Mercon Australia

[Mermaid Amelia]

Just in case somebody missed it we have created a new Facebook group dedicated to the merfolk meet up in Busselton WA. "Mercon Australia" will be the first Australian nation wide merfolk convention to be held 25th -27th of November 2016. We currently have a loose itinerary of activities which can be viewed on the pinned post. We do have some other activities planned but not yet confirmed so please be aware this itinerary may change. Some of the activities we have currently planned take advantage of the location and the natural beauty of Busselton's white Sandy beaches and two kilometer Jetty. Please be aware that the old facebook group "merquest" will eventually be deleted as to avoid confusion. If you have any questions I urge you look at the information on the facebook group first as that is where we will doing most of our communication. You can comment on here but I can't guarantee I will get back to you in a timely fashion [emoji14]

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[Fifi Tigg]

It's going to be awesome! A adventure filled weekend! :D

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Changed my mind. Not going. Not saving. Water too deep. Sharks. Sea snakes. Just scary ocean life I don't want be near. And the water. Too deep for my abilities.

[Fifi Tigg]

I have said it once and I will say it again.
I have been swimming in the ocean since I was born and have never been in any danger from any creature!
Im disappointed in you Mermaid Jaff for doing all this fear mongering behaviour since you are a mermaid and should appreciate and love the creatures of the ocean.
We do not live on an island with no shore line and we will be swimming in shallow waters and deep water if you want to.
I'm asking you kindly to stop all this scare tactics. Kind regards Fifi

[Mermaid Amelia]

Changed my mind. Not going. Not saving. Water too deep. Sharks. Sea snakes. Just scary ocean life I don't want be near. And the water. Too deep for my abilities.
Hi Mermaid Jaffa, I assume you are talking about the jetty swim on day two? This is just one activity out of many and I think it would be a shame to dismiss the whole event due to just one activity. True we will be at the beach for most of the time, but the water is calm and very safe. You don't have to go any deeper than you comfortable with. Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches and oceans in the world and as Mermaids I think it is our responsibility to share and advocate for this beauty on our doorstep.

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oh I do love the ocean. I just don't want to be in deep water. I have to be realistic especially when it comes to my swimming ability. The sea creatures aside, I've only swam in the ocean and deep water 2 times in my entire life of living in Australia. I've been here for 40yrs. So suddenly going into much deeper waters, is something that terrifies me. I know I said I wanted to come and meet everyone, but the thought of swimming somewhere where my feet can't touch the bottom, nor have enough breath hold to go back to the surface, and yes, I have been practicing swimming and holding breath. Its just something I'm not willing to be casual about. I know my limits in terms of health and abilities, yea, just not something I want to put myself in danger for.

And swimming in a place I've never been to, with a bunch of strangers. Yes I know yous all from mernetwork, but we're not outside friends. How do I know you can help me or not if I get in trouble?

[Fifi Tigg]

Oh I do love the ocean. I just don't want to be in deep water. I have to be realistic especially when it comes to my swimming ability. The sea creatures aside, I've only swam in the ocean and deep water 2 times in my entire life of living in Australia. I've been here for 40yrs. So suddenly going into much deeper waters, is something that terrifies me. I know I said I wanted to come and meet everyone, but the thought of swimming somewhere where my feet can't touch the bottom, nor have enough breath hold to go back to the surface, and yes, I have been practicing swimming and holding breath. Its just something I'm not willing to be casual about. I know my limits in terms of health and abilities, yea, just not something I want to put myself in danger for.
not sure if you read Amelia's post but we are only doing one deep water swim and the rest of the time will be in the shallows, we will have photography for people who do not wish to go deep at the same time so no one misses out.
we want to make sure that everyone no matter what level they are at will be taken care of. :D x

[The Water Phoenix]

I'm gonna convince my parents to let me go! :)

[Mermaid Maia]

This sounds amazing!! I'm always wanted to venture out to the west coast and now I have the perfect reason!

Thanks for doing all this organising. It's going to be great <3

[Kait]

I want to attend so bad, I think it's going to be amazing!!!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I don't know if I've said already, I'm an epileptic. I had many Grand Mal seizures when I was little, according to my Mum, they were so severe and often that my big brother broke her stop watch when asked to time me. I soon grew out if it in my teens and only ever had one "moment" 3 yrs ago, when I was an unfit adult running for the bus. I blanked out on the bus and luckily the bus driver knew what to do and sat me down. When I came to, the bus was still at my stop and the bus driver said he didn't want to go until he felt I was better.

