Regional Conferences have occasionally provided a valuable means of “getting together” for staff in rural and remote areas who for various reasons have not been able to attend an Annual Training Forum. These “mini” conferences are facilitated by the NARSA Office staff who endeavour to provide a program that will be of mutual interest and benefit to all delegates.

The Conferences usually take place in a central town that is accessible to staff in boarding facilities in nearby areas without having to travel large distances. Where possible a speaker is engaged to present a number of sessions on a central topic; delegates have the opportunity to discuss areas of concern relating to their own facilities; “best practice” is shared with enthusiasm; new friendships are formed and “old” ones renewed.

The majority of staff in student boarding facilities are committed to their “vocation” and dedicated to the lifestyle they have chosen, and for them one of the most inspiring facets of any conference is the realisation that they are not alone, that every situation they have faced and every problem they have encountered will be understood by their co-delegates.

Apart from the structured agenda of the conference, these dedicated staff spend every available minute in sharing their ideas, frustrations, hopes and dreams relating to their current situation, and the feeling of camaraderie that is engendered by this enables them to return to their own particular facility with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.