More stargazers can explore outer space just by going to regional Victoria, with a bigger and better planetarium open and ready to blast off in Bendigo thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
The new Bendigo Planetarium at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre is now complete and double the size of the original. The project is backed by $250,000 from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The redesigned planetarium includes a state-of-the-art dome theatre which displays high-res images of planets and the cosmos to teach audiences about space. It is expected to attract more than 14,000 new visitors to the region annually.
Visitors can enjoy a range of entertaining and educational experiences in the six-metre-high dome. By using more than 30,000 items of scientific data and images, students will be able to take part in astronomy lessons.
Visitors can sit back and explore outer space by watching footage and images displayed on the doom by a 360-degree projector. The space can also be hired by the community for film screenings or other events.
The planetarium will soon be used for the Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival to show a film on Carriberrie dance, song and music in Aboriginal culture recorded on 360-degree cameras.
Established in 1995, Bendigo’s Discovery Science and Technology Centre is a non-for-profit organisation and one of Australia’s first science and technology centres outside of a major metropolitan city.
The new planetarium is designed to bring in more visitors to the region thanks to the dome-theatre and is open every Tuesday to Sunday with special event bookings available on the Discovery Centre website.
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and boosting the tourism sector.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing
“The beautiful new Bendigo Planetarium will provide generations of locals and visitors with an opportunity to discover the universe and enjoy facilities for a range of other community gatherings and events.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulous
“This project will be another drawcard attraction helping to entice more visitors to Bendigo.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“A new expanded planetarium in Bendigo will not only be great for locals but will draw more visitors to the region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We are so pleased this state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public, offering world-class science and technology experiences that foster STEM learning.”
Reviewed 19 May 2023