WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

On behalf of the International Psychogeriatric Association, the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the organising committee for this joint regional meeting on "Treatment, Care and Outcomes in Psychogeriatrics," it gives me intense pleasure to invite my colleagues from Australia and New Zealand and around the world to join us in Lorne from February 4-7, 2001. The organising committee has arranged a provocative and interesting program with what we believe will be a stimulating blend of local and international, established and up and coming speakers. There will be limited opportunities for free oral papers and extensive opportunities for poster presentations and I urge all potential registrants to consider submitting an abstract. One of life's great pleasures is to share things that you love with those who might appreciate them. Lorne is a jewel of a resort, set in the middle of Victoria's Great Ocean Road. From the ages of 10-20, my home was in Apollo Bay, 45 minutes to the west. In coming to know this area in all seasons and all weathers over the most impressionable decade of my life, I became convinced that the Otway Ranges and the Great Ocean Road form one of the most beautiful areas on our planet. Wide experience of international travel over the past 22 years has only enhanced that conviction. Whether you enjoy beautiful scenery, temperate rainforest, swimming, surfing, fishing, walking, playing golf amid tame kangaroos or just lying in the sun, you can't help but fall in love with this region. My colleagues on the organising committee and I look forward with keen anticipation to welcoming you to Lorne in February, 2001.

David Ames Meeting Chairman