Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Who is Terry Pratchett?
Seriously? You found this website and you don’t know who he is? OK, OK… I’ll keep it simple. Sir Terry Pratchett is the world-famous author of a huge number of novels, the most famous and popular being the Discworld series. Read this quick biography if you’d like to know more.
What does “Nullus Anxietas” mean?
As popularlised in “The Last Continent”, Nullus Anxietas is pseudo-latin for “No Worries”, a very Australian Fourecksian thing to say.
I’ve never been to a Discworld Convention before, what’s it all about?
It’s an opportunity for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett to meet, and enjoy an intensive three days of Discworld related activities (and fun).
We have several large rooms at the convention, and we will be running different events in each for most of the day. Events typically run for one or at most two hours. They can be talks about Discworld related subjects, workshops ranging from physical to cerebral and Discworld connected games. So you can pick and choose what interests you. The most important thing is that it is all fun!
Do I have to have read all the books?
No, but it helps to have read a few. Everyone has their favourite books and characters, and it helps to recognise some of the unusual characters wandering the convention. When it comes to the quiz, if you haven’t read all of the books, make sure you team up with other people who’ve read the books you haven’t!
Do I have to wear costume?
No, but lots of attendees do. In the past we have had some fantastic costumes (and some very simple but effective ones too!)
For those who are keen to show off their costuming skills, there is the Maskerade (a cosplay competition).
You can see photos from past conventions on Flickr via these links:
NOTE Although the Unseen University Convivium is themed around the Disc’s premier college of wizardry, you do NOT have to dress up as a wizard. Any costume is acceptable (well, as long as it’s suitable for children to see.)
Can I help at all?
We are always looking for volunteers, to publicise the convention, to organise the event beforehand and to help at the convention. Please register to volunteer on this page!
Convention Specific Questions
What is the Unseen University Convivium?
The Unseen University Convivium is a Discworld fan event that acts as an interim between the major conventions. It’s sort of a mini convention, or a convention-ette. We’re also calling it a gathering, shindig or hootenanny (delete whichever is inappropriate).
The Convivium is themed around the Unseen University, like an “Open Day”, so all people of the Discworld (and students) are invited. UU is just a theme to tie the weekend together, but many of the events will also be general Discworld themed (or just general fun!)
A lot more specific information about the event can be found throughout this website.
What are the different Membership Grades? How do I pay?
The different membership and payment options are described on the membership information page
Can I pay for multiple things at once?
Yes you can! Although the process is a little complex, because each registration/ticket is separate. However, because payment is a manual step, you can register for several things, and then make one payment, but you’ll also need to email us to let us know exactly what’s being paid for.
Detailed steps to follow are listed here.
Where is it? How do I get there? Where will I stay?
The Unseen University Convivium will be held at the University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia.
We have also posted handy hints on how to get there and some recommendations for places to stay.
What is Gaudy Night?
Gaudy Night is the Convivium’s Gala Dinner – it is a special Wizard’s dinner held on the Saturday night. There is an extra cost for this event, and places are limited. Find out more on this page.
What’s all this about Winery and Gourmet Tours?
Officially, the Convivium closes on Sunday afternoon, but if you can stay an extra day, there will be Winery and Gourmet Tours through McLaren Vale on the Monday. There is an extra cost for this event and places are strictly limited. Find out more on this page.
Enough talk! Where can I sign up and buy tickets?
You should be able to see links under “Register & Buy” to the left! Or you could just click on these links:
- Register for convention membership
- Buy Gaudy Night tickets
- Buy Winery & Gourmet Tour tickets
- Buy merchandise
Should I stay near the venue?
If you live in Adelaide, it will definitely be more comfortable and cheaper to stay at home – but keep in mind that:
- activities run until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, and
- after this many people like to socialise more at a nearby bar
If you’re the sort of person who wants to hang out late at night and chat with us, it might be a good idea to stay in accommodation closer to the venue. Also keep in mind that public transport tends to finish around midnight, so you may need to factor taxi or parking costs into your expenses too!
I have registered and paid, but I am not on the Attendees List?
It may take a few days for your name to appear – it’s just the way things work. When the Bursar gets confirmation that you have paid, she has to use the omniscope to talk to the Lecture in Recent Runes (who looks after membership) who then checks the details before releasing your name on the official list.
Can I donate something for the charity auction?
The Unseen University Convivium will NOT be holding a charity auction. However, if you do have something you’d like to donate, we’re sure the Nullus Anxietas 4 committee will be more than happy to take it! Please contact them with your offer.
I’m travelling from overseas. How do I get a visa for Australia?
If you are travelling to the convention from overseas, from many countries you can apply for a visa online. See the Immigration Website
According to the website it is for both tourists and business visitors, for instance those attending a conference. And it is free.
Eligible passports include:
| Andorra | Austria | Belgium |
| Bulgaria | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
| France | Germany | Greece |
| Hungary | Iceland | Ireland |
| Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta |
| Monaco | The Netherlands | Norway |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania |
| Republic of San Marino | Slovak Republic | Slovenia |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
| United Kingdom | Vatican City |
When is Nullus Anxietas IV?
Nullus Anxietas IV, the next major Australian Discworld Convention is still going ahead!
It will be held in Melbourne on March 9-11, 2013. Information will be available on this website after July 2012 when the Unseen University Convivium is finished. In the meantime, you can contact the Nullus Anxietas IV committee for more information or to volunteer.
If you have any other questions, please email enquiries@ausdwcon.org