Which brings us all to modern times, as you all know I was very excited to want to go the MerQuest Australia. I was thinking how much to save and what to bring etc. Eager to meet everyone and all excited! Until I thought of that day at the bus stop. I know people are nice and I know they mean well and we look out for each other. Aside from the evil sea creatures out to get me, I want people to have a great time there and not think they have to look after me, just because I explained so. Who knows what being in a strange place will do to me? So that is why I am not going to the event, I'll be content to have my cuties (lifeguards) wrapped around my little fins at my local pool.

[suzanne86]

Contentment is a Buddhist virtue. :-)

[TheMermanDan]

Oh Man, this looks brilliant. I think I have watched every youtube video of the recent one in the states.

I am counting on my tax return this year to get me there. Also I am about to purchase my first pro tail soon. This event sounds brilliant and a big thank you goes out to those hosting it. I have run a number of events and I know how much work goes into all the planning. Thank you.

Also, snaps for getting a snapper to take underwater photos for the event!

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

I'm not familiar with mercon. I'll research online and see what its about.

Not sure if I could make it WA by the arranged date. Thanks for hosting it Amelia sounds amazing.

[Sapphire Mermaid]

Guys :'( I won't be int he country for this! Do you know how sad this makes me?!?! UGH! :cry:

[Fifi Tigg]

**NEW IMPORTANT INFO**


Hello finned friends!


We have finally locked in some more activities for Mercon this November! We are so excited to share this all with you and hope it persuades you to come visit us in the lovely blue waters of Busselton, Western Australia.


After much thought and many brainstorms we decided that we wanted Mercon to be about YOU. It isn’t going to be a publicised festival where we perform for the public or sell tickets to make money. We aren’t all performers and we care more about meeting and getting to know each other and celebrating our mutual interest in the ocean and everything mermaidy! That doesn’t mean we won’t attract some attention! A large group of mermaids is bound to cause a splash! There will be some costs involved to cover certain activities but everything is voluntary and kept to a minimum!


So without further ado here is some more information about the activities set out above!


Friday the 25th


Today starts quite casually. We will meet up on the beach at the Busselton Jetty for a chance to meet each other and have a bit of a splash. We will also have a little bit of a chat about a few of the activities on the next day. We want to make sure everyone is safe and knows to look out for each other!


We have also organised a session of the iconic mermaid film “Splash” to be screened at Busselton’s outdoor beach cinema thanks to the council. As it will be a community event the public will be welcome but at this stage it means that movie tickets will be free for us mers! Bring a picnic blanket if you can (or even your beach towel!) and grab some takeaway fish and chips to enjoy while watching!


Saturday the 26th


Today is a big day. We have a couple of wonderful photographers volunteer to come take some photos of us enjoying the water!


You have two choices:
a) A long walk or train ride to the end of the jetty where the water is clear and 8 metres deep. Here you can be shot by our underwater photographer. You can also bring a mask and enjoy the sealife and coral under the jetty! You must be a strong swimmer in order to do this and do so at your own risk! If you have a lot of experience in your tail, have freedive or scuba experience – this will be the adventure for you!
b) Or you can stay at the start of the jetty for a beautiful swim and photo shoot in the shallower crystal blue water. Under the jetty makes for a gorgeous backdrop, with pylons and rustic wood to pose and recline on. The perfect white beach sand also makes for beautiful photos – especially with that ocean for a backdrop!
Now for some fun later on in the day...


The Mermaid Cocktail Gala!


We have organised a great chance to glam up and socialise while also getting to experience the beautiful Busselton Underwater Observatory. Entry for viewing is normally $30-40 alone. For $59 each we have organised quite a few extra treats and some time for us mermaids to have the place to ourselves...


We leave the top of the Jetty at 5pm to catch the train to the end of the Jetty. On board we will have a glass of wine and some canapés.


