A conference entitled 'Circles of Compassion: Human-Animal Relationships, Welfare & Wellbeing' will be held on December 1-2 at Rydges Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon.

CQU's Dr Nik Taylor is calling for conference papers and roundtable proposals for the event.

"This conference aims to bring together academics, service providers, frontline workers and other interested parties to share information on links between human-directed abuse and animal-directed abuse," she said.

Dr Taylor she was particularly interested in submissions which dealt with the following areas:.

 Links between interpersonal violence (including domestic violence and child abuse) and harm to animals.

 Chilldhood attitudes to, and treatment of, animals and implications for adult behaviour.

 Links between relationships with animals and human health and well being (e.g., Humane Education & Animal Assisted Therapy).

 Policy implications and practice regarding the above.

Academic and community-based researchers, activists, service providers and frontline workers in human and/or animal welfare areas are invited to submit an abstract for either a 20-minute conference paper or proposals for roundtable discussions.

"It is particularly important that roundtable proposals focus on practical issues and the possibilities for new public policies and/or the future of interagency co-operation," Dr Taylor said.

Detailed registration information will be available in August.

At this stage please contact Dr Nik Taylor with either:.

 Abstract for paper presentation (up to 300 words; electronic format only).

 Suggestion for roundtable discussion topic and/or details of panel members.

Dr Nik Taylor is contactable via the School of Psychology & Sociology Phone: (07) 4930 9433, Fax: (07) 4930 6460 or Email: n.taylor@cqu.edu.au .