the following options.

NOTE: Interstate/International persons over 60 need the "C" card not the "S" card which is for Victorian Seniors only.

PeterS · Post by **PeterS** » 11 Dec 2012 21:49

It also needs to be noted that the costs of those cards do not include any fares. Those have to be loaded separately, like a pre-paid debit card..

Debbie66 · Post by **Debbie66** » 11 Dec 2012 22:49

Hi everyone,

WOW what a beautiful building.

I am hoping I will be able get there, but have never been to Melbourne before.
Can anyone give me any suggestions on basic accomodation within walking distance to the Exhibition for a couple of nights?

Cheers
Debbie

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 11 Dec 2012 23:51

Debbie66 wrote:Hi everyone,

WOW what a beautiful building.

I am hoping I will be able get there, but have never been to Melbourne before.
Can anyone give me any suggestions on basic accomodation within walking distance to the Exhibition for a couple of nights?

Cheers
Debbie

Google Whotif.com and click on Melbourne and then look in Carlton area. About 20 are listed.

Depending on what you want to pay their are some good hotels in Little Bourke street, one is City limits at about $110 a night.

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 11 Dec 2012 23:55

Lakatoi 4 wrote:We may take our time and drive down to Melbourne for Australia 2013 rather than fly. Haven't driven there for around 30 years so why not

It's a lot quicker than it used to be, even Albury has a bypass now and you can sit on 110 for most of the way.

Debbie66 · Post by **Debbie66** » 12 Dec 2012 00:15

Hi GJ50,

That's excellent, thank you so much for the info.

Cheers
Debbie

Debbie66 · Post by **Debbie66** » 12 Dec 2012 00:20

Me again,

One more question.

What would be the best days to go to the Exhibition, as I can probably only get away from the farm for a max of three days.

Do all the Stampboard members have a get together on any particular day or night, as I would love to meet as many as possible?

Cheers
Debbie

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 12 Dec 2012 00:39

Debbie66 wrote:Me again,

One more question.

What would be the best days to go to the Exhibition, as I can probably only get away from the farm for a max of three days.

Do all the Stampboard members have a get together on any particular day or night, as I would love to meet as many as possible?

Cheers
Debbie

I have reserved a meeting room for a Stampboards meeting on the Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.

GJ50

Debbie66 · Post by **Debbie66** » 12 Dec 2012 00:51

Thank you again GJ50.

Cheers
Debbie

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 14 Dec 2012 16:43

Stampboards will have a meeting at Australia 2013 and will also be part of the APF Collectors Corner complex.

The Australian Philatelic Federation have sponsored this area for $20000.

This APF Collectors Corner is in the "drafting mode" but will allow Stampboards to have computer space to show what this board is all about. Signage space will also be available at the stand for a stampboards sign. I am sure into 2013 more details about rostering for the board computer area will be discussed.

Look forward to seeing everyone at A2013

GJ50

Post by **GlenStephens** » 14 Dec 2012 18:31

Thanks to GJ50 and the Committee for agreeing to this, based on our request.

http://www.stampboards.com and Glen Stephens were both two of the very earliest members of the "Patrons Club" and all collectors and dealers are urged to consider joining this list -

http://www.australia2013.com/contributors/patrons/patron-2013-club-members-list.php

Cost is $500 a membership, and the exclusive Stamp Freebies sent so far are excellent, and well worth owning.

The Committee is still actively welcoming members to this and the "Supporters Club" which is $100, and gives some other nice goodies and of course a Season Pass -

http://www.australia2013.com/contributors/supporter-club/

Details on how to support are on the links above and all readers and urged to join up on now on them.

The cost to promote the show closer to the event are huge, and all financial support from our membership will help it be even bigger and better.

http://www.stampboards.com was kindly offered a large table at the last big Australia show in Melbourne 2009 and it was a great success. Over 250 posts and masses of photos are there on our visit down there-

http://stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=13032

We aim to replicate the same Community involvement with members, and plan to have a large stampboards.com dinner on the Saturday night.

We have had a Meeting Room approved from 2-4pm Sunday, and look to see many of our members there too.

We've also supported Australia 2013 via a large banner at base of every page here for over a year, and GJ50 has reported before a lot of clicks to the official site have originated from here, which is good to learn, and we hope there will be many more.

