Postgrad Ball: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Ball?

The Ball is on Friday 18 September, 2009.

What time does the Ball start/finish?

The Ball starts at 8.30pm, and finishes at 12.30am. Your ball ticket includes entry to the after-party, which will begin at 12:15am.

Where is the Ball being held?

The venue is Strozzi (incorporating “The Dome”) at 333 Collins Street, Melbourne.  Melways Reference: Map: 1A J8

Is there an After-Ball-Party, and where is it?

The After-Party venue is the upstairs bar at SILK ROAD http://www.silkroadoncolli ns.com/ 425 Collins St, just a short walk (200m) away! Drink Specials at the after-party include: $5 Tap Beer (Carlton Draught) – please note that tap beer is only available from the ground floor main bar, $5 Sparkling (House pour), $10 Selected cocktails. You'll need to present your ball ticket at the door and receive a stamp to take advantage of the drink specials.

HoHow much are the tickets?

Tickets are $85 for GSA Subscribers and Monash Postgraduate Students, $95 for all others. This ticket price has remained unchanged since 2007.

Is food included in the ticket price?

Yes. Hot and cold canapés (finger food) will be served by waiters throughout the night. Please note that there is no sit-down dinner, as the ball is a ‘cocktail style’ function. We suggest that Ball attendees have their evening meal before the function, and the 8.30pm starting time allows ample time to do this.

Deluxe Canapes (14 – 16 pieces per person, served over 3 hours):

• Chicken Yakitori – Traditional Succulent Japanese Style Satay Skewer
• Homemade Cocktail Sausage Rolls with Tomato Relish
• Baby Bruschetta with fresh Tomato and Basil Salsa (veg)
• Rare Eye Fillet on Sour Dough with Béarnaise Sauce
• Baby Chicken and Leek Pies with Roasted Red Peppers
• Mushroom Ragout Tartlets with Salsa Verde (veg)
• Mini Smoked Salmon and Sour Cream Bagels with Finely Chopped Chives
• Steamed Japanese Style Gyoza with Red Vinegar and Ginger Sauce
• Freshly Shucked Oysters with Ginger Coriander and Chilli Sauce
• Japanese: Fresh hand-made Sushi, Sashimi & Nori Rolls (inc veg)
  
• Goats Cheese & Caramelised Onion Tartlets (veg)
  
• Trio of Asian Dumplings with Dipping Sauce
• Thai Fish and Noodle Cakes with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Will vegetarian canapés be served?

Yes. See above.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

Yes.

What types of drinks are included?

Sparkling ( Champagne), white wine and red wine, heavy and light beer, orange juice and mineral water.

Beer     Boags Premium Lager              

Cascade Premium Light            

Wine    Society Brut Reserve NV

            Society Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

            Society Vineyard Selection Shiraz

Soft Drinks, Orange Juice & Water

Are spirits included? Can I bring my own?

No, spirits are not included, and you cannot bring your own alcohol into the venue.

Can I smoke in the venue?

Due to Government regulations, there is no smoking allowed where food is being served. However, guests will have access to an outside area where they may smoke.

What types of entertainment will there be at the Ball?

The showcase live band to entertain our guests is popular Melbourne trio “Johnny Wonderpants” featuring brothers Andrew and Bernard Curry. Playing everything from classics to current the boys will keep you singing and dancing all night long. Upon entry there will also be classical musicians performing and later a DJ to keep you chilled out when you’re not dancing.

What should I wear?

The theme of this year’s ball is “Angels & Demons” So we want you to pick a side and dress appropriately. Lots of angelic pure white for you goodies, and red for those from the ‘other’ side! Of course there are many other outfits you could wear, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, halos, wings, horns and tails, be creative! The best male and female dressed guests will win a prize.

…but do I have to dress up?

It is not compulsory to dress up in costumes; you may choose to attend the ball in Black Tie. However the vast majority of guests usually put in a lot of effort, just look at some of previous ball night photos on the facebook page!

Is there a cloakroom and is it free?

Yes.

How many people usually attend the ball?

This year we are strictly limited to 400 tickets due to the size of the venue. The last couple of balls have had attendances around 300-350.

Will there be any photographers at the Ball?

Yes. GSA has organised for a professional photographer to take pictures of individuals, and groups at the ball. There is absolutely no obligation to buy any photographs, but if you would like to purchase prints, they will cost around $10 for two and will be ready for collection at the end of the night.

How do I get there and can I park?

Don’t drive if you plan to drink.

Tram

There is a tram stop virtually out the front of the venue, and a taxi rank for afterwoods. Any tram heading down Collins Street will take you to the front door.

By Car

• The nearest 24 hour secure carparking is at 416 Flinders Lane, a little over one block away. Rates are as shown:
  http://www.wilsonparking.com.au/go/wilson-car-parks/vic/axa# 

Are under 18’s allowed?

No. The Ball is a licensed function; therefore all patrons must be over 18. (Photo I.D. may be required as proof of age.)

Where are tickets available from?

Tickets are available in person at GSA reception, Graduate Centre, 10am – 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am – 3pm Friday. Alternatively, you can book over the phone with a credit card on 8344 8631.

At Monash University you can buy tickets from Monash Postgraduate Association, First Floor, Campus Centre, Clayton, Ph 9905 3197.

What do I do if I want to buy tickets for friends in my department?

To book a large group (i.e. friends from a single department) the co-ordinating person needs to gather the names, money and ID numbers of the postgrads or other students they wish to buy tickets for and bring them as one to the ticket purchase point. This way we only require details from the co-ordinator in case of any last minute changes or announcements. See next question for group discount offer.

Tip: You can download and print or email a copy of the Ball Poster (see main ball page) to help generate interest in your department, or request some posters from GSA via the email below.

Is there a group discount?

For Melbourne Uni Postgrad Groups only there is a special deal of buy 10 tickets and get one free. Tickets must be purchased in a single transaction. This offer expires on Friday 11 September.

Further questions?

Email events@gsa.unimelb.edu.au  and we’ll add the question and answer to this list or ask a question at the Melbourne / Monash Ball facebook Page.