Hi Alan,
I live in Australia but am currently in Washington DC, meeting up (again) with Rogue Mother. Last night during dinner, we talked about the possibility of organizing a get together, perhaps in Melbourne to make it easy for you. Everyone could book their own travel arrangements so it would not become a planning nightmare. Perhaps you could recommend a few different hotels of varying standards near whatever venue you choose.
Many people I meet during my travels say they would love to visit Australia - perhaps this could be the catalyst they need to prompt them to actually visit our diverse country.
Leaving it to you to ponder and decide yay or nay ...
Rhino