Report in the Australian Newspaper: (I’ve been quoted!)
THEY came from everywhere, the true unbelievers: from Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, New Zealand and beyond. There was a honeymooning couple from North Carolina who had met on an atheist internet site; and two friends from rural NSW, both extroverted women who had been raised Catholics and were now seriously annoyed with it.
An Iranian man who had seen unspeakable things done in the name of religion asked a speaker, philosopher A.C. Grayling, how it was that humans could be so kind and yet torture and kill each other.
An Iraqi who migrated to Australia 40 years ago gave $4000 of his money to support this unusual gathering: the 2010 Global Atheists Convention, held in Melbourne at the weekend.
The idea of atheists congregating seems counterintuitive. After all, they are defined only by an absence, a belief they don’t have. But congregate they did, their numbers reaching 2500 yesterday, at the Melbourne Convention Centre on a perfect autumn day…
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What a marvellous write up! It’s good to finally see one that isn’t cringe-inducing.
My dearly beloved and I came down from northern Victoria to the convention and just wanted to say how much we enjoyed it. Unfortunately only came on the Sunday due to lack of funds but wish we’d thrown caution to the winds and signed up for the whole shindig! It was magnificently organised, well catered (as one who organises meetings and training I know the importance of good food!) and very relaxed. Not sure you would have been though!!
Yes, the old ‘an army runs on its stomach’, I agree!
I was so busy, I tucked a sandwich in my bag and nibbled on it backstage when I had the chance, but was glad to see many people were well-catered for. 
I think I may have eaten too many of those delicious cookies.
Good thing I had such a long walk back to the YHA every day.
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