Welcome from the Conference Chair

Dear Delegates

On behalf of the Organising Committee of the satellite Conference on Physical Activity and Obesity - Moving Matters, I would like to invite you to join us in Brisbane prior to the Sydney ICO2006 for what promises to be an exciting event.

A traditional feature of a number of previous International Congresses on Obesity has been a satellite conference on physical activity and obesity. In August 2006 it will be Brisbane 's turn to host a satellite conference in this important area. The Conference is expected to attract more than 300 delegates to Australia 's sub-tropical capital prior to the SydneyICO.

The focus of the Conference is - Moving Matters - in the physical activity and exercise domains: promoting, monitoring, measuring and prescribing in the context of the overweight and obese.

Key themes include the following:

•  Measurement of physical activity - including novel approaches and new technologies
•  Metabolic Fitness
•  Obesity, bone and joint
•  Weight management: a matter of will-power?
•  Physical activity and childhood obesity.

The Conference will provide an excellent opportunity to keep up to date with latest findings and developments in research, policy and practice through plenary sessions, discussions and workshops. The Conference program will be complemented by an enjoyable social program.

I look forward to seeing you in Brisbane .

Professor Andrew Hills
Conference Chair

Organising Committee

• Professor Andrew Hills (Chair), School of Human Movement Studies, QUT
• Dr. Nuala Byrne, School of Human Movement Studies, QUT
• Associate Professor Susan Ash, School of Public Health , QUT
• Professor Louise Baur, University of Sydney (Satellite Meetings Coordinator, ICO2006)
• Professor Wendy Brown, University of Queensland
• Dr Neil King, QUT
• Mr David Keating OAM
• Dr Vikki Gedge, Queensland Health

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IASO Task Force on Physical Activity

• Chair: Steven N Blair USA
• Secretary: Adrian Bauman, Australia
• William Haskell, USA
• Peter Katzmarzyk, Canada
• Vicki Lambert, South Africa
• Victor Matsudo, Brazil
• Nanette Mutrie , Scotland
• Jean-Michel Oppert, France
• Willem van Mechelen, The Netherlands
• Hirohito Tanaka, Japan
• Heather Chambliss, USA (coordinator)

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Message from the Premier of Queensland

The alarming increase in obesity is one of the greatest challenges facing governments today.

We have recently introduced a tuckshop strategy ensuring that healthy food is available at Queensland schools to address the increasing incidence of overweight children.

The fact that we have an ageing population will itself place a greater strain on our health system. The last thing we need is for that group to be overweight and unfit, thereby placing further demands on our health resources.

The Queensland Government encourages the development and implementation of preventative programs. As Australia 's Smart State , Queensland offers a range of programs to support research and development work.

Moving Matters , the Physical Activity and Obesity Satellite Conference of the International Congress on Obesity, hosted by the Queensland University of Technology, will focus on the important relationship between physical activity and obesity in today's society.

The conference will illustrate how investment in research and innovation, with a central focus on physical activity and exercise can provide significant social, environmental and economic benefits.

I invite everyone with an interest in this field to attend the conference and to add to the body of knowledge which will help governments and others meet the challenges associated with obesity.

PETER BEATTIE MP
PREMIER AND TREASURER

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Message from the Lord Mayor

Dear Delegates

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to hold the Physical Activity and Obesity Conference in Brisbane

Brisbane is emerging as a leading city in the Asia Pacific region. It ranks among the most liveable cities in the world. Hundreds of thousands of visitors annually experience the superior business facilities we offer and the superb national attractions we boast.

Distinctly different from other Australian capital cities, Brisbane offers the energy, competitiveness and corporate edge so integral to its economic growth. It is a uniquely compact city. Our city offers a sub-tropical lifestyle, excellent green credentials, a superior public transport system, significant cultural values and attractions and the excitement of a city whose people play as hard as the work.

Within one hour by car from Brisbane, our city offers access to majestic rainforests, brilliant beaches and surf, outback experiences including a stockman's camp and horse mustering, an array of wildlife - many of which can be hand fed and, in the case ok koalas, even cuddled.

Brisbane 's infrastructure and growth continually enhance our city's reputation as a major destination offering some of the finest meeting facilities in Australia . The city's diversity of facilities ranges from Australia 's most-awarded dedicated Convention Centre and world renowned hotels to city heritage building and performing arts venues for social events.

Our culturally rich, socially diverse, easy-living community looks forward to welcoming your delegates with the warmth and friendliness or which we are renowned.

Brisbane would be proud to host the Physical Activity and Obesity Conference in 2006.

Yours sincerely

CAMPBELL NEWMAN
LORD MAYOR

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Conference News & Updates

1st e-newsletter
2nd e-newsletter
3rd e-newsletter