I really think a free con or a greatly reduced con for new people is really the way to go. And yeah, also keep the OT panels out of the main venues at prime times. I think there are loads of people in perth (and I know as I work in a library) who read SF&F and would like to come to a convention to discuss it. They just don't know about it. Perhaps putting posters up in local libraries could work or around universities. We need better marketing methinks!