The BDSRA Australia Family Conference will take place from 31 October to 2 November 2025

The conference will be hosted at the Novotel Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Address: 270 Ocean Dr, Twin Waters QLD 4564

Registration includes access to all conference sessions, 2 nights accommodation (includes breakfast served in the main dining area of the hotel), morning/afternoon teas and lunches during the conference, Complimentary Ticket to the Friday Night Joint Dinner, Saturday Afternoon Group Activity and Saturday Night Dinner, and access to the kids' program (if applicable) as well as Free Wi-Fi access throughout the conference venue and access to the Interactive program and the conference app.

Cost is covered for immediate families affected by Batten disease, both current and bereaved, this includes parents, affected child/ren/young person/s and any siblings (and up to one support person/worker if required).
There is some flexibility with this as family situations are varied and requests can be considered on a case by case basis for those whose needs may be different.
Thanks to our incredible sponsors, we're able to cover registration for the conference which includes 2 nights of accommodation and all meals as part of the program for those mentioned above.
If you require further clarity or need to discuss your circumstances please contact Liz support@bdsraaustralia.org

One nominated main adult should create a Currinda profile and register on behalf of their group. This includes any additional adults (including support worker/s), children, or young persons attending with them.

Yes, Family members attending BDSRA Family Conference, can attend the NCL as well by registering for a 3 day add on ticket - via the NCL registration portal https://members.asnevents.com.au/register/event/1984

Yes, please indicate this on your registration form, providing details where possible and ASN event managers will be in touch with you directly to manage this on a case by case basis. Extended accommodation will be at your own cost.

We encourage families to attend the entire conference. However, if you need to attend only part of the event, please indicate your late arrival or early departure plans on the registration form. This will help us with accurate catering and activity planning.

Yes, you can register multiple family members in one registration process. Please ensure all required information is filled out for each child, young person or adult attending.

Yes, there is a dedicated kids’ program designed for children attending the conference. Please indicate on your registration form whether your child will be attending. Age-appropriate activities will be tailored based on the ages of registered children.

Yes, we can provide special assistance or equipment if required. Please let us know in the ‘Special Assistance & Equipment Required’ section of the registration form on the 'add ons' page, or contact us directly if you have specific needs. BDSRA Australia will discuss options to help you feel comfortable and confident attending the conference. See below for more on support workers.

The event managers will work with the venue to cater for dietary requirements. In your registration form, please list all allergies, dietary restrictions or modified diet plans for each person listed within your registration. Please be as specific with as much detail as possible and the ASN event team will be in contact to follow up if required. 

Yes, the conference is designed to include both family-focused activities and separate sessions for parents, providing opportunities for support, networking, and education.

You should bring any personal items necessary for your comfort (e.g., medications, toiletries), plus comfortable clothing for activities. If your child is attending the kids’ program, please check if there are any specific items required for them.

Yes, there is an option to opt out of having your contact details appear in the event attendee list or booklet. Please check the relevant box on the registration form if you do not wish to be included.

If you need to make changes to your registration, please contact the ASN conference team directly at BDSRA2025@asnevents.net.au and we will assist you with any updates or corrections.

If you need to cancel your registration, please refer to the cancellation policy outlined during the registration process or contact us for assistance.

The Family Conference is designed primarily to be an in-person experience, however we understand attendance is not possible for some. We are currently exploring options for recording a small number of educational sessions that could be made available after the event as a resource for future use or for families who cannot attend.

Protecting the privacy of families and attendees is very important to us, and if recordings are made, we will ensure appropriate measures are taken to safeguard this. If you prefer not to be recorded, please let us know in advance.

Yes. We are exploring different streams for the program, including break off sessions specifically for bereaved parents while families currently caring for an affected child/young person are in their own relevant session, as well as a kids' program tailored to different age groups. While we aim to meet a wide range of needs, final program details will be confirmed closer to the conference date.

BDSRA  Australia is committed to supporting families. Please reach out to us directly if you need assistance or if there are financial barriers to attending.

Transportation to and from the conference is not provided as part of the registration. However, we can assist with directions to the venue and suggestions for local transport options

Yes, BDSRA Australia may be able to assist with arranging support workers if required. If your child or family member needs assistance during the conference sessions, please indicate this on the registration form, and we will make the necessary arrangements. Please contact us directly if you have specific requirements  of support workers such as specific abilities/experience, need to discuss support outside of kids program/conference session times or need further information about the support available.

For any further questions, please contact our Family Support Coordinator Liz at the BDSRA Australia at Elizabeth Sanson at support@bdsraaustraia.org and she will be happy to assist you.