Skytopia Downunder 2008

[spacezebra]

Hi all

I have been advised by Bert Candusio, via email that the event has been cancelled.

Those that have registered for the event should contact the organisers.

Cheers Petra

[Ric]

I read this on another site and it is a real bummer as I think it had the potential to be a premier event. Maybe in 2009

[spacezebra]

Hi Ric

One can only hope that it can come back in 2009. Astronomy needs this exposure.

Cheers Petra

[OneOfOne]

2009 would make the ideal inaugural year too, being the International Year of Astronomy! :)

[Dennis]

That is sad news indeed. When first announced, I thought, “Wow – this is a very ambitious project!” and I had my fingers crossed for the organisers and helpers, hoping that they would be able to deliver on such a stellar undertaking.

It was a worthwhile endeavour based on an exciting vision; I do hope that it comes to fruition one day.

A noble effort for all those involved – I hope they are not too dispirited with the (hopefully temporary) setback.

Cheers

Dennis

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Please find attached the full Press Release regarding the event. Not sure why this post did not appear on the main forum page.


IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - SKYTOPIA DOWNUNDER CANCELLATION

The organisers for the Skytopia Downunder 2008 International Star
Party wish to inform all members of the public that
the Skytopia Downunder 2008 event has regretfully been cancelled
indefinitely due to several logistical considerations that have
failed to be resolved effectively.

Firstly, we could not source the required service facilities such as
personal convenience toilet /shower truck facilities within Victoria,
New South Wales or South Australia and water supplies became
increasingly difficult to secure in light of the current drought
situation. The effluent storage and discharge was also an issue which
could not be resolved on site.

Secondly, both convenors have seen a huge increase in work
commitments within their respective business operations and were
unable to dedicate the resources required to ensure that this event
was staged to the appropriate level of professionalism required at
the remote M.R.O site in light of the above.

This event was not being developed along the lines of so many other
star party events that are common in this country. The Skytopia
Downunder International Star Party was aimed primarily at the general
public and as such, attendence numbers were estimated at this late
stage based on responses at well over 1500 persons.

Although the organisers tried to move the event to another fully
catered and self contained venue (Campaspe Downs Holiday Resort),
this alternative venue is booked out well into 2008 and could not
accommodate our event for 2008.

Considering that John Dobsons attendance, Live link with the
International Space Station via NASA, $40,000 Grand Door Prize,
Aboriginal Dance Troop, Multiple workshops by International experts,
Remote Controlled Radio Flight demonstrations, etc etc etc were
already booked and arranged, along with an estimated attendence of
well over 1000 people, we were well on the way to making this event
the largest of its kind ever held in this country and are proud of
this achievement regardless.

Finally, we apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused
due to this regretful decision by the organisers.

[iceman]

It did, here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=27780).

[spacezebra]

Thanks Mike

Cheers Petra