The 2023 CWAS AstroFest
2023 CWAS AstroFest

22 - 23 July 2023



The CWAS AstroFest is over the Moon

The Conference Registration fee is $50 per person


Click here to complete the online Registration    

The 2023 CWAS AstroFest is returning to the Central West. We have an exciting programme of events, spread over two days, beginning on Saturday, 22 July 2023.

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. In an effort to foster, encourage and promote astronomy in the region, the Central West Astronomical Society is holding its annual festival of astronomy, or AstroFest, this July. The festival endeavours to bring to the people of the Central West world renowned astronomers, both professional and amateur, so they may share their enthusiasm and love of the heavens.

The CWAS AstroFest will incorporate a one day conference and a programme of associated events. The conference will be held in the Starlight Room of the Parkes Services Club, on Saturday, 22 July 2023. In a series of lectures, guest speakers will provide fascinating insights into various aspects of modern astronomy. On Sunday, 23 July, events will move to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre with a programme of daytime astronomy and talks.


The Associated Events:

  • An astrophotography competition will be open to all amateur astronomers in Australia. An exhibition of the best photographs will be on display at the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre from Sunday, 23 July, for the entire year. The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards" will be presented at a special ceremony held during the AstroFest conference on Saturday, 22 July. Following the AstroFest, the exhibition will tour to various venues across Australia, beginning in October. Sky-Watcher Australia is supporting the competition with significant prizes.
  • From 10:00 AM on the Sunday morning, 23 July, the 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards" exhibition will be officially opened at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory's Visitors Centre.
  • Throughout the day on, Sunday, 23 July, daytime astronomy viewings will be conducted on the lawns of the Visitors Centre by members of the CWAS. Telescopes will be set up in the grounds of the Visitors Centre, for viewing the bright stars, planets, the Sun and the Moon during daylight (weather permitting).
  • Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase at the Dish Cafe.


The Conference Programme: Saturday, 22 July 2023

From 09:00    Registration

10:00-11:00    Phil Hart : "Exmouth Eclipse Expedition - Taking Eclipse Imaging to the Max"

11:30-12:30    Kerrie Dougherty (OAM) : "Australia in Space: From the Red Centre to the Red Planet"

12:30-13:15    Lunch - Provided for all registrants

13:15-14:15    John Sarkissian (OAM) : "Return to the Moon: The Parkes Nova-C Support"

14:15-15:00    Civic Reception:  Hosted by Parkes Mayor, Cr Ken Keith

15:00-16:00    Presentation of the 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards":  Click here to view the livestream of the presentation

16:30-17:30    Dr Brad Tucker (ANU) : "Space Telescopes, Exploding Stars, and Dark Energy"  - The John Bolton Lecture

From 18:30    Conference Dinner The Parkes International Motel - Find map here
    After dinner address by Peter Ward : "Chasing Shadows"


The Conference Programme: Sunday, 23 July 2023

From 09:00    Daytime astronomy by the CWAS members - all day (weather permitting).

10:00-10:05    Welcome to Country by Aunty Rhonda, Wiradjuri Elder
10:05-10:30     Official opening of the 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards" exhibition in the Bowen Room.

12:30-13:30    Kerrie Dougherty (OAM) : "Keeping on Track: Australian Support for Space Exploration"
    Free Public Lecture in the Bolton Room



Click here for Accommodation Information in Parkes

Details of this year's CWAS "David Malin Awards", along with the link to submit entries, can be found at the following web page:


Come and see the real thing and enjoy the hospitality of the Central West.


CWAS AstroFest
Organising Committee


The 2023 CWAS AstroFest is proudly supported by



For all enquiries please email the AstroFest Organising Committee



Back to the CWAS Home Page