Hi Andrew!
Welcome to IceInSpace! You've made the first step in getting back into astronomy, congrats!
An 8" reflector can be more than suitable - what type is it? How old is it? What eyepieces do you have?
I work just around the corner from Macquarie Uni - unfortunately I wasn't able to attend their open night.
Thanks for posting and enjoy getting back into this great hobby! You're more than welcome to attend our monthly new moon meets on the Central Coast if you'd like!? It's a great way to get out of the city skies and observe through some different telescopes with some great friends.