The MERGA 46 conference will be held at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Queensland, 30 June to 4 July 2024. This is the week immediately prior to ICME–15 in Sydney, and transport to and from the Gold Coast is easy from the Gold Coast airport.

The Gold Coast is the land of the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh Language Region. The Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth largest city - the nation’s favourite playground and a world-class must-visit destination. The Gold Coast's star attraction is its beaches, including the world-renowned stretch of sand at Surfers Paradise. Beyond the beaches, discover laid-back neighbourhoods, a booming culinary scene and the Gold Coast's famous theme parks. And be sure to leave enough time for a trip into the subtropical hinterland for rainforest walks and waterfalls.

If you have never been to the Gold Coast before, or haven’t been here for a while, there is always plenty to explore and discover in this place known for its historical abundance and ever-evolving opportunities. Some of the things to do on the Gold Coast include:

• Enjoy the famous beaches and surfing. They don’t call it the Gold Coast for nothing. Here you’ll find more than 70 kilometres (44 miles) of golden sand with waves to catch, sun to soak up and seaside pubs to enjoy. Check out the best of the Coast’s sun-drenched beaches.
• Get your adrenaline fix at the theme parks. The Gold Coast is a playground for all ages. Find your thrill atop rollercoasters and waterslides, and watch the kids squeal with delight as they meet their favourite movie hero. Find out which Gold Coast park is perfect for you.
• Explore the lush Gold Coast hinterland. Within the forested hinterland lies a whole new side to the Gold Coast. You’ll find charming mountain villages, epic treks and small-batch wineries and breweries waiting to be discovered. Find the best experiences in the Gold Coast hinterland.
• Visit a local brewery or distillery. There’s no better place to quench your thirst on a sunny afternoon than at a local brewery or distillery. Discover the many Gold Coast beachside brewhouses award-winning beers and creative spirits in just about every suburb.
• Have the family engage in kid-friendly activities. The Gold Coast is one big playground. Theme parks, zipline adventures, surf lessons, glow worm caves and more will keep the whole family entertained. If you’re headed on holiday with kids in tow, here’s your kid-friendly guide to the Gold Coast.

Welcome from the MERGA46 Co-Chairs

Professor Peter Grootenboer

Griffith Institute for Educational Research
Griffith University, and Co-Chair, MERGA46

Dr Kym Fry

Griffith Institute for Educational Research
Griffith University, and Co-Chair, MERGA46

Jingeri Jimbelung! Welcome to the 46th Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA) Conference to be held on the land of the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh Language Region, also known as the Gold Coast. The Kombumerri, or 'Salt Water' people, lived off the land and the water as the first people to the Gold Coast region. The Yugambeh language people are the traditional custodians of the land located in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, now within the Logan City, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Tweed City regions whose ancestors all spoke one or more dialects of the Yugambeh Language.

MERGA46 takes place 30 June to 4 July 2024 and is hosted by Griffith University, Gold Coast campus. We acknowledge that Country has always been a place of teaching, research and learning for Kombumerri people. We hope you are excited to surf the waves of mathematics education with us at the Gold Coast!

Peter and Kym

Welcome from the MERGA President

Professor Katie Makar

School of Education, University of Queensland, and President, Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia

Welcome! I look forward to seeing you at the 46th annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA46)! MERGA has a long tradition of gathering together as a colleagues to share and discuss developments in mathematics education research. Whether you are an early career or experienced researcher, a teacher, or anyone interested in research in mathematics education, the MERGA46 conference is the place for you. The theme of the conference, Surfing the Waves of Mathematics Education is of special importance as it reflects the strength of MERGA as a modern organisation committed to living and learning. I am excited for us to see one another again, to welcome newcomers and to shape the future of mathematics education together!

Katie