Official Opening of the Charleville Cosmos Centre Astrodome

Mayor Radnedge and fellow Councillors, members of the Charleville community.

I particularly thank Sheryl Lawton for her Welcome to Country, and I, too, respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Charleville. 

It is my great honour to join you all today.

Truth be told, I get a real thrill when visiting Charleville.

On every visit, I am impressed to see Charleville’s streetscapes in such good condition, and its citizens optimistic.

The enduring impression is of a proud community, with a cohesive and united people.

I harbour so many vivid, happy memories of my time here – only some of them are contained to the Corones Hotel!

I am delighted to add this wonderful Astrodrome facility to the list of impressive Charleville projects I have previously opened: the new airport terminal in 2017, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Hangar in 2014.

2020 has been a tough and bruising year for so many, with coronavirus compounding the deleterious effects of prolonged drought – not to mention dust.

I have been greatly impressed by the way Queenslanders have responded to the necessary restrictions of the time.

I thank regional Queenslanders, so many of whom have made inordinate sacrifices these past few months.

The opening of this wonderfully conceived Astrodome could not, therefore, have come at a more appropriate time.  

It adds to a tempting list of attractions in Charleville. I have every confidence it will lure more visitors, from amateur stargazers to scientists, to this magnificent Queensland town. 

And what wonders they will see! By stitching together more than 1,500 breathtaking images of Charleville’s starry sky, visitors are guaranteed to be celestially seduced, even when its cloudy. 

I applaud the Murweh Shire Council and staff for their advocacy of this inspired project.

I further thank the Council and the Queensland Government for their significant financial contributions; the contractors, many locally based, for their displays of skill and craftmanship; and the staff and students of Griffith University, for their input into the centre’s design.

This striking building is a tangible sign of progress in Charleville, and an attraction of which the entire community can be truly proud.

I now have the very great honour of unveiling a plaque, thereby declaring officially open, the Charleville Cosmos Centre Astrodome.

Thank you.