DiGRA Australia has a long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We note that parent-researchers often face inequitable hurdles to attend and fully participate in conferences. As such, we have assembled the following information for parent researchers considering attending DiGRAA 2019.
Children at DiGRAA
We welcome children to DiGRA Australia, and any children in attendance are welcome to attend conference talks, meals and events for free. For catering purposes, please register your child on Eventbrite separately which will allow you to notify us of any dietary requirements your child has. The social event on the evening of the 12th will be held in the dining area of a local pub, where accompanied children can attend until 9pm. It is our hope that this will allow parent-researchers to more easily participate in the social events that are an important part of conferences.
Please note that some conference presentations may involve content that is unsuitable for younger audiences (such as discussions of violent or sexual imagery from videogames, or mature themes). Presenters will be notified in advance that there may be children in attendance, and to provide a content warning at the start of their talk so that children can be removed.
Parenting Space
We welcome babies to DiGRA Australia and breastfeeding is welcome anywhere at the conference. The conference venue is accessible to prams.
On Level 2 of the venue (accessible via lift) there is a dedicated parenting space for babycare needs including feeding and changing, with a microwave and hot water available. Unfortunately the parenting space does not have a refrigerator. Parents with babies are welcome to leave bags of childcare paraphernalia at the registration desk nearby.
Simply speak to a conference organiser on the day if you’ll require access to this space, and we’ll show you where it is.
Access to Child Care
As a small, free conference it is not possible for DiGRA Australia to provide on-site childcare. However, the following childcare centres located near The University of Sydney offer occasional care:
Redfern Occasional Care
55 Pitt Street
Redfern NSW 2016
+61 2 9288 5620
SDN Glebe Children’s Education & Care Centre
112a Glebe Street
Glebe NSW 2037
+61 2 9552 3747
Marrickville Occasional Care
356 Victoria Road
Marrickville NSW 2204
+61 2 9558 1591
Flexibility for Parents
To assist parent-researchers juggling child-care challenges, we are able to offer presenters flexibility in the day their talk is scheduled. Please contact the conference organiser after your talk is accepted if you have a preferred day, or time of day, for your talk.
As a free conference, caregivers are welcome to also attend with the researcher-parent, and caregivers attending alongside a researcher-parent are welcome to also attend conference talks, meals and events. Please register caregivers separately via eventbrite for catering purposes.
If you have questions or suggestions to improve this page, please contact the conference organiser Marcus Carter <marcus.carter@sydney.edu.au>
Acknowledgements
Calisi, R. (2018) Opinion: How to tackle the childcare-conference conundrum. Proceedings of the Natural Academic of Sciences USA 115(2): 2845-2849.