Orange cultural venues receive official names, with Planetarium fees proposed

Orange City Council has named its cultural venues the Orange Regional Conservatorium, Mary Turner Recital Hall and Orange Regional Planetarium, giving the new and upgraded facilities their official public names.

The three resolutions passed without opposition on 7 July. Cr J Whitton left the meeting after declaring a significant pecuniary interest because he is chair of OCTEC, which has donated to the Conservatorium. He was absent for the Conservatorium and recital-hall votes and returned before councillors named the Planetarium.

The Planetarium is being developed as a full astronomy, science and education facility. The system being tendered will project astronomy, science and educational shows onto an 11-metre dome using five projectors, with interactive functions including the ability to zoom in on the projection.

Council also endorsed its operation of the Planetarium and placed proposed admission fees on public exhibition for at least 28 days. The proposed charges are $20 for adults, $15 for children aged three to 18, $17 for concession holders, $15 per person for groups of 10 or more and $55 for a family of two adults and two children.

Primary and high-school students would pay $10 each. Up to two teachers or supervisors per school session would attend free, depending on the size of the group. Children under three would be admitted free when sitting on a carer’s lap.

The proposed operating model includes a full-time coordinator and two part-time staff. Mondays would initially be available for maintenance, cleaning, repairs and training because council staff expect lower patronage and generally no school groups on that day. The operating hours will be reviewed after 12 months.

The official names apply as the cultural precinct develops, while the Planetarium fees remain proposed and subject to public comment.