Hello fellow Astrofesters,
An update for the Queensland Astrofest starting in only 4 more sleeps!
1. Major Sponsors.
We now have six Major Sponsors with Celestron coming onboard in the last week:
AstroShop
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/
Skywatcher
http://www.skywatcheraustralia.com.au/
Bintel
http://www.bintel.com.au/
AstroDevices
http://www.astrodevices.com/
Gondwana Telescopes
http://gondwanatelescopes.com/
Celestron Australia
http://www.celestron.com/
To see the full list of contributions to the raffle, visit the Raffle 'page on the Queensland Astrofest website
http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/index.php/raffle.
For those intending to attend the Queensland Astrofest, and are looking for specific equipment why not contact our Major Sponsors and let them know what you would like to buy at the Vendor Sales so they are sure to bring what you want?
2. Bridge Replacement at Linville
A reminder that the local council is replacing the bridge just past Linville. There is no problem taking your vehicles, caravans, or trailers through the diversion. Those who remember the diversions when the other bridges were damaged in the 2011 floods will recall that it was not that hard to pass. This project is planned from the start and not built ad hoc like in 2011 so it is better designed.
3. Phone Vouchers
As most are aware there is no mobile phone reception at Camp Duckadang (Pokemon Go players just chill). Telstra in their wisdom are discontinuing the phone vouchers that we use in the public phone at Registration (Rubie House AKA Committee House). If you have vouchers from previous years they will still be able to be used until November. As of a few weeks ago the manager of the camp had a limited supply of vouchers but we can't count on them for the Astrofest. We still will be able to make calls with reverse charge, and we have been informed that third party vouchers MAY work, we have yet to test this. The main alternative is a drive to Moore Cemetary where most carriers can be received.
4. Programme
We have finalised a Programme (finally
), and I have attached a PDF version to this notice.
5. Power at Astrofest
As most people know, there is electrical power at the site. The Astrofest Committee is endeavoring as always to distribute the electricity to power stations in the fields. We in no way can ensure that there will no interruption to power, especially if faulty cables, powerboards, fridges or heaters are connected. We urge everyone to run their critical equipment through UPS or 12 volt.
Due to previous problems, we cannot allow fridges heaters and toasters in caravans to be connected to the reticulation. The Astrofest has hired a coldroom, and there is provision for cooking at the rotunda.
6. Daily Catering
If you require meals through the week, it is too late to arrange them through the registration page. Please contact the camp directly via email to
info@campduckadang.com.au. All meals other than the AstroFeast is fully the responsibility of the Camp Duckadang Management, and they will invoice you directly.
7. AstroFeast
The AstroFeast is charged as part of your registration fees if selected, or can be booked at the camp,
but be aware deadlines apply. The meal is
alternate drop of beef or chicken with a booking
deadline of Monday 1st August. Any booking after that date will only receive chicken, with a final deadline on Wednesday 3rd August. We are not able to extend these deadlines.
8. Astrophoto Competition
As yet I am unaware if anyone is entering an image in the Astro-photo competition. We have been contacted by the Courier Mail who are interested in a photo spread. Full details are not at hand as yet, but if you are intending to enter please PM us and I will give you an email address you can send a digital copy. Please see the Registrar on arrival so that we may have your image on display as soon as we are able.
Queensland Astrofest Committee
might have to stock up on some grapejuice
clear skies
