Image credit: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Australia, via www.mca.com.au.

SYDNEY SCHOLARSHIP PRE-DEPARTURE NETWORKING RECEPTION

Wednesday 18 February 2026
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)
Level 6, 140 George Street, The Rocks, NSW, 2000, Australia (map)

The New Colombo Plan Secretariat invites 2026 New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholars from NSW and ACT to attend a Scholar Pre-Departure Reception in Sydney.

This reception forms part of the pre-departure program and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow scholars and NCP alumni, and to engage with representatives from academic, diplomatic and business communities. The event will include a welcome to country and brief remarks, followed by informal networking. 

Light refreshments will be provided. 

Dress code: Business casual

Arrival and sign in

Please plan to arrive at 6pm sharp to allow time for registration prior to the event commencing.

Bring a copy of your photo ID for registration. To enter the Harbourside Room, use MCA entrance 1 and take the admin lifts to level 6, demonstrated in the diagram below. 

Travel and accommodation information 

Scholars are expected to attend the reception in their allocated state. Scholars who are based outside Greater Sydney are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation using the most cost-effective and direct route. To check if your location is within Greater Sydney, click here.

Eligible scholars will receive a fixed travel allowance, calculated based on the location details provided during registration (for example, a campus location or home location for scholars undertaking online study). The travel allowance is intended to cover reasonable travel and budget accommodation costs. Scholars are responsible for managing this allowance. 

Once travel and accommodation arrangements have been made, scholars are required to submit booking confirmations for transport and accommodation through the Travel Allowance Agreement form. A link to this form will be emailed to you.  

If you experience delays or unavoidable cancellations on the day of travel, please contact the NCP MASS emergency contact on 0431 518 070 or email ncp@thepalladiumgroup.com. 

Accommodation booking tips

To help you plan your stay: 

  • consider accommodation in or near the city centre or inner suburbs with public transport access 

  • booking early may help secure lower rates 

  • check public transport options when selecting accommodation, particularly for evening travel 

  • ensure your accommodation allows for timely arrival to and departure from the event 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This event is for invited 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholars who have been allocated to attend the reception in this city.

  • Scholars may only attend the reception event to which they are allocated and cannot apply to attend events in other locations. 

  • This event is closed for 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholars, NCP alumni and invited guests only. Friends, family members and additional guests are not permitted to attend. If you require a care or support worker to accompany you to the event, please contact ncp@thepalladiumgroup.com.

  • Business casual means neat, and professional clothing suitable for a workplace or networking event. Think tailored pants or a skirt, a collared shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. You don’t need a suit or tie, but avoid jeans, sneakers, or overly casual attire.

  • Scholars who are based outside Greater Sydney may be eligible for a fixed travel allowance. Eligibility is assessed using the location details provided during registration.

  • The allowance is a fixed amount intended to cover reasonable travel and budget accommodation costs. 

    • unspent funds do not need to be returned 

    • additional reimbursement will not be provided if costs exceed the allowance 

  • The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is in The Rocks, a short walk from Circular Quay. If you can't find reasonably priced options nearby, consider staying in adjacent areas with fast public transport access. Assess the public transport links available when booking your accommodation, including the Sydney Light Rail.

    Tips to keep accommodation costs down (Sydney): 

    Book early if possible — city rates can rise quickly around busy periods. 

    Prioritise places near public transport so you can get to Circular Quay easily, especially for evening travel.

  • Yes. Scholars are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation and submitting booking confirmations through the Travel Allowance Submission form.

  • If you experience delays or unavoidable cancellations on the day of travel, please contact the NCP MASS emergency contact on 0431 518 070 or email ncp@thepalladiumgroup.com.

  • The NCP is committed to inclusion and access for all participants. If you require additional support, please contact ncp@thepalladiumgroup.com as soon as possible.

  • Please plan to arrive at 6pm sharp to allow sufficient time for registration before the event commences.

  • Late arrivals will be accommodated where possible; however, entry during formal program segments may be managed by event staff to minimise disruption. 

  • If you are unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so your place can be offered to another guest. 

  • Attendance at this reception is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. Registration is required for those who wish to attend. 

  • Yes. If your travel plans change, please update your arrangements accordingly and provide revised booking confirmations if required.

  • Yes. Any additional costs associated with travel outside the event schedule are your responsibility and are not covered by the travel allowance. 

  • Yes. Scholars may choose to share accommodation; however, the travel allowance remains fixed and is not adjusted.

  • Parking costs are not reimbursed for scholars attending the event. 

    If you are based within Greater Sydney and choose to drive, you are responsible for all parking costs, including casual parking, event parking or parking fines.

  • Public transport and rideshare costs are not reimbursed for scholars who are based within Greater Sydney (depending on the event location). Scholars who are based outside Greater Sydney and are eligible for a fixed travel allowance are responsible for managing all travel costs within that allowance. Additional reimbursement will not be provided if costs exceed the allowance. 

    If you are based outside of Greater Sydney and choose to drive, you may use your Travel Allowance to cover parking costs. The amount of your Travel Allowance is fixed, and you are responsible for managing all travel costs within that allowance.

  • Light refreshments will be provided. Please ensure any dietary requirements are noted during registration. Please remember to bring Photo ID as alcohol will be served at this event and venue staff may check your photo ID before serving.

  • A cloakroom is available in the MCA ground floor lobby. Please follow guidance from event staff on arrival.

  • We recommend bringing only essential items. Storage space may be limited and we cannot guarantee that we can store your luggage safely on site. We recommend you leave luggage at your accommodation.  

  • Event staff will be available throughout the evening. If you require assistance, please speak to staff on arrival or during the event.

  • Yes. All scholars are expected to act in accordance with the NCP Code of Conduct during this event.

  • Please notify event staff immediately. Support is available, and your wellbeing is a priority.

  • For attendees travelling from the ACT, bus services are the most affordable option to travel to Sydney. The NCP travel allowance for ACT-based attendees has been calculated based on a return bus trip between Canberra and Sydney. If you choose an alternative travel method, any additional costs beyond the allowance will need to be covered by the attendee.

  • For attendees travelling from Newcastle, train or bus services are the most affordable options to travel to Sydney. The NCP travel allowance for Newcastle-based attendees has been calculated based on the cost of a return bus or train trip between Newcastle and Sydney.


    If you choose an alternative travel method, any additional costs beyond the allowance will need to be covered by the attendee.