- New Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre building nearing completion
- Main building and observatory complete, and funded by $1.8M NSW Government grant
- Hewitt Observatory and Planetarium to be completed by April 2021
Move over Houston, regional NSW is moving closer to cutting the ribbon on the new Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre.
The main building and observatory are now reported as completed by Tamworth Regional Council. The remainder of the project is expected to be completed by April this year.
It’s perfect timing with NASA landing another piece of tech on Mars only a few days ago, interest in space is not just the domain of city slickers.
The main project was funded by a $1.8M state government grant, the remaining Hewitt Observatory and Planetarium funded by a federal grant of $460,000.
The development of a regional astronomy centre is a boon for the academic community, providing great research opportunities, but it isn’t the sole drawcard.
Tourism is also a factor, Tamworth Regional Deputy Mayor Phil Betts said in a statement:
“We will continue to work with the astronomy club to plan an opening event next year where our community can properly celebrate the opening of Tamworth’s newest tourist attraction.”
Expected to help Tamworth shoot for the stars, the centre will help Tamworth become more than just the home of country music.
