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MALENY OBSERVATORY OFFICIAL
THE Brisbane Astronomical Society is pleased with recent news that its operations at Maleny Golf Club have been designated as an observatory by the Astronomical Society of Australia.
Brisbane Astronomical Society member, Dr Ken Wishaw, said the off icial recognition of what could now be referred to as the Maleny Observatory heralded the next chapter in plans for expansion.
Since starting in 2017, the local Sunshine Coast group of the Brisbane Astronomical Society had grown from two people with a telescope to more than 20 regular attendees, with some public events attracting more than 200 attendees.
Ken said this was the group’s third attempt to secure recognition and he was delighted that it had been fi nally granted.
“As many people know, the biggest threat to astronomy is light pollution, so now that we have been granted designated observatory status, we can work closely with organisations such as Sunshine Coast Council and Energex and be consulted on matters relating to surrounding light pollution,” Ken said.
“This recognition also strengthens our position for future funding and grant applications, and essentially puts us on the map as a known and recognised observatory.”
Working closely with the Maleny Golf Club, Ken said the off icial status was based on the group’s educational and community contribution and facilities, and acknowledged the community benefi t of the organisation.
Maleny Golf Club committee member Richard Owen said the off icial designation was a signifi cant step for Sunshine Coast astronomy but should aid both organisations in their mutual quest to secure funding for a new clubhouse to accommodate both groups.
“The establishment of the Maleny Observatory at Maleny Golf Club is a wonderful example of innovative thinking about how community endeavours can share facilities for mutual and broader community mutualandbroadercommunity benefi t,” Richard said.
For more information about the Sunshine Coast group of the Brisbane Astronomical Society, go to www.facebook.com/ SunshineCoastAstronomyQLD
The next public night sky viewing will be on Saturday, August 14. More details will be on the Facebook page in the week leading up to the event.
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FOLLOWING concerns about recent home invasions around the Peachester area, local resident and Celebrate Glasshouse Country president Judy Tomlison organised a community information forum, which was held on Saturday, July 10 at the Peachester Hall.
Judy said the original idea for the meeting was to discuss Neighbourhood Watch in response to community safety concerns. However, the session was expanded to include broader discussions around general community safety, fi re season preparedness, safe play for local children and local networking knowledge for the benefi t of residents.
Judy said the forum was well supported with 26 attendees and featured discussions led by Senior Constable Susan Lowndes, Peachester Rural Fire Brigade off icer Kev Wrayford, nature play advocate Sally Joyce and local community organisation representative Suella Lanceley from the Peachester Garden Club.
“It was a great aft ernoon of local knowledge sharing that really brought our community together,” Judy said.
“Snr Const Lowndes gave a fabulous presentation and shared some great tips and handouts around raising community safety awareness.
“Sally discussed the importance of encouraging safe outdoor play for our local children to build confi dence and social networks, and Kev updated us on rural fi re safety and the importance of calling triple zero fi rst in the advent of fi re,” Judy said.
One of the key takeaway points from the information day was the important role of online community forums, such as the local Facebook group, in promoting community connections and safety.
The forum was also told that Neighbourhood Watch programs no longer needed to be off icial committee-run groups but could operate well using less formal online platforms.
Snr Const Susan Lowndes, Judy Tomlinson, Sally Joyce and Kev Wrayford at the recent Peachester community information day
Acknowledging that not all residents have access to or the skills to use online information sharing platforms such as Facebook, Celebrate Glasshouse Country will investigate the possibility of hosting special community targeted workshop sessions on how to use Facebook. To fi nd out more, visit the Peachester Community Forum page at www.facebook.com/groups/420100741422096 or contact Judy at judy@celebrateGC.com.au
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