FAQ:
General Amaranth:
What is Amaranth?
When is Amaranth?
Where is Amaranth held? How do I get there?
What is at Amaranth?
What food is there at Amaranth?
What if I have special food requirements?
What kind of music is there?
What competitions are there?
What are the Prizes?
Will there be Alcohol? Why not?
Why must attendees be aged 16 and over at the time of Amaranth?
Will there be merchandise at Amaranth?
Does Amaranth have a “Lost and Found”?
What can or should I wear at Amaranth?
Dress Code:
Masks
General Code
Contact:
What does signing up to the mailing list do?
What is Amaranth News?
How do I sign up to the mailing list and/or Amaranth News?
Will I need to check my e-mail?
What if I have any other questions?
Registration:
When does registration close?
Is there on-the-day registration for Amaranth?
Do I have to wear a membership badge while at Amaranth?
What are invitations and what are they for?
Can I register multiple people at once?
What if I am under 16 years of age?
How long does it take to process my mailed-in registration form and payment?
What if I forget/don’t have my confirmation details?
I have registered, when and where do I get my invitation?
What do I need to bring to Amaranth to get in?
What form of ID can I use when collecting my badge (and proving my age)?
Can I use my School, TAFE or University card?
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
What is a certified photocopy; how do I obtain one?
What if I don’t have any ID or a birth certificate that can verify my age?
Why was the payment(s) for my membership rejected/returned?
Can I change from a single membership to a syndicate membership?
If I can’t attend Amaranth anymore, can I transfer my membership to my friend, who can?
Amaranth Exchange and Refund Policy:
Cancellation of Amaranth
Change of date or venue
When are refunds and exchanges not offered?
What happens if I believe I have special circumstances?
How do I find out about changes to events, competitions or memberships of Manifest?
How do I obtain a refund?
Method of refund
Can I exchange my membership?
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
Privacy Policy
General Amaranth:
What is Amaranth?
Amaranth is an event held by Manifest on the Thursday prior to the usual three days of the Melbourne Anime Festival. It is, in a way, the Manifest formal; although you are not required to be a part of Manifest to be part of Amaranth, nor are you required to be a part of Amaranth to be part of Manifest. It is a unique dinner-dance event, including (though not strictly limited to) Japanese music, Japanese-style Cosplay, games and sub-events.
When is Amaranth?
As mentioned earlier, Amaranth is held on the Thursday prior to the main part of the Melbourne Anime Festival. This year (2008), Amaranth will be held on Thursday, September 25th. The event will commence at 6.30pm and will conclude at 10.30pm. You are welcome to “hang around” after the event has concluded, however you will not be allowed on the venue. (I.e. you may walk around the Docklands with other attendees.)
Where is Amaranth held? How do I get there?
Amaranth 2008 will be held at BlueFire Churrascaria Grill & Bar (Link), situated by the Docklands, in the New Quay region. It is a short tram ride from City Central, and is most easily accessed by catching the #48 Tram from Flinders Street Station. Catch the tram down Flinders Street and get off at stop D10, then walk southwest down Docklands Drive. Turn left at Doepel Way and continue straight until you reach the docks. The restaurant will be directly to your right.
Alternatively, if you are coming from Parliament Railway Station, Southern Cross Railway Station (formerly known as Spencer Street), or anywhere else on Bourke Street, you can catch the #86 tram. Get on at Tram stop #9 from Parliament Station; stop #6 if you're on Swanston Street; and stop #1 or #120 if you're at Southern Cross Station, depending on which Southern Cross exit you're at (stop #1 for Bourke Street, stop #120 for Lonsdale Street). Get off at the stop D2 (corner of La Trobe and Harbour Esplanade) and walk along the docks (board walk) the rest of the way.
If you are driving, there is also parking open to the public on Doepel Way and Docklands Drive. (Melways Reference page 2E, D4)
Please note that no tram other than the #86 runs down La Trobe Street after 6.30 pm; so if you are catching a train, it is not advised to get off at Flagstaff Railway Station.