Arthur Gray told me yesterday that there are now around 3400 frames confirmed or 6400 sides, and that is near the level of Washington 2006, and is truly huge, and hence will be a 'MUST ATTEND' Exhibition no matter what you collect. 8)

Do pencil it in, and do add your financial support. This show has a very savvy and very hard working Committee, and it is my belief this will be THE biggest and best Exhibition ever staged here so become part of it. Plan your airfares and hotel NOW!

We will be seeking volunteers who have a few hours spare to roster themselves onto our table, as was done so generously and successfully for Melbourne 2009. Please post below if you can assist for a few hours here and there, and we'll work it up into a more detailed list later on.

Glen

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 14 Dec 2012 21:46

GlenStephens wrote:Thanks to GJ50 and the Committee for agreeing to this, based on our request.

http://www.stampboards.com and Glen Stephens were both two of the very earliest members of the "Patrons Club" and all collectors and dealers are urged to consider joining this list -

http://www.australia2013.com/contributors/patrons/patron-2013-club-members-list.php

Cost is $500 a membership, and the exclusive Stamp Freebies sent so far are excellent, and well worth owning.

The Committee is still actively welcoming members to this and the "Supporters Club" which is $100, and gives some other nice goodies and of course a Season Pass -

http://www.australia2013.com/contributors/supporter-club/

Details on how to support are on the links above and all readers and urged to join up on now on them.

The cost to promote the show closer to the event are huge, and all financial support from our membership will help it be even bigger and better.

Glen

As Glen says above, the cost of organising and running any World Stamp Exhibition is continually rising and it's only through sponsors and supporters that they can be successful.

I was happy to also support the event in a small way by buying two of the Supporters Club packs.

I urge other Stampboards members to also support what will be a world class event.

aussie_robbo60 · Post by **aussie_robbo60** » 14 Dec 2012 22:20

Hi Tony

I brought my 2 supporters club memberships months ago and have been notified of acceptance to exhibit so very excited and will be there for the full time.

It might also be a good idea to let everyone know that we have also been give a room on the Monday for an International Papuan Philatelic Society meeting, and will start a thread for people that are keen to attend.

Cheers Robbo

aussie_robbo60 · Post by **aussie_robbo60** » 14 Dec 2012 22:23

Sorry I should have added that Tony Griffin was instrumental in arranging the room for the International Papuan Philatelic Society meeting.

Sorry Tony.

Cheers Robbo

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 14 Dec 2012 22:57

Yes, we have two meeting rooms and so far quite a few societies have applied for meetings. There are spaces left if you know of a society or club wanting to meet.

There will be also two official seminars, one on Aerophilately and the other on Revenues.

I will post a full list of the meetings soon.

GJ50

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 15 Dec 2012 10:35

Some more information.

This Collectors Corner stand that Stampboards is part of, is in a great position.

It is in the Rathdowne Street end of the building where you will find,
The Championship Class
The Gems of Philately
The Court of Honour
The Two Meeting Rooms
The National Classes [ ie Australia and States material ]

GJ50

Philanthropist · Post by **Philanthropist** » 16 Dec 2012 16:33

Debbie66 wrote:Me again,

One more question.

What would be the best days to go to the Exhibition, as I can probably only get away from the farm for a max of three days.

Do all the Stampboard members have a get together on any particular day or night, as I would love to meet as many as possible?

Cheers
Debbie

There are also any number of pubs and restaurants in the area, but you would have to drag us away from the stamps.

Also, beware of meeting "Some" of us. 8)

The Royal Exhibition Building was also the location for AUSIPEX 84, the first World Philatelic Exhibition to be held in Australia,
BUT they have spent $$$$$ on refurbishment since then.
.
If any one has young children to consider, the Zoo is adjacent and would usually occupy them all day, the Butterfly enclosure where as you stroll through the butterflies will actually land on you, the birds, penguins, snakes, lions and the monkeys, and gorillas.

Regards

mcgooley · Post by **mcgooley** » 16 Dec 2012 17:17

Philanthropist wrote:the Zoo is adjacent and would usually occupy them all day, the Butterfly enclosure where as you stroll through the butterflies will actually land on you, the birds, penguins, snakes, lions and the monkeys, and gorillas.

ermm...hopefully not all in the same enclosure

Haven't been there for a few years, but shirley it hasn't changed that much

I, personally, can vouch for the Museum - not the stuffy (read: stuffed) establishments of yore. Having dragged some miniscule specimens of humanity, kicking and screaming, through the doors; the MOTH and I then spent ages trying to prise them away from the place. (Note: Museum is right next door to R.E.B.)

A bit farther away, in Newport, is the Scienceworks....my 8-year-old grandson told me it's "cool" - whatever that means these days.

