ANSTO staff will demonstrate the excitement of science to the general public at its family open day on the first day of Spring, Saturday 1 September.
More than 2,000 visitors are expected on the Saturday between 9.30 am and 5 pm. Visitor numbers will be further bolstered with an Industry Open Day – aimed at those with a professional interest - on Thursday 30 August, and Schools Open Day set down for Friday 31 August.
The Open Day program will be promoted as "Your passport to exciting science". Visitors will be given an ANSTO "passport" and invited to get stamps signifying their participation in various activities.
There will be regular tours of HIFAR and analytical facilities such as the tandem accelerator. Visitors will also get a chance to find out about the activities of the Organisation’s divisions which cover a broad scope of scientific activities, including the Environment, Physics, Materials, Engineering, Radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Technology and Safety.
A big day of entertainment is also being organised for the Saturday to cater for all age groups.
A children’s museum will offer kids the chance to learn about science with hands-on participation. Local bands and dance groups will entertain, while young children can have their faces painted, test Newton’s laws on a jumping castle, visit an animal nursery, and ride a pony.
Visitors will be encouraged to come early, as feedback from previous visitors to Open Day is that there is "too much to see in one day".
Entry, tours and activities are free to all ages. Parking is available at Lucas Heights and free buses will ferry visitors from Sutherland Station every half hour. Lunches and snacks will be available for purchase on site.