Keeping Up With The Volunteers

By Julie Matthews

National Volunteer Week 16 - 22 May 2022

Thanks to LotteryWest and Volunteering WA we received a grant to show our wonderful volunteers how much we appreciate them on Monday 16 May during National Volunteer Week.

Our event was a casual dinner in the barbecue area combined with a night of fun games. It was a great opportunity for volunteers from the different areas of the Perth Observatory to meet each other and take part in team activities. We were delighted to see our volunteers broaden their friendship base and have a good laugh as they worked together. Our yummy meal was from Lesmurdie Club, we had an “icecream station” for dessert and Zoé Fraussen was our hilarious MC for the night.

The Next Intake Handy Hints From The Tea Break Goss

Do you have free time during school hours? We urgently need volunteers for School Day Tours. Presenter Nola Edgar, talks about her time with the School Day Tours Team:

Around 2012, Jack and I became part of the Perth Observatory Volunteers Group when we joined the dedicated team of Night Tour presenters. For the past few years, we have been members of the School Day Tours Team. Neither of us had any experience in the astronomy field but Jack is a born organiser, and I developed a fascination for all things astronomical from a very young age. A fascination that has never waned.

It is such a joy to be involved with an organisation that allows us to share our knowledge and our passion for cosmology with school children of various ages. As they learn about the vastness, diversity and wonders of the Universe, we hope the students will come to appreciate Earth’s unique place in the cosmos and inspire them to become passionate about protecting our planet.

We are always excited when Nola and Jack are in for a tour. As well as being a fun and informative presenter, Nola is an amazing cook – her home-made lamingtons are out of this world! Both Nola and Jack also help with the updating of activities and are are always happy to lend a hand where needed. So, if you are enthusiastic, enjoy communicating with children and are available during school hours, click below. All training is provided! You may have noticed that there is a lot of socialising going on at Perth Observatory whilst we work away. During Morning Tea, Lunch Break, and before and after Tours the kitchen is humming whilst volunteers of all ages and walks of life share some interesting stories over a hot drink and bikkies. Since the weather is so cold at the moment and many have sore throats, I thought I’d share a handy hint passed down to Wednesday Maintenance Crew member Kenny Day from his old Dad. (Kenny has a strong east Midlands English Accent).

So, you’ve got a sore throat. This is what you need to do: Before bed, take a long sock that you have worn all day – wool is best, and the longer you have worn it the better, a couple of weeks is good. Wrap the sock around your neck, take a couple of sips of scotch and go to sleep. When you wake up, your sore throat will be better. Thanks Kenny – we are all glad that your remedy works so well for you, and of course now we understand the source of the smell….