Orange cultural facilities named as planetarium fees go on display

Orange City Council has given official names to three cultural facilities, including the planetarium where proposed admission fees range from free for children under three to $20 for adults.

The Conservatorium building will be known as the Orange Regional Conservatorium, its recital hall as the Mary Turner Recital Hall and the planetarium as the Orange Regional Planetarium.

Councillors approved the names on 7 July. Cr D Mallard and Cr M McDonell moved the resolutions. Cr J Whitton left before the Conservatorium and recital hall names were considered after declaring a significant pecuniary interest because he is chair of OCTEC, which has donated to the Conservatorium. He returned before the planetarium name was approved.

Council also endorsed its operation of the planetarium and placed proposed fees and charges on public exhibition for at least 28 days. The proposed adult price is $20 per person, with tickets priced at $15 for children aged three to 18, $17 for concession visitors and $55 for a family of two adults and two children.

Primary and high school group students would pay $10 each. Teachers and supervisors would attend free, with a maximum of two per session depending on group size. Children under three would attend free if they sit on a carer's lap, while groups of 10 or more would pay $15 per person.

The facility is being tendered as a full planetarium system, rather than a venue primarily designed for films. Astronomy, science and educational shows will be projected onto an 11-metre dome.

The proposed operating model includes one full-time coordinator and two part-time staff. The part-time staff will present the programs, while the coordinator will manage operations, promotions and staffing.

Mondays may initially be closed for maintenance, cleaning, repairs and training. Operating hours will be reviewed after 12 months. Council also plans to accommodate walk-in bookings before and after shows through the theatre and visitors information centre.

The names establish how the Conservatorium, recital hall and planetarium will be identified publicly. Residents can comment on the proposed planetarium charges during the exhibition period.