At 5.20 we arrive at the end of the Jetty and have access to the Underwater Obseravatory to enjoy the wildlife beneath the jetty through several different windows on different levels. Down here we will be provided with bottled water and hope to put together a little presentation for you (it won’t be boring I promise!).


At 6.30 we return to the top of the observatory to grab a mermaid cocktail which we can enjoy at the end of the jetty while we mingle and watch the sunset.


We will then be provided with coffee and chocolate on the train ride back down the Jetty at 7pm!


Don’t worry under 18’s. You are still welcome and we will organise non-alcoholic options!


Sunday the 27th


What we have planned for Sunday is flexible but depending on interest and numbers we would like to introduce you to the friendly stingrays at Hamelin Bay an hour away from Busselton. Don’t worry we have bus hire lined up to get us all there together! The cost for you depends on numbers but we hope to keep it minimal! We plan on having lots of fun in the water here. Bring your go-pros and underwater cameras!


Let’s also get a fantastic group photo while we are here!
We are also planning to have a little fun with showing off what we have learned about each other this weekend by voting for some mermaid awards. Who was the class-clownfish this weekend? Who was Mer-congeniality?


Please bring a packed lunch that we can enjoy in the nearby national park before the hop back on the bus to Busselton.


After a bit of rest let’s get together once more for an evening BBQ on the beach to wind down and reflect on the weekend. We will also present the Mermaid Awards we voted on earlier!


More detailed information will be provided about times and places closer to the date. We will also have some forms to fill out once we start getting confirmations so that we can get to know who is coming!


ACCOMMODATION NOTE


This particular weekend is leavers/schoolies weekend in WA. These revellers mostly skip Busselton and go further south but many holiday parks and hotels often want to make sure that you aren’t a rowdy teenager when you book! If you are finding that accommodation looks booked out – try giving them a ring directly as they may just be screening for school leavers!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/427059944159144/

[Mermaid_Salacia]

I am so looking forward to meeting all you aussie mers!

[Asvel]

I'm located across the Tasman, but this seems like a good idea if I can get the weekend off...

[Merman Andrew]

I'm located across the Tasman, but this seems like a good idea if I can get the weekend off...
Just a heads up if you are planning to come please let the event organisers know asap (Fifi or Jess) or join the above Facebook group and leave a comment there. Hope you can make it!

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[Asvel]

Yeah, I made a request to join the facebook group, just waiting on that to be approved now. (Or declined, I guess.)

[Fifi Tigg]

Yeah, I made a request to join the facebook group, just waiting on that to be approved now. (Or declined, I guess.)
What's your name on Facebook?
We only decline people if they have no evidence of being a mermaid, we have had so many creepers trying to join so we checkout everyone's pages.
Its important to keep everyone safe.

[Mermaid Amelia]

The inaugural Australian Merfolk convention happened last weekend. Merfolk from all over Australia came together, many meeting each other for the first time. It was particular special to meet mers I have been talking to online in person and being able to give them a hug. The organizers of Mercon, Fifi, Jessica pearl and myself, would like to thank all the mers who made the journey to Busselton WA. None of us quite knew how it was going to play out but with almost everyone in our group being a team player, we had a magical weekend. Mercon will go ahead again in 2017, details of when and where are still being discussed. If you are interested in coming to our 2017 event please check out the Mercon Australia group on facebook. Photos from Mercon 2016 can be found on our Instagram @merconaustralia.

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[Mermaid Amelia]

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[Mermaid Amelia]

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[Mermaid Amelia]

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[Mermaid Kat]

Mercon Australia 2016 was a very lovely event. if you want to find out more feel free to read my blog article here: http://www.mermaidkatshop.com/mercon-australia-2016/

I hope to meet many new mers at Mercon 2017 <3

[Mermaid_Salacia]

So excited for Mercon 2017! It's coming up so quickly!

[user76213849809]

is there gonna be a mercon 2018? and how many people usually attend?

[Mermaid_Salacia]

There will be a mercon 2018, this time in NSW. It's best to join the facebook group for updates.

I can't recall official numbers but maybe 25 last year? It grows each year but is so much fun.

[Mermaid_Salacia]

Mercon will be back back back again in 2019 - this time in ADELAIDE!

As always, the facebook group is your number 1 go to but we now also have a website!!! https://merconaustralia.weebly.com/
check it out for details!