Debbie66 wrote:What would be the best days to go to the Exhibition, as I can probably only get away from the farm for a max of three days.

Disregarding Philly's comments for a moment, I think the weekend would be the best time to try. If you need a bed, give me a call (Philly's might be full - of him).
And no comments from the peanut gallery - Debbie has a right to see just how beautiful oxalis is in full bloom

Philanthropist · Post by **Philanthropist** » 16 Dec 2012 17:57

The Zoo would be;
just a step to the left,
then a step to the right,
and then a short tram ride

hutch · Post by **hutch** » 16 Dec 2012 18:10

Those directions sound good (?) Philly, but I feel sorry for country, interstate and overseas travellers trying to work out how to pay for their tram fares! Those machines are dreadful! Bring back the conductors if only for the week of the exhibition!

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 16 Dec 2012 18:12

When we were in Melbourne last year we went to the Pompeii exhibition at the Museum which is right next to the Australia 2013 building.

A great location and a well organized exhibition.

fromdownunder · Post by **fromdownunder** » 16 Dec 2012 18:22

Allanswood wrote:It's a lot quicker than it used to be, even Albury has a bypass now and you can sit on 110 for most of the way.

Not in Victoria. over about 103, you WILL get pinged.

Norm

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 16 Dec 2012 18:25

If you are going to us the Museum Car Park you obviously have to get in before 9.30 a.m. and leave after 2.30 p.m. to take advantage of the early bird rates.

The scale of fees is below.

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 16 Dec 2012 18:27

fromdownunder wrote:
Allanswood wrote:It's a lot quicker than it used to be, even Albury has a bypass now and you can sit on 110 for most of the way.
Not in Victoria. over about 103, you WILL get pinged.

Norm

Much of the Hume Freeway has a 110 Km/h limit. But there are point to point cameras on sections thereof.

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 16 Dec 2012 18:36

Take a virtual tour of the building with this tool.

http://museumvictoria.com.au/reb/history/the-building/virtual-tour/

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 16 Dec 2012 18:54

Debbie66 wrote:
Do all the Stampboard members have a get together on any particular day or night, as I would love to meet as many as possible?

Cheers

Debbie

Debbie it is early days yet, but it looks like Saturday night might be the best time to have a stampboards dinner.

We'll update this well before May of course. Stay posted.

As GJ50 confirms above, we also have a meeting space booked at the show, on Sunday 2pm-4pm and hope you can attend.

And if any members have some time to volunteer to roster themselves to help man our table there we are starting to work on that too. See above. 8)

Glen

Debbie66 · Post by **Debbie66** » 17 Dec 2012 03:47

Thanks Glen,

I'll be trying my hardest to get there

Sounds like fun to meet Stampboards members, drool over the stamps, plus have a long overdue holiday to unwind.

Cheers
Debbie

Debbie66 · Post by **Debbie66** » 17 Dec 2012 04:12

Thank you also mcgooley very kind of you. I will contact you if I have any problems finding somewhere.

Thanks also to Philanthropist for the info, but what's, and I quote,

"Also beware of meeting "some" of us" mean

Hmmm, not sure what you mean, but I love a challenge, so the meeting the "some" of us sounds like fun

Cheers
Debbie

stulev1 · Post by **stulev1** » 17 Dec 2012 04:39

I would like to attend - but I think the $1500.00 will prevent me from making the trip

GJ50 · Post by **GJ50** » 26 Dec 2012 12:58

BOOK NOW
QANTAS 3 DAY SALE

$79 each way Sydney to Melb.

GJ50

Post by **admin** » 26 Dec 2012 18:01

stulev1 wrote:
I would like to attend - but I think the $1500.00 will prevent me from making the trip

You and all others have 6 months to work with.

If you watch the USA ads there are OFTEN sub $1000 type specials from LAX or SFO to MEL and/or SYD.

31 airlines operate between Los Angeles, CA and Sydney, AU. Melbourne, AU is the most popular connection for one stop flights between Los Angeles, CA and Sydney, AU.

366 flights per week fly out of Los Angeles, CA connecting to Sydney, AU

United flies a 747 from both cities daily. Sign up for their online specials emails.

It is a great flights - you sleep all the way .. leaves USA very late evening there. And arrives Australia in morning and leaves here late afternoon and arrives USA early morning.

We did it 2 days back and were as fresh as a daisy, and I have done that transpac over 100 times literally, and always arrived fine.

Glen