QLD Astrofest

[OneCosmos]

Can anyone confirm the dates of this year’s QLD Astrofest? I was exchanging emails with Belinda at Duckadang who thought the provisional booking dates this year was 3rd -13th of.........JUNE!

[OneCosmos]

Are any of the committee reading this and can comment on the veracity of the dates cited?

[Jaybo007]

Curious to know myself.

[multiweb]

Realistically vaccination for our age group might not be available before the end of the year. I know there are huge discrepancies overseas between scheduled/planned vaccinations, vaccines stocks availability and actual immunisation count on the ground including booster shots. They have shortages of vaccines supply. Some people didn't even get their booster shots because they've run out of doses during initial rollout. There is also a lot of wastage and it's been a bit of a mess. I'm talking about the Pfizer one. Implementing any kind of certification at his stage is just going to gridlock everything making state borders control look like it was a walk in the park.

[thunderchildobs]

I believe the astrofest is being held in June. Cannot remember the exact dates.

[RobF]

Agree Marc. Would be very surprised if the stringent cleaning and spacing measures that made last year unworkable are fully relaxed within 16 weeks (4 months). If we're lucky the astrofest typical demographic will be immunised by Aug perhaps taking into account the huge logistics. Happy to be happily surprised if it all comes together though :) :stargaze: :astron:

[OneCosmos]

It is definitely in June this year -there are no available dates in August. The cleaning requirements probably haven’t changed and would need to be paid for from Astrofest funds. As I understand it though they do have funds. It is a not for profit organisation and they do charge each person per day each year and have always done so I’m guessing there is a good balance to pay for cleaning so why not go ahead? What else is the money for?

Chris

[multiweb]

Sounds good. Might make the trip if the border is opened and the weather cooperates. :thumbsup:

[OneCosmos]

Calling any QLD Astrofest committee members. Any news on what is likely to happen this year? Will it happen at all assuming no change to Covid from today’s status? Is it happening in June? Is it not happening irrespective of Covid? Somebody must have an idea?

[pmrid]

Chris is right. It takes time to organise an Astrofest, I am sure. But it also takes time for those wanting to attend to organise leave, holidays etc. So I join Chris in asking for some notice of intentions.

Peter

[OneCosmos]

The dates must be top secret and on a ‘need to know’ basis only.

[DavidTrap]

Left of field thought, but have you tried contacting the committee directly?

DT

[OneCosmos]

Yes, I did contact the registrar - I haven't heard anything back though. I also left a message on the Astrofest Facebook page.

[gaseous]

I tried through Facebook too - no response.

[peter_4059]

The tone of this thread is pretty dissapointing. Astrofest is run by a group of volunteers. They put a lot of their own time into organising and running the event. In my experience as a committee member the event just broke even and relied on the proceeds of the raffle to do so. Perhaps the critics would like to volunteer to arrange the event or if that is too big a commitment then how about volunteer to clean the shared bathrooms during the event. Just saying it is time to put things in perspective.

[DavidTrap]

Good to hear - might have been worth including that in your original post for clarity. Have you asked your association/society if they've heard anything officially? :question:

Nonetheless, I agree with Peter's sentiments.

DT

[OneCosmos]

Currently not a member of any society although I should alter that this year I think.

[OneCosmos]

I find it hard to believe nobody on the committee has seen this or any of the fb messages to the AF site.

What’s the problem with just saying yes it is happening or no it isn’t? If it is in June, registration should already be open so I guess it is looking unlikely but to just not let people know seems odd and out of character for the much looked forward to event.

[OneCosmos]

Ok so have some information to share finally.

Should AF happen it will indeed be between the 3rd And 13th June as previously stated.

Belinda, the manager is actually leaving her post in April so not sure who would be running the show by June.

The current Covid rules prohibit more than two people per bunk room (I am told) and that means there is a question mark over it happening at all. If it does happen it would of course limit numbers attending and how places would be rationed hasn’t been decided or even discussed yet.

The committee I believe haven’t met yet to discuss all the details.

In summary, it has NOT yet been cancelled but nor is it happening, definite.

