Shire's first Outback Under the Stars Event is out of This World

Published on Monday, 31 August 2026 at 9:33:49 AM

The Shire of Coolgardie has celebrated the successful delivery of its inaugural Outback Under the Stars event, with residents in Kambalda enjoying a memorable evening of stargazing and astronomy on Friday, 21^st of August, while the planned Coolgardie event was unfortunately cancelled due to rain.

Held as part of National Science Week, the free community event transformed Harry Steinhauser Oval into an open-air astronomy classroom, providing people of all ages with the opportunity to experience the night sky through powerful Celestron Celestron CPC 800 and 1100 telescopes, learn from expert astronomers and connect with science in an accessible way.

Attendees also enjoyed Glow in the Dark Mini Golf throughout the evening, allowing families and visitors to move between activities and enjoy a fun, interactive community experience. The event was delivered in partnership with Perth Observatory and supported through a National Science Week WA Grant and Inspiring Australia funding.

Residents, families and visitors enjoyed guided stargazing sessions and astronomy discussions led by volunteers from Perth Observatory, while others tested their skills on the Glow in the Dark Mini Golf course. The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees of all ages to learn more about the night sky, science and space exploration.

The event was made possible through the combined efforts of the Shire of Coolgardie, Perth Observatory, National Science Week, Inspiring Australia, Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting and Westgold.

Kambalda Place Manager, Natalie Patten, said the success of the program highlighted what could be achieved when organisations came together.

"Outback Under the Stars was about bringing something unique, educational and memorable directly to our communities. We want our residents to have access to experiences that they might otherwise need to travel hundreds of kilometres to enjoy. Seeing so many families, children and community members looking through telescopes and learning about the night sky made all the planning worthwhile.

Importantly, these events were completely free ensuring everyone had the opportunity to participate regardless of age, background or financial circumstances”

Mara Leisavnieks, a volunteer with Perth Observatory, said the Goldfields provided some of the best stargazing conditions in Australia and the best attendees.

"Communities like Kambalda and Coolgardie are fortunate to have incredibly dark skies, creating viewing conditions. It was fantastic to share that experience with local residents.

We also find that regional communities are incredibly enthusiastic and appreciative of science outreach opportunities, making these events especially rewarding for our volunteers.

The Shire’s enthusiasm and support have been instrumental in bringing this event to the community, and it's clear they recognise the value of science, education, and community engagement."

Outback Under the Stars aligns with the Shire of Coolgardie's Council Plan 2026-2036, which commits to celebrating and promoting the region's unique heritage and culture through a diverse calendar of events that activates public spaces and supports visitation. By delivering this free event in both Kambalda and Coolgardie, the Shire created an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the region's world-class dark skies while fostering community connection and participation.

The Shire of Coolgardie thanks all sponsors, supporters, volunteers and community members who contributed to the success of the event and looks forward to exploring future opportunities to bring similar experiences to the region.

Event Partners & Supporters