Hi Rachel,
to IIS and astronomy!
You might like to talk to the Canberra Astronomical Society,
https://casastronomy.org.au/ . They are a great bunch of people with a world of experience and eager as punch to help out new comers to astro. They are also set up with good areas where they set up their gear and it is always best to set up with mates.
Carlton, thank you for posting my work as a good place to get started
You are already further ahead than you might think with your dad's experiences quietly rubbing off on you. You might not have paid his stuff or hobby too much attention before, but it will really help you. It's also nice to see that his gear will be getting a second lease on life!
Alex.