The 23rd Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM23) was hosted by the Southern Cross University (SCU) in Byron Bay at the Lismore Campus between 9-12 December 2014. The ACMSM Conference series has been run biennially since it was first held at the University of New South Wales in 1967.

Each year the Conference targets the similar topics of:
•    Analysis and behaviour of structures under static and/or dynamic loading
•    Materials, structures and structural element studies in the field of elasticity
•    Plasticity and visco-elasticity
•    Creep and fatigue performance
•    Application of computers to the analysis and design of structures
•    Advances in computer based applications.  

The aim of the Conference is to provide a forum for the presentation of papers and discussion by authors, research workers and other stakeholders. Over 180 presentations were delivered at ACMSM23 including 6 keynote speakers.  The Concrete Institute of Australia, Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia, Ash Development Association of Australia, the Australasian (Iron and Steel) Slag Association and the Amorphous Silica Association of Australia supported the conference with information booths that were well attended during session breaks. A detailed report of the conference will be featured in the coming edition of Coal Ash Matters.