Yes we are very tolerant, we allow poms.
(Just watch out during international sporting events.) I agree there are too few women astronomers, so a double welcome. I can say for sure however that the number of women astronomers has increased over the years so the trend is healthy. My better half is the secretary of the local astro club but she isn't active on IIS.
If you thinking of coming down in 2013 why not come a bit earlier, Nov 2012 to be precise. It's a long way to come for 2 minutes of shade and the climate of FNQ at that time of year is near leathal but once you see a total solar eclipse you will be hooked
BTW I'm also a Liverpool supporter. You can blame Pink Floyd for that.