I’d put it at 50/50

[OneCosmos]

Why is the tone disappointing? Everyone, including me, is most appreciative of the committee for giving up their time year after year to make the event happen but I don’t think anyone thinks the commitment comes with the caveat ‘if I can get around to it’. You’re either agreeing to do it or you’re not. Where was the email or post explaining everyone is too busy and if you want it to happen then step up and volunteer? What were the astronomy clubs doing to help the committee? Who was bothering to inform people that it was looking unlikely?

I am disappointed but my post isn’t. I’m sure lots of people have wondered why there has been no information put out, I was just the person who asked.

I have now spoken to Tony and, pretty much as we can already guess it is extremely unlikely to happen - perhaps even a definite cancellation and that is perfectly fine. There is a website there is a Facebook group and yet not a word to say unfortunately people are too busy to organise it this year and with Covid too we’re just not going to bother this year.

Anyway, all good. Now I know I’ll stop asking.

[peter_4059]

So I guess you are not volunteering to make any contribution or organise something? Comments, opinions and criticism don't move the ball forward.

[OneCosmos]

Why would you guess that? Send me the link to the post where volunteers were requested?

Edit: Since you raised the question though, yes more than happy to help. Tony and committee what do you need doing? If I can help, I’m happy to do do. Who can tell me what needs to be done?

[glend]

Let this go, stop bashing the organisers of the real Astrofest. If they made a decision that's it. Same thing happened with the NSW Star Party, the committee said not this year.

Of course you are free to try and hold your own event, just don't call it Qld Astrofest.

[firstlight]

Hi everyone.

First off I want to apologize for being absent from the discussion. More on that later.

I am currently writing a novel for this thread - just wanted to give you a heads up so you know something is coming. This will be from me - I wont be speaking with the voice of the Queensland Astrofest but I will discuss many facets of the committee.

Thanks for your patience.

Tony

[OneCosmos]

I haven’t and if that’s what you think you haven’t read anything I’ve written. I don’t care what the decision is I only suggested they might actually tell us what it is.

[firstlight]

Hi everyone,

I would first like to point out, as I did with Chris on the phone this afternoon, there has not been a "conspiracy of secrecy" on the part of the committee. The truth of the matter is that we have not been as active as we could have been. There are many reasons for this, but I will put my hand up and say I accept the bulk of blame.

Last year had blindsided us as we all know and I don't wish to indicate that has had any real bearing on the event planning this year, other than we are now living in a new paradigm regarding SARS-CoV-2, and the extra precautions and responsibilities we, as a committee, will bear.

So some of the issues that are on my/our mind regarding planning this year:

1. Procrastination on my part.

2. Our committee is a bit light on as SAS rep Colin had to resign due to health issues, Anne-Louise has also had to stand back due to health concerns. Losing Anne-Louise is a huge blow; as Registrar she did a mighty amount of work, and they are very large shoes to fill.

3. The changing guidelines on how groups can camp (not really an impact as Camp Duckadang already restricts us considerably), but more importantly how many people can occupy close quarters such as the cubicles in the bunkhouses. Our current thinking is that we can only have 2 persons in each cubicle or effectively halving the numbers in the bunkhouses.

As you are all aware (or maybe not?), the Queensland Astrofest is a club event organised by the local Astronomical Societies in South-East Queensland - Brisbane Astronomical Society (BAS), Southern Astronomical Society (SAS - no current rep), South East Queensland Astronomical Society (SEQAS), Amateur Telescope Makers of Queensland (ATMQ - no current rep), Star Gaysers (no current rep), Astronomical Association of Queensland (AAQ). Recently we have a representative from the Redlands Astronomical Society (RAS) join us. I mention this because due to restrictive numbers, and the interest I saw at a recent OGM for BAS, I believe that if the Astrofest were to go ahead it would only be offered to the members of the organising clubs, including those without current reps.

Many of those who attend the camp are club members or are lapsed club members. However many are not. This will present certain ethical issues, as I can’t say I can envisage Astrofest without Houghy and Alan, or Marc to name a few. So it will be a logistical nightmare which has honestly been interfering with my sleep. I have been contemplating a lottery, so yeah... another job to organise and execute.

