Port Macquarie Astronomical Association was awarded $5,709,897 through the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLER) to upgrade the Port Macquarie Observatory.
The centre will provide a boost to the visitor economy by hosting events like the Winter Solstice and increasing the number of open nights and accommodating more than 20,000 visitors a year.
The former observatory at Rotary Park, built in 1961 on the Port Macquarie headland, has now been transformed into the Astronomy and Science Centre.
The new facility is almost four times the size of the original observatory, with a new six-metre-wide dome which will house the centre’s new telescope that will provide astronomers with uninterrupted views of the southern sky.
Other work undertaken at the facility include IT upgrades, fit outs to the auditorium and meeting rooms, kitchen and landscaping.
With the finishing touches being applied, the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association is preparing for an official opening in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
“The upgrade to the Port Macquarie Observatory will help promote the local economy and ensure residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beautiful night sky in a more spacious facility.”
“With fit outs to upgrade the auditorium, a new telescope and more space, the bigger and better Astronomy and Science Centre will help inspire visitors, support economic recovery and bring people together.
“Bushfire recovery takes time, and supporting projects like the transformation of the Port Macquarie Observatory is an important step to helping rebuild the community.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
“The NSW Government is backing community projects in Port Macquarie that boost economic development, aid tourism and bring people together and the new Astronomy and Science Centre above the beach will deliver those outcomes.”
“For sixty years the old observatory at Rotary Park was a drawcard. This new centre builds on that success and takes it to another level for the local community and visitors to Port Macquarie. cthe planets and stars.
“Regional NSW has many advantages and viewing the stars and planets of our galaxy is one of them. That’s why a new regional auditorium, telescope and exhibition area, ensures Port Macquarie is a premier astronomical hub capable of hosting specialised science and education events.
Quotes attributable to Port Macquarie Astronomical Association President Robert Brangwin:
"The new Port Macquarie Observatory building is testimony to the many hours that members of the community have voluntarily committed to their passion for bringing the wonders of the universe to the general public over 62 years.
“The new telescope set up is exciting in many ways and will be adjustable so that the sun, moon, stars and planets will be able to be viewed by all whether small or tall. Additionally, the new eyepieces and filters will improve the viewing experience and enable members to undertake astrophotography.
“It has turned out better than we could have ever hoped for proving that if you dare to dream, dreams can come true.”
