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- The concept for this self-funded Educational and Tourist Astronomical Observatory came about when astronomer James Barclay was approached by the (now defunted) Maidenwell Eco Tourism Association and the Nanango Shire Council in August, 2003 and offered 10 acres of the western side of the Maidenwell Sports and Recreation Field.
- In April 2004, construction began and was completed a week before the Gala Opening on August 16, by Prof. Fred Watson-head astronomer from the Anglo Australian Telescope.
- Since then, the Maidenwell Observatory has become very popular with individuals, families, schools and tourists alike, where they can view the Southern Night Skies which are not blotted out by the glow of street lighting, thanks to Ergon Energy who replaced the old High Pressure Mercury lights with full-cut off High Pressure Sodium vapour type.These lights do not shine up into the night skies, into people's houses and drivers eyes.
- James has been an astronomer for over 50 years and has written many papers and articles on astronomy. He loves this science so much, he founded three Astronomy clubs: The Sun Coast Astro. Society in March '79; the Brisbane Astro.Society in July '86; and the South East Qld Astro. Society in August '89. He also taught Astronomy for 15 years at Brisbane TAFE Colleges, and doubles up as a Photojournalist for local newspapers. James is also a freelance photo-journalist.
- Maidenwell is 27 kilometres south of Nanango and the Bunya Mts. National Park. The town has a nice little country style Trading Post where you can buy most things a general store has including newspapers, dairy foods, groceries fast-food and fuel for car or truck.
- The name chosen for the Observatory was for three reasons:
- Identifies the region (South Burnett) in the state of Queensland;
- Identifies the town in the region, and
- what we are all about.
Photo at right is the Maidenwell Hotel owned and run by 'Spud' Gavin Jones. Meals available 7 days and nights a week.
Pig on Spit (cooked on open fire) served at 6pm on last Saturday of each month. Ph. 4164 6133
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 October 2008 02:30 )
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