This workshop is the first attempt to bring together those working on astrobiology in the Australia/New Zealand region. We expect the workshop to attract a cross disciplinary group of scientists interested in the origin, distribution and future of life in the universe. The workshop is being held at Macquarie University which is located in North Ryde about 18km north-west of the centre of Sydney. The event will begin on the evening of July 11th with a public lecture and reception The scientific program will cover two full days (Jul 12,13).