This year was planned to be an earlier event, which meant that we will have the opportunity to view a bit different sky. I know Brendan was salivating at that and the fact that work, for once, wouldn’t interfere with his plans. This has its own problems as the date is looming.

4. SARS-Cov-2 is the other thing that I can’t get out of my head in the wee hours. We have had it so good in this state and this country due to level headed policies in the state governments, and the sensibility of the majority of the Australian people. With this in mind I am very cautious on what might transpire should some idiot, say, who is waiting for a test result and told to isolate but instead throws a party with 25 of his mates... I know this is an edge case, but who knows if there is a super=spreader event around the corner and we become subject to a Victorian-style lockdown. Don’t get me wrong – I would totally support a lockdown, but I would hate to put in the work for nothing.

Chris pointed out that the Stafford cluster only emerged in the last few days, so why have we not been communicating? All I can do is point to Item 1 on my list – speaking strictly for myself, I have been procrastinating, watching the news, and lying awake staring at the ceiling.

An official decision from the Committee will be coming down in the near future, but this is where I am standing.

Cheers
Tony

[OneCosmos]

Thank you Tony I understand all the points you raised and appreciate it hasn’t been so easy. This communication is all I was seeking. I know there are lots of good reasons to not run the event this year and now we know.
Chris

[DaveO]

It is with great regret that the Queensland Astrofest Organising Committee (QAOC) announce the cancellation of the 2021 Queensland Astrofest. There are a number of reasons leading to this decision, among which are ongoing uncertainty surrounding health risks associated with SARS-CoV2, and financial viability due to reduced numbers due to safety concerns.

It is the hope of the QAOC that many of the concerns leading to the cancellation this year’s event will be addressed in 2022. The dates for the 2022 Queensland Astrofest (QA28) are 22 to 31 July 2022.

--

Posted on behalf of the QAOC by the QAF Webmaster David O'Driscoll.
This notice is also posted on the QAF website and the QAF FB page.

[h0ughy]

So I steal your photons next year

[DaveO]

Hi all

WARNING - this is a long rambling post. Those who are sqeamish or get carsick should probably leave now. :lol:

You will have seen the notice that I just posted on behalf of the Queensland Astrofest Organising Committee (QAOC) regarding the cancellation of Qld Astrofest this year. This will come as no surprise given the recent conversations. I made the offer to the QAOC to post here (and FB) when I updated the website (which I manage).

Note that I am not a member of the QAOC, although I have been in the past, and my work managing the website for many years now means I sometimes have some visibility of what is happening within the Committee. Noting this, the following comments are mine alone and do not represent the views of the QAOC in any way. After reading the discussion, I feel compelled to make some observations.

Firstly I would like to say that it has obviously been a very hard decision (even harder than last year), made harder by personal challenges several on the Committee have had recently. We should all remember that these people are volunteers, who have lives outside QAF (and indeed astronomy). Sometimes those lives proceed along nicely, and sometimes life throws challenges that those at a distance are unaware of.

The reduction in numbers on the Committee seems to me to be a real challenge. There is an obvious demand for this event within the community, and yet it is always challenging to find Club members to join the Committee, do the hard yards and create an event in a climate that is increasingly regulated. And there are many in the wider community who are not club members (or at least not from SEQ) who have no official channel to join the Committee (given it is operated under the auspices of the SEQ Clubs).

Of course the work doesn't stop with just organising the event - that's when the work really starts! And while many offer their assistance during the event, there is always more work to be done than volunteers to do it. And thus it seems to fall back onto the (increasingly smaller) Committee.

While I have for a number of years now been unable to attend the event due to work commitments (except the final Saturday if I'm lucky), I maintain the website because its a job that needs to be done and I have the ability to do it.

There are many in this thread who made very supportive comments. For that I thank you - the QAOC needs all the support it can get (physical and moral).

If the community wants the event to continue, then there are a number of obvious paths for getting involved:

If you are a member of a SEQ club, offer to join the QAOC! More than one member per club is possible (and would be most welcome I suspect!!)
If you are not a member of a Club, perhaps you might consider joining one??? :)
Even if you are not a Club member, I suspect the option to get more involved in the QAOC or the event is still achievable!


