About NACAA XXXI (Parkes 2024)

The Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) was proud to host the 2024 NACAA in Parkes, home of “The DISH”.

They say all good things come to those who wait, and the 2024 NACAA was no exception. Initially planned for April 2020, the Parkes NACAA was postponed due to the COVID lockdowns.

The 2024 NACAA was run over the four days of Easter, March 29 to April 1, at various venues in the town of Parkes and at the nearby CSIRO Parkes Radio Observatory.

Venue

The main venue for NACAA XXXI is the Services Club, 9-17 Short St, Parkes. The astroimaging workshop was held in the Cooke Park Pavilion, directly across the road from the Services Club. The Friday night Welcome Function was at the Bushman Motor Inn (9-13 Peak Hill Road), and the Sunday night BBQ was at “The Dish.”

Accommodation

The LOC reserved rooms at the following hotels — mention NACAA when booking:

• Apollo Hotel
• Bushman Hotel
• Court Street Motel
• Henry Parkes Hotel
• Memphis Motor Inn

Further information: accommodation in Parkes.

Activities

Two events were held away from the main venue: the Welcome Function (Friday night, Bushman Motor Inn) and the Farewell BBQ (Sunday night, The DISH).

Transport

For the Welcome Function and Farewell BBQ, a car-pool arrangement was coordinated for delegates without their own transport, organised by the 2024 Convenor, Christine Speers.

The Central West of NSW boasts some of the darkest skies in Australia, and as such, it is a wonderful place to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. Thanks for visiting Parkes and sharing with us an unforgettable astronomical experience.