Update: Australia wildfires
The IMS extends its thoughts to all the people who have suffered loss and applauds the tireless and extra-ordinary contributions of the emergency services that have been containing the fires and protecting people.
Unfortunately some of the images shared on social media incorrectly suggest that all of Australia is in flames. Australia is a vast country, and while some areas have experienced dreadful and challenging conditions, Melbourne and many regional destinations have not been impacted. These include the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, the Grampians, Daylesford, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, the Murray region and West and South Gippsland, including Wilsons Promontory. More distant destinations such as central Australia, Broome and the Kimberley, the far north and Tasmania have been unaffected.
The Australian Tennis Open will commence shortly in Melbourne bringing thousands of visitors to our beautiful city, and broadcast internationally. I am personally looking forward to going to some of the Aussie Open matches with friends visiting with us from the US, and together with them going to Hobart to visit the Museum of New and Old Art (MONA). So, despite what you may have read, heard or seen don’t change your plans, and I look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne in April.
Susan Davis
President, International Menopause Society
Victoria Wildfire - FAQ
Bushfires have impacted some parts of Victoria – including East Gippsland, High Country and Upper Murray regions. However, many parts of the state, including Melbourne are safe, unaffected and welcoming visitors.
Delegates visiting regional Victoria as part of pre-and-post conference touring are encouraged to seek the most up to date information prior to departure from their accommodation and tourism provider.
We’ve tried to answer the most frequent questions below, but if your query isn’t covered here please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Is the 17th World Congress on the Menopause still going ahead?
Are the fires threatening Melbourne?
It’s worth noting that Melbourne to Mallacoota (520km/ 323 miles) is roughly the same distance as Paris is to Stuttgart (561km / 349 miles).
Are there regions in Victoria outside of Melbourne we can visit as part of our pre-and/or-post conference touring itinerary?
https://www.visitvictoria.com/victoria-bushfire-updates
For a list of areas impacted by the current bushfires across Australia visit:
https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts.html.
Many regions have not been impacted to date, including Ballarat, Bendigo, the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, the Grampians, Daylesford, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, the Murray region and West and South Gippsland, including Wilsons Promontory.
All international airports remain open, including those in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and are continuing to welcome international visitors. On the ground, travellers are encouraged to speak with local authorities, tourism operators and visitor information centres, for advice about local conditions and how best to enjoy their time in Victoria.
We encourage delegates coming to Victoria to seek the most up to date information prior to departure from their accommodation and tourism providers. Please also see Visit Victoria’s latest update for a summary on regions impacted and not impacted by the bushfires at: https://www.visitvictoria.com/victoria-bushfire-updates
For a list of areas impacted by the current bushfires across Australia visit:
https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts.html.
What about the smoke pollution, will Melbourne be affected during the 17th World Congress on the Menopause?
Are flights into Melbourne being affected?
Will the fires be extinguished by April?
While some parts of the Victoria are currently affected by bushfires, most of Victoria and Australia has not been impacted by bushfires. Most tourism businesses are open and most destinations are safe and unaffected.
How can I help contribute to the bushfire recovery efforts in Australia?
by the Victorian bushfires. For a full list, please visit the Victorian Government’s website on ‘how you can help.’
The best way to directly help the communities affected by the bushfires right now is through financial donations and when fire affected communities are ready to welcome visitors again, tourism will play an important role in supporting their recovery.