Please refer to the map here for locations of parking and tram stops. If you are still unsure how to get there feel free to contact us.
What is at Amaranth?
At Amaranth there will be a dinner, dance-floor, and DJ. At this point in time, other events to be held during the night are yet to be confirmed. Amaranth 2007 held various events including a band performance, a king and queen competition, a raffle, and more. You may expect similar things at Amaranth 2008.
What food is there at Amaranth?
At Amaranth 2008 all attendees can expect canapés, and a two course meal. The meal will include a main, and a dessert. The menu is yet to be confirmed, however, you can check out the BlueFire website to get an idea of what kind of food may be served on the night.
What if I have special food requirements?
Attendees' food requirements are always taken into careful consideration when choosing the menu. You just have to let us know when you register – but please double check that we have it all right when we confirm your registration.
What kind of music is there?
The music at Amaranth 2007 included Japanese pop and rock, various anime themes, as well as a variety of popular western music. The play list for Amaranth 2008 has not been finalized, but you can expect a similar variety of music.
What competitions are there?
Competitions at Amaranth 2007 included the King and Queen competition, a dance competition, as well as a raffle. The competitions for Amaranth 2008 are still to be confirmed, but you can expect similar competitions and/or others.
What are the Prizes?
Prizes have yet to be decided for Amaranth 2008. Amaranth 2007’s prizes consisted of hampers including various Japanese merchandise, comics and animations, as well as Nintendo DS games.
Will there be Alcohol? Why not?
There will be no alcohol at Amaranth 2008. Amaranth would like to keep itself as a 16+ event, and it would be unfair if only some attendees could drink while others could not.
Why must attendees be aged 16 and over at the time of Amaranth?
We would like to ensure that Amaranth is both as safe and as fun as possible for all attendees. If Amaranth were to open attendance to those under the age of 16, they would be required to be supervised by a legal guardian at all times.
Will there be merchandise at Amaranth?
We currently do not have any plans to sell anything on the night of Amaranth, though this is yet to be decided. Amaranth merchandise may possibly be available at Manifest; however this is also yet to be decided.
Does Amaranth have a “Lost and Found”?
If any attendee finds any item during the event, please take the found item to the cloak room. If, during the night you lose an item, check the cloak room. If your item is not there, try to find an Amaranth staff member. If there is a spare moment we will try to make an announcement to see if any of the guests have seen your item; otherwise we will ensure to keep a look-out for the item throughout the night. If, after the event you still have not found your missing item, or discovered that you have misplaced an item, e-mail us with a description of the item. We will get back to you as soon as possible in regards to whether or not we found your missing item at the venue, after all attendees had left.
What can or should I wear at Amaranth?
At Amaranth you may wear cosplay, formal attire, or alternate fashions. Please endeavour to wear suitable clothing, keeping in mind safety issues, etc. For further information, see the dress code section later, on this page.
Dress Code:
This event allows both cosplay and regular formal attire, however there are a few things to consider when choosing what to wear. Here are some guidelines as to what is suitable or unsuitable. If you have any queries about what's listed here, feel free to contact us.
Masks
It is not compulsory to wear a mask. However, if you are not cosplaying or wearing some sort of alternative fashion (e.g. gothic lolita), you are encouraged to wear a mask to fit in to the atmosphere of the event.
General Code
As this is a semi-formal to formal event, please ensure that you wear something that is suitable in such an event. If common sense is used, then there will be little trouble. However, if you are still unsure about things, here are some general guidelines. In compliance with these guidelines, your attire must also abide by the Attendees’ Code of Conduct.
- No casual street clothing unless wearing cosplay. (E.g. t-shirt, cargos, cut/dirty jeans, etc.)
- Formal or semi-formal attire is greatly encouraged.
- Footwear must be worn.
