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The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is excited to announce the NCP Alumni Forum (The Forum), set to take place in Canberra from 12-13 September 2024. 

The Forum will bring together 150 NCP alumni from 2014-2024 across Australia, as well as other members of the NCP community to celebrate the NCP’s 10th anniversary. 
 
The Forum will explore: 

• Cultural and science diplomacy 

• Prioritising First Nations perspectives 

• Building strategic partnerships 

• Fostering a thriving NCP alumni community 

The Forum will provide opportunities to  

• Build connections with fellow alumni, government and business leaders 

• Gain an understanding of the NCP within Australia’s wider foreign policy 

• Get valuable insights to further your career 

• Contribute to the NCP’s future through shared ideas, experiences and stories. 

If you require further information, please contact the NCP Administration and Support Services Team at ncp.alumni@thepalladiumgroup.com 

FAQs

• Will The Forum be held across two-days?

  Successful alumni will fly to Canberra on Thursday 12 September to attend a 10th anniversary celebratory event in the evening. 

  The Forum will be held on Friday 13 September from 9:00am-4:00pm. 

  Alumni attendees must be available to attend The Forum in its entirety.

• If you have accessibility requirements, who can you reach out to?

  We are committed to ensuring your time in Canberra is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. If you have any requests or accessibility requirements (ranging from physical logistics through to mental health support), please contact us at

  ncp.alumni@thepalladiumgroup.com

• What is the dress code?

  The dress code for the reception is cocktail and the dress code for The Forum is business. 

• What dates will interstate alumni be required to travel?

  Interstate participants will be flown in on the 12th and return to their home destination Friday 13th evening pending flight availability. Those based in regional locations may have to travel outside of these dates.

• When will interstate alumni be issued their flight itineraries?

  We are currently arranging the accommodation and travel information for all participants. Interstate alumni should expect to receive information before 4 September 2024.

• Can alumni based in NSW or regional ACT claim reimbursement for travel?

  DRIVING:
  If you have opted to drive to Canberra from interstate, you will need to pay for fuel while driving and seek reimbursement based on theAustralian Taxation Office Cents per kilometre method. 

  Please follow these steps to seek reimbursement:

  1. Create a screenshot of the Google Map which shows the travel distance and route.

  2. Send this information for approval prior to your travel to ncp.alumni@thepalladiumgroup.com.

  3. Based on the ATO's cents per kilometre method you can claim travel costs at 88 cents per kilometre. Please retain all receipts for fuel and submit scanned copies following The Forum, along with the Reimbursement Form which will be provided to you.

  Allocated parking is available – please advise as soon as possible if you will need parking at ncp.alumni@thepalladiumgroup.com .

  PUBLIC TRANSPORT
  If you have opted to travel by bus or train to Canberra from interstate and have purchased your ticket, you are eligible to seek reimbursement.   

  Please retain your ticket and submit along with the Reimbursement Form which will be provided to you following The Forum to ncp.alumni@thepalladiumgroup.com.

  *If you are based locally to Canberra or within 40km of the Canberra CBD, you are required to facilitate your own travel to The Forum.

• What inclusions will be funded for The Forum by the NCP?

  NCP alumni attending The Forum are supported to attend the events through funded travel, accommodation, and meals at both events including dinner at the evening reception and lunch at The Forum. In addition, transportation to and from Canberra airport, and between the events will be provided.

  Meals, incidentals and transportation (including transportation to and from your home airport) outside of the events will be at your own expense and will not be covered by the NCP. 

• Will there be a pre-departure webinar?

  Alumni Forum pre-departure webinar 

  This information session will provide you with an overview of The Forum, key information about travel and logistics, and address any questions you may have.

  Session details

  Date:  Thursday 5 September 2024

  Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm AEST

  Location: Online

• How can NCP receive timely updates on the events?

  Alunni attending the events are welcome to join the WhatsApp chat to receive updates on logistics and timings. You can request to join the group at this link.