A strong QAOC is always going to be in a better position to deal with issues such as the current pandemic, keeping people updated and have the capacity to deal with the challenges life throws at individuals who might be on the committee (although they may still have trouble organising the event during a pandemic!).

This has been a long post, and if you got to this stage, then bravo! :thumbsup:

This has not been intended to be a jibe at anybody - that's pointless. I just wanted to give voice to some of the things the QAOC probably wouldn't say, because they are nice people.

Let's all hope that life gets a little less hectic for everybody and we can have a "normal" event next year.

[AstroJunk]

From a purely organisational point of view, it is about time that QAF was incorporated and that only members of QAF Inc were allowed to attend and be elected to the committee. There is an amazing energy in Qld for astronomy, but the current system is letting everyone down.

When I was Chairman of QAF, it was evident that the societies themselves showed zero or less interest in its running and as you say, it was down to a handful of club reps willing to put a few hours in. The faithful have pushed this fest uphill for years and it comes as no surprise that the event has collapsed in a heap of apathy.

Diane, John, Bob, Wendy, Anne-louise, Tony (in order of aperture!) and several others deserve our help and a round of applause.

Don't cancel AF. Make it happen.

[peter_4059]

Jonathan,

I'd expect managing an event with the normal 100+ people during a global pandemic would be a more significant consideration for the committee. Social distancing in the bunk rooms would not permit the normal numbers to attend and this would make covering the cost for Duckadang impossible without increasing the nightly cost (perhaps double). Insurance is probably unobtainable.

Putting it down to apathy doesn't seem fair.

[AstroJunk]

IIRC the only thing causing QAF to not turn a profit without sponsors is fridge hire :rofl:

[OneCosmos]

On the other hand it isn’t unreasonable to imagine that apathy really did play a part. Why should that suggestion be entirely dismissed? The evidence indicates it may indeed have played a part. It is both human and understandable and believable. I spoke with a few committee members recently and they all said that they couldn’t even get a response trying to communicate with other committee members. Multiple people said it was impossible to even get a meeting of the committee to discuss what was happening.

Covid has no doubt played a part but it isn’t the whole story. Never once have I complained that Astrofest couldn’t happen. I’m not stupid, I know there is a pandemic and that changed things a lot. What did frustrate me was why it was assumed the best approach was just to say nothing and tell nobody anything about what was going on. A notice could have been posted 3 months ago saying we’re trying snd we’re hopeful but please understand it may not be able to happen.

[peter_4059]

Htwfaip

[OneCosmos]

I certainly tried to be polite and respectful as well as to acknowledge my gratitude for all the hard work that goes in to AF, but surely it is allowable to be critical if cogent reasons are cited?

[peter_4059]

The success of that strategy will surely become obvious in time. ;)

[OneCosmos]

I’m here to help Pete :thumbsup:

[peter_4059]

Good to hear Chris.
Helping = on the field
Observing, commenting, criticizing = in the stands

People on the field make things happen
People in the stands watch things happen

[OneCosmos]

When people on the field are overstretched they need to ask other people to join them on the field. Nobody can be blamed for not helping when help wasn’t asked for.

PS I said it before and I’ll say again. I am more than happy to give up my personal time to help and not in any way trying to be difficult but life is just too short to not speak up. Astrofest has probably been more important to me in the last 11 years than anything else I have done so I feel a great disappointment that it seems to be on life support. I hope it pulls through.

[multiweb]

Seriously? :rolleyes: If it is that critical for you put your hand up. Done and dusted.

[OneCosmos]

I tried putting a meme but for some reason it didn't show up as an image. Never mind. My hands are up.

[peter_4059]

Best to avoid confusing being out of left field with being on the field. While it might seem like a subset, that is not a place you want to be. ;)

[OneCosmos]

:lol: Well I thought I was on the field but nobody else was there but it may turn out that I’m on a different field:shrug:

[peter_4059]

...or maybe you are trying to play an individual sport? Organising Astrofest on the other hand is a team sport. :P

[OneCosmos]

We can continue but let’s not. All I can say is you can’t fix a problem until people acknowledge there is one.

[glend]

This thread should be closed, it is going no where, and that should be acknowledged.

[OneCosmos]

On that we can all agree. Let’s consider it closed.