The major yearly gathering for Australia’s independent media will begin in Melbourne today, April 7, with the opening of the 2006 Freelance Journalism Convention. Read all the news and reports from the convention including contributions from featured speakers at the Freelance Convention Blog.

More than 150 writers, journalists, photographers and filmmakers will gather at Melbourne's Medina Grand this weekend and attend the Melbourne Media Dinner to launch the Alliance's 2006 Press Freedom Program.

Acclaimed international correspondent Phillip Knightley heads the weekend’s line-up at the Melbourne Media Dinner. Other speakers include award-winning documentary maker and author Bob Connolly; writer and author Gideon Haigh, international freelance journalist and author John Martinkus; editorial director of The Australian Women’s Weekly, Deborah Thomas; Good Weekend writer Mark Dapin; author Sophie Cunningham and ABC Australian Story’s Belinda Hawkins and more.

Freelancers Sharon Mascall and Alison Aprhys will join the Alliance’s first Freelance Convention Blog. So for those who couldn’t make this year’s convention, head to this year’s blog for all the news straight from the convention.

Registrations can still be made at the convention or call 1300 65 65 13 to book your place.

The Ninth Annual Freelance Convention will be held at the Medina Grand, 189 Queen St, Melbourne, from April 7-9, 2006.