1. Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre

2. Why a visitors centre? Attract future scientists “Every time I came to Parkes, I always wanted to be on the other side of the fence…”

3. Why a visitors centre? Attract future scientists Raise profile Local community Obligations

4. Why a visitors centre? Attract future scientists Raise profile Local community Obligations Ensure the future “Well can’t they stop doing it for a moment?”

5. The visitors

7. 130 000 pa Families Grey nomads Schools Tours

8. Staff 2.4 eft full and part time Up to three staff during peak Most without science or communication background From months to over a decade of experience in VC

9. What we offer A great view

10. What we offer A great view Exhibits

11. What we offer A great view Exhibits Interpretives

12. What we offer A great view Exhibits Interpretives Invisible Universe 3D Theater

13. What we offer (cont) Shop

14. What we offer (cont) Shop Café

15. What we offer (cont) Shop Café No tours Clean toilets BBQ & picnic facilities

16. Other offerings Work experience “Now I know that astronomy is what I really want to do”

17. Other offerings Work experience Teacher experience Information service“I am 9 years old and go to Boneo Primary School. I'm doinng a project on Radio Telscopes…”

18. Other offerings Work experience Teacher experience Information service Point of contact

19. Strengths Location Movie star status

20. Strengths Location Movie star status Staff Dedicated, enthusiastic and friendly Non-science background Astronomers, observatory and ATNF staff

21. Strengths Location Movie star status Staff Brilliant exhibit Long history and future

22. Weaknesses Communication & Education training

23. Weaknesses Communication & Education training Interpretives “Can I ask a stupid question?” “It is all very interesting but I don’t understand it.” “There is just so much here!”

24. Weaknesses Communication & Education training Interpretives Across the ages School groups

25. Future directions Provide an experience that prompts visitors to revisit, pass the word, and encourage their family, friends and colleagues to visit Provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the telescope, ATNF, CSIRO, Astronomy and science

26. Future Directions A plan New interpretives More interactive Use people’s stories Creative interaction Partnerships

27. Future Directions (Cont) Consistency of experience Retail value and range School groups better served Consistent and planned marketing Discovery walk