- Do not wear anything that is an obstruction to others or yourself. (E.g. Pikachus, Domo-kuns, Kons, Evangelions, etc.)
- No weapons or large items. (E.g. Large wings, life-size FFVII Cloud swords, etc. You may bring the item, but we'll just make you put it in the cloakroom.)
- Inappropriate attire and use of clothing will not be accepted (E.g. wearing underpants over your head is not proper.)
- Modesty in showing skin. (E.g. if it's inappropriate to wear in public, it will not be appropriate to wear to the ball.)
- Have fun!
Contact:
What does signing up to the mailing list do?
By signing up to the mailing list, you will receive very important updates, such as how things will work on the night. These updates will likely become more frequent as the event approaches.
What is Amaranth News?
Amaranth News is Amaranth’s bi-weekly newsletter. It contains little updates and information about Amaranth, including the time and release of postcards, posters; profiles of Amaranth team members; information on the venue, etc.
How do I sign up to the mailing list and/or Amaranth News?
To subscribe to the mailing list, please send an email titled "subscribe to list" to amaranth@manifest.org.au. This will mean that you receive occasional, important updates. If you would like receive Amaranth News, our fortnightly newsletter, as well as receive the very important updates, send an e-mail titled, “subscribe to Amaranth News," instead.
Will I need to check my e-mail?
Amaranth will send information such as confirmation of your registration details and any changes about the event to your e-mail. It would be highly unfortunate if you did not receive these details. While it is not absolutely necessary to check your e-mails regularly, we highly advise to do so more frequently as the event approaches.
What if I have any other questions?
If, at any time, you have any further queries, feel free to e-mail us at amaranth@manifest.org.au. Please send any suggestions and comments that you may have to this e-mail as well.
Registration:
When does Registration close?
Registration for Amaranth closes on Friday 29th of August for syndicates, and Friday the 5th of September for single memberships. If you are a syndicate, you are advised to register well in advance to ensure that your syndicate can be seated together. To ensure you do not completely miss out, please try to send in your registrations as soon as possible. We advise to keep in mind that mail can sometimes take up to three or more days to arrive, depending on your location of sending, so send your registrations in early to avoid any delays that might prevent you from being able to attend.
Is there on-the-day registration for Amaranth?
Unfortunately Amaranth will not take on-the-day registrations. Amaranth needs to have a certain number of things tailored for each attendee, including seating arrangements, place cards, show bags, food, etc. This requires much planning and exact numbers well before the event. Unfortunately, as a result, it is unreasonable that Amaranth is able to accept on-the-day registrations, so please register as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
Do I have to wear a membership badge while at Amaranth?
Unlike Manifest, Amaranth does not have membership badges. Soon after registration closes, you will receive an invitation through the post. Please bring this to the event, and, when asked, ensure that you are able to access your invitation to prove that you are a registered attendee.
What are invitations and what are they for?
Invitations are, well, quite frankly, invitations. Soon after registration closes, we will send these out all registered members through the post. This allows you entry to Amaranth. Please keep it and bring it to Amaranth on the night along with your ID so that we can let you in.
Can I register multiple people at once?
No individual is permitted to register another individual for Amaranth 2008, unless they are registering an attendee aged 17 and under. The reason for this is that each individual is required to read the terms and conditions of entry (known as our Code of Conduct), and is required to agree to it.
If you wish to pay for multiple people or send registrations together (i.e. in a syndicate), we recommend you mail in a group of forms that each individual has filled out, and include your payment with this mail.
You can also pay for multiple registrations simply by including all the relevant references on your (Australia Post) Money Order or Cheque.
What if I am under 16 years of age?
Unfortunately, if you are under 16 years of age at the time of Amaranth, we are unable to permit you to attend the event; however we urge you to keep the event in mind. Amaranth aims to become an annual event and we hope to see you in future years.
How long does it take to process my mailed-in registration form and payment?
