• Q: When Teams register for APOC, do all registrations need to be done at the same time? 

 

• A: It is easier for us administratively, if all team members do register at the same time. However, we also understand this is not always possible. So, you can add additional team members after the initial group is registered and closer to the event. However, if they register too late, we cannot guarantee we can provide shirts in the correct sizes, or even APOC shirts at all. 

 

• Q: Do parents/siblings usually attend? 

 

• A: Lots do and parents and siblings and spectators are always welcome to join the fun. Come and cheer on the teams that have worked so hard to make it to APOC.  

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• Q: Can people who have not registered (parents, family and other accompanying persons), attend the event and watch the competition?  

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• A: Yes, the event is open to the public. So, anyone can watch the competition for free. But only registered guests can join us at the other additional activities such as the Sydney Harbor Boat cruise or catch the bus transfers.  

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• Q: Can parents/siblings register for the full APOC experience?  

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• A: Absolutely, we always encourage siblings and parents to enjoy the whole APOC experience with their children.

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• Q: Can parents and other accompanying family just pay for a particular event they would like to attend?  

 

• A: Sometimes, if there is spare capacity we may open up the ability to attend a particular activity such as the boat cruise. However, these tickets will not be available until the last few weeks before the competition.

 

• Q: Can teams get materials and supplies shipped to the location ahead of time? 

 

• A: We do not have facilities to receive or store teams goods before the event. So teams will be required make other arrangements and bring any items they need on the day of the competition.  

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• Q: What is the set-up for the pits? How much space will we be given in the pits? 

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• A: Each team will be given a 2m x 2m space in the pits with a small single person examination table.  There will not be walls to hang things. Please assume you need to bring everything you need to create your space. Ie poles etc. 

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• Q: We have heard there will be a Cultural Performance night. What will this involve? 

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• A: For the Cultural Night teams can do a performance that showcases their country. It can be a song, dance, story or demonstration that engages the audience and teaches them about where they come from.  More details on this to follow. 

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• Q: What is the GST payment?

 

• A: The GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a mandatory government tax of 10% on top of the registration price, similar to VAT or TVA. This means that the final price per person comes to $418 AUD ($380 + $38 GST). 

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• Q: Do we need a VISA to enter Australia? If so, how do we get a support letter for our Australian visa application? 

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• A: If you are an international team, your team members will require a visa to enter Australia. Find information about the visa application process and check which visa type you require from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs here:  

  • 🔗  Determine which visa you require using Visa Finder: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder  

  • 🔗  Entering Australia overview: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia/overview  

• If your team requires a letter of support for your visa application, please download the following form from the FIRST Australia website here. Once you have completed the form please email it to fll@mq.edu.au. 

• To complete the visa support letter, you will need the following information from each participant covered by the application:  

  • Full legal name as it appears on your passport, including first, last and any middle names 

  • Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)  

  • Passport number 

  • Team role (Team member, Coach, Guardian) 

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• Please note that we require this information in the exact format outlined by the template to complete the visa support letter. Make sure to check this information carefully! 

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• Q: What is the schedule of events for APOC 2026?

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• A: The official schedule for the event has not yet been finalised and will be provided to teams as the event date approaches. Below is a rough draft* of the main activities on each day: 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Please note this information may be subject to change as the event approaches. Further updates will be communicated via email updates and in the official Team Event Guide which will be released in the coming weeks

• We recommend teams arrive in Sydney with plenty of time to adjust to the local time zone and prepare for the event. 

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Q: What is the optional 2026-2027 Season Enrichment Day? How do we get involved?

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• Stay an extra day (Monday 13 July) after the excitement of APOC 2026 and dive into the next season’s challenge before anyone else!  

• This 2026-2027 Season Enrichment Experience is a full-day, hands-on learning opportunity designed for FIRST LEGO League teams attending the 2026 Asia-Pacific Open Championship (APOC). 

• For more information and to express your interest, please see the FIRST Australia website. 

  • 🔗  Link: https://firstaustralia.org/first-lego-league-apoc#season-enrichment-day   

 

Please note: The option of staying an additional day incurs a separate catering cost of $30 AUD per person that will be paid through a second portal closer to the event. This cost will be on top of the existing $380 AUD + GST per person. Please keep an eye out for further information from FIRST Australia staff as the event approaches.