Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre Why a visitors centre
Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre
Why a visitors centre? • Attract future scientists “Every time I came to Parkes, I always wanted to be on the other side of the fence…”
Why a visitors centre? • Attract future scientists • Raise profile • Local community • Obligations
Why a visitors centre? • Attract future scientists • Raise profile • Local community • Obligations • Ensure the future “Well can’t they stop doing it for a moment? ”
The visitors
The visitors
The visitors • • • 130 000 pa Families Grey nomads Schools Tours
Staff • 2. 4 eft full and part time • Up to three staff during peak • Most without science or communication background • From months to over a decade of experience in VC
What we offer • A great view
What we offer • A great view • Exhibits
What we offer • A great view • Exhibits • Interpretives
What we offer • • • A great view Exhibits Interpretives Invisible Universe 3 D Theater
What we offer (cont) • Shop
What we offer (cont) • Shop • Café
What we offer (cont) • • • Shop Café No tours Clean toilets BBQ & picnic facilities
Other offerings • Work experience “Now I know that astronomy is what I really want to do”
Other offerings • Work experience • Teacher experience • Information service “I am 9 years old and go to Boneo Primary School. I'm doinng a project on Radio Telscopes…”
Other offerings • • Work experience Teacher experience Information service Point of contact
Strengths • Location • Movie star status
Strengths • Location • Movie star status • Staff • Dedicated, enthusiastic and friendly • Non-science background • Astronomers, observatory and ATNF staff
Strengths • • • Location Movie star status Staff Brilliant exhibit Long history and future
Weaknesses • Communication & Education training
Weaknesses • Communication & Education training • Interpretives “Can I ask a stupid question? ” “It is all very interesting but I don’t understand it. ” “There is just so much here!”
Weaknesses • Communication & Education training • Interpretives • Across the ages • School groups
Future directions • Provide an experience that prompts visitors to revisit, pass the word, and encourage their family, friends and colleagues to visit • Provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the telescope, ATNF, CSIRO, Astronomy and science
Future Directions • • • A plan New interpretives More interactive Use people’s stories Creative interaction Partnerships
Future Directions (Cont) • Consistency of experience • Retail value and range • School groups better served • Consistent and planned marketing • Discovery walk
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