Without taking into account the time it will take for your mail to reach us, Amaranth will endeavour to process all mailed-in forms and payment within 5 working days. If, after 10 working days, you have not received any confirmation of registration or problems with your registration (via e-mail), please e-mail us straight away to clear up whatever has happened to your mailed-in registration.
What if I forget/don’t have my confirmation details?
If you have lost your confirmation details, please e-mail us with your registration (personal) details, and we will attempt to re-issue you with your confirmation details via e-mail, or by post (only as required, and where appropriate).
I have registered, when and where do I get my invitation?
Soon after registration closes, we will send you an invitation via posted mail. Please bring this to the event. Once you arrive at the venue, please make your way to the registration desk, where we will process your details to let you in, as well as present you with materials such as Amaranth show bags.
What do I need to bring to Amaranth to get in?
You will be required to bring correct Identification (ID) as well as your invitation.
What form of ID can I use when collecting my badge (and proving my age)?
The registration process will be smoothest on each of you, our attendees, should your Identification contain: your full name, a photograph of yourself, and your date of birth (or identifies your age). Examples of Identification(s) that will be accepted most easily include: a current Australian Driver’s License or permit, passport, Proof of Age Card, Key Pass Card, Photo ID accompanied with a Birth Certificate.
Manifest is required to check the age of our attendees to verify if attendees are aged over 16 or over 18. This is because Amaranth, as part of Manifest, has different legal and insurance obligations to each of these age groups of attendees.
Can I use my School, TAFE or University card?
If this form of identification contains your full name, a photo of yourself, and your date of birth (or age) and follows the standards of your institutions identification system, we will accept these as a proof of who you are.
Most School, TAFE and University cards do not regularly contain people’s ages or their date of birth; if this is the case, we strongly suggest you bring along your birth certificate in order to prove your age, otherwise you may be refused entry, without entitlement to a refund.
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
Only certified photocopies of birth certificates will be accepted.
What is a certified photocopy; how do I obtain one?
A certified photocopy is a photocopy that has been verified – signed, dated and stamped with an official stamp – by a person in any of the following positions of authority: a minister or religion, a medical doctor, a pharmacist, a member of the police force, or a notary public. The simplest way to go about it is to take your original birth certificate and photocopy/copies of your birth certificate to a local pharmacist or police station.
What if I don’t have any ID or a birth certificate that can verify my age?
For all attendees, you must have acceptable photo identification and prove your date of birth/age to us at the time of entering Amaranth. If you do not have any identification that supports you are aged 16 or over, you will be regarded by us as underage. As such we will be required to refuse you entry, and you will not be entitled to any refund.
Why was the payment(s) for my membership rejected/returned?
We return or reject payments that are unidentifiable by us. This means that we will reject any Money Orders or Cheques that do not indicate whom or what the payment is for. Where we are able, we will return Money Orders or Cheques to their originating destination.
If we are unable to offer you a place at Amaranth (reasons may include, but are not limited to: selling out or late registration) we will also return your payment where plausible.
Can I change from a single membership to a syndicate membership?
Unfortunately, as soon as payments are processed, they can no longer be refunded without incurring the $10 refund fee. As a result, a $5 refund to change from a single membership to a syndicate membership would be more costly than remaining as a single member. However, if you wish to be seated with a certain group of friends, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
If I can’t attend Amaranth anymore, can I transfer my membership to my friend, who can?
All Amaranth memberships are non-transferable. This means that you will not be able to transfer your membership to your friend. You may, however, claim a refund for being unable to attend Amaranth 2008. Please refer to the Refund and Exchange Policy to see if you may be eligible, and then contact us with your issue. If your friend would still like to attend they will be required to make their own, new registration.
If I don’t have enough people to make a syndicate, can I still sit with my less then 6 friends?
