At the end of each CHOGM, a communique is issued. This records the subjects discussed and decisions reached. Declarations or statements on important matters are also sometimes issued by the leaders and published alongside their communique.
Information Desk
The Information Desk is here to help answer questions about CHOGM 2011. If you have a question please fill in the Enquiry Form. Although each individual question may not be answered in this forum we will endeavour to respond to the most frequently asked questions here each month.
What is the CHOGM communiqué?
When will CHOGM 2011 be held?
CHOGM 2011 will be held from Friday 28 October to Sunday 30 October 2011. Read more...
How can I receive further information about CHOGM?
An e-newsletter and an RSS feed are available for you to keep up to date with CHOGM 2011. To subscribe to the newsletter, you will need a valid email address.
You can also follow CHOGM 2011 on Twitter or visit our Event Calendar.
What sporting events are on for CHOGM?
Netball matches have been scheduled on Sunday 23 October at the Burswood Dome. The Australian Diamonds will play the New Zealand Silver Ferns as part of the Holden Netball Test Series for the Constellation Cup. The curtain-raiser match will feature the Malawi Queens and the South African SPAR Proteas. For more information visit the Netball Australia website.
A newly formatted hockey tournament, known as the International Super Series will be on display from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 October at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley. The tournament will feature the Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams, the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos. Other participating countries include India, Pakistan and Malaysia. For more information visit the Hockey Australia website.
What parallel events will be held during CHOGM?
Commonwealth Business Forum
The Commonwealth Business Forum will be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex from the 25 to 27 October.
Commonwealth People’s Forum
The Commonwealth People’s Forum will be held at the Parmelia Hilton in the Perth CBD from 25 to 27 October.
Commonwealth Youth Forum
A Commonwealth Youth Forum will be held at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle from 23 to 27 October.
The Commonwealth Festival
The Commonwealth Festival is an eight-day arts and culture festival that will take place during the week of CHOGM. It will offer a variety of family activities for visitors to Perth and the local community. It will include local and international music, food and art exhibitions as well as international sporting events.
When is the public holiday in WA?
Friday 28 October is a public holiday in Western Australia. On this day, Transperth will provide free public transport services on all buses, trains and ferries. Shopping malls in the Perth CBD will also be open for public holiday trading.
Will public transport be affected?
Public transport schedules are not expected to change between Monday 24 and Thursday 27 October. Changes to some bus routes will occur between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 October. The Esplanade Busport will be closed to buses from the last service on Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 October. Buses will be redirected to operate via temporary bus stands at Wellington Street Bus Station. For public transport information, visit the Transperth website.
Will there be road closures during CHOGM?
For information about road closures and traffic arrangements please visit Main Roads website.
What will security arrangements for CHOGM involve?
Australia is highly experienced in managing security arrangements for major special events. Responsibility for security arrangements for CHOGM 2011 is shared between the Australian Government and the Western Australian government in accordance with long standing arrangements. There will be some disruption in and around Perth during CHOGM, however the Australian and Western Australian Governments are working together to minimise the impact.
Can I use the CHOGM logo?
The official CHOGM 2011 logo is available to accredited media for the purpose of promoting and/or supporting coverage of the event. You will need to submit a logo use agreement form will need to be filled in and submitted to the Taskforce prior to the logo being distributed.
Can I still volunteer?
Applications for CHOGM volunteers have now closed, however there was an overwhelming response to the call for volunteers earlier this year. More than 1000 applications were received for 500 positions.
How do I apply for media accreditation?
Access to all CHOGM 2011 venues are controlled by accreditation passes which will be issued to accredited persons only. All media will require accreditation to access the media centre within the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, IT facilities, pool media opportunities, press conferences and interviews as well as host broadcaster footage and photography. Media registration opened on 1 June 2011 and must be received by the CHOGM Taskforce by 31 August 2011.
Which countries are attending?
The Commonwealth has grown from just eight members in 1949, to 54 members in 2010. For the full list and map of attending countries at this year’s CHOGM, visit our interactive map.
What will leaders be discussing at CHOGM?
CHOGM 2011 agenda items are not public at this stage. In relation to discussion topics, the Commonwealth Secretary-General circulates a provisional agenda to Commonwealth Governments ahead of CHOGM. The topics are then commented and subsequently endorsed for the event.
What is the CHOGM 2011 theme?
The theme for CHOGM 2011 is “Building global resilience, building national resilience”. The theme will guide the CHOGM agenda and discussions in parallel forums.
Why is CHOGM important?
CHOGM provides a unique forum to pursue trade and investment opportunities, reinforce our strong people-to-people links and promote our shared values. Hosting CHOGM 2011 provides a great opportunity for Australians to learn more about the Commonwealth.