Yes, availability permitting. If this applies to you, please e-mail us and request to be seated with your friend/s; we will do our best to seat you together with them. If you wish to do so, however, we advise that you and your friends register early and inform us about preferred seating arrangements as soon as possible. As spaces become limited, we will be less able to seat all people together.
Amaranth Refund and Exchange Policy:
The Conditions of Attendance provide the circumstances under which refunds or exchanges will be offered by Manifest Organising Committee Incorporated (“us”) to purchasers of memberships (“you”) to the Amaranth Anime Ball. We have set out the following information in further detail to ensure that you are able to understand easily the policy in relation to refunds and exchanges.
Cancellation of Amaranth
If Amaranth is cancelled, we will refund the face value of the membership.
Change of date or venue
If Amaranth is rescheduled to another date or venue, we will offer you the opportunity to exchange the membership for a membership of the same or lower face value to the rescheduled Amaranth. In some circumstances we may refund the face value of the membership.
When are refunds and exchanges not offered?
Refunds and exchanges are not available:
- If after Amaranth has started and it is cancelled for any reason, including due to inclement weather.
- If there is a change to Amaranth in which specific events and /or competitions are cancelled, postponed, begin before or later then the scheduled period of time, run shorter or longer then the scheduled period of time then originally advertised. These are all matters which may change between the time when you purchased your membership, and the time Amaranth is held.
- If you experience a change in your personal circumstances or you change your mind.
If you do not attend Amaranth on the night without prior application for a refund. (i.e. last minute decision to not attend) - If you refuse a search of you and / or your possessions at the time of entry to the venue.
- If you re-sell, offer to re-sell, or give away your membership.
- If you receive an invitation or invitations that you did not purchase.
- If you do not provide suitable and valid identification.
What happens if I believe I have special circumstances?
In addition to the above, if you believe you have a valid enquiry in relation to a request for a refund or exchange, please e-mail us. We will review your request and confirm if a refund or exchange is available. Each request is considered on an individual basis.
In the event that the above policy has not otherwise dealt with a matter appropriately, we naturally are committed to complying with all laws. This means that if you are entitled to a refund or exchange under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Commonwealth), Fair Trading Act 1999 (Victoria) or any other relevant legislation for any reason, we will ensure that you receive it.
How do I find out about changes to events, competitions or memberships of Amaranth?
All events, competitions and memberships are published with the most up to date information available at the time.
We will ensure that all changes are published on the official Manifest website, under the Amaranth section. If you are subscribed to the mailing list, any important changes will be automatically e-mailed to you.
How do I obtain a refund?
If we confirm you are entitled to a refund, refunds will be processed within 20 working days upon receipt of your request. All refunds will be charged a fee of $10 for each membership purchased. If contact is necessary, this will be done according contact details provided within your original registration. You will be removed from the list of registered members and, hence, will no longer be able to attend the event. This will apply, even if you present an invitation on the night.
Method of refund
The face value (minus the refund fee) of the membership purchased using a cheque / money order will be refunded via a cheque posted to the address provided on the original application form unless you instruct otherwise.
Can I exchange my membership?
Unfortunately, as soon as payments are processed, they can no longer be refunded without incurring the $10 refund fee. As a result, a $5 refund to change from a single membership to a syndicate membership would be more costly than remaining as a single member. However, if you wish to be seated with a certain group of friends, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your request. If there is a change in venue, your original invitation will serve as an invitation to the changed date, and no exchange process is required.
Occupational Health and Safety:
Amaranth is committed to meeting its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (the OH&S Act). The most efficient and effective way to reduce the human and financial costs associated with work-related injury and illness is through a strategic focus on prevention.
Amaranth is committed to creating and maintaining an environment where committee and volunteers work co-operatively to ensure a safe and healthy convention is provided for all committee, volunteers, attendees and third parties.
For further information, see Manifest’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
Privacy Policy:
Amaranth respects and is committed to protecting your privacy. We are bound by the National Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988. For further information, see Manifest’s Privacy Policy by which Amaranth will also follow.