Image: Tourism WA

At the ready!

As excitement builds for the 2023 Solar Eclipse, we would like you to meet more of the people across the region working hard to get ready to host the astro-phenomenon.

While preparations continue to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for the tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend, please remember to be patient and courteous to your fellow attendees, hosts, service providers and emergency personnel.

Image: Sarah Booth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Exmouth

Sarah Booth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Exmouth

The Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been using its voice to represent the Exmouth business community ahead of the Solar Eclipse.

In partnership with 'Payungu' Elder Rachael Cooyou it has commissioned the artwork featured throughout merchandise to commemorate the event.

“The piece captures a dreamtime story and is called Warnanmankura Kuru-nga (Rainbow serpent looking) Wirlarra Mardama-nma Jirndal (moon covering sun) and the range has a sustainable focus that pays respect to the traditional owners of this land,” says ECCI CEO Sarah Booth.

“As a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, all profits from this initiative will be put back into local community initiatives and support local small businesses.”

The merchandise range is available to purchase via local stockists, via the ECCI online Store and through merchandise stands at selected events during the Dark Sky Festival.

Keep an eye out for merchandise across the region, at events and on online here: https://ningalooeclipse.store/

Image: Kerry White, Onslow Shire President and local community member Holly

Kerry White, Onslow Shire President, Onslow

The town of Onslow offers 99 percent totality of the 2023 Solar Eclipse.

With funding from the WA Government, it has been able to fast track the expansion of overflow camping at Ocean View Caravan Park to accommodate additional visitors and will be hosting a full event schedule the week of the eclipse.

 “The Shire of Ashburton is very excited to be a part of the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse,” says Onslow Shire President, Kerry White.

“Council recognised the opportunities for tourism and visitor awareness this phenomenon had for our region, and we have been working alongside the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation to open up opportunities that promote Onslow as an eclipse destination.

 We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to Onslow in April”.

Accommodation is still available in Onslow and providers should be contacted directly.

For a full list of events visit www.visitashburton.com.au/eclipse.aspx.

Image: Marcus Gianatti, School Principal, Exmouth

Marcus Gianatti, Exmouth District High School Principal

Exmouth High School is working in collaboration with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Health to establish a communication centre on the grounds to support the event.

There will be up to 70 staff accommodated on-site at any one time, as well as the second helicopter pad. The school site will be operational 24 hours a day during and leading up to the event.

 “The Total Solar Eclipse in Exmouth is an opportunity to showcase and promote our amazing small community while working closely with our students, parents and wider community to enhance student learning, says Principal, Mark Gianatti.

“There is a lot of anticipation within the school community about what to expect and how many people will visit the town. I have no doubt it will be a memorable event for our community.”

 

Photo: Michelle O’Keefe, Event Manager Exmouth Yacht Club 

Michelle O’Keefe, Event Manager Exmouth Yacht Club

As excitement builds for the Total Solar Eclipse, preparations are well underway at one of the Dark Sky Festival host venues – the Exmouth Yacht Club.

Located on Town Beach, the Club will stage multiple events in the program including the Dark Sky Festival Seafood BBQ (19 April) Totality Brunch (20 April) and (g)Astronomy Dinner (20 April), all showcasing WA’s incredible produce in this stunning setting.

“Being chosen as the Exmouth host venue for dining events of this calibre has been a great inspiration to make the Yacht Club a hospitality ‘destination’ now and in the future, for locals and guests to enjoy,” Michelle said.

“We’re in the process of refurbishing the stage area’ as well as cosmetic improvements such as new furniture and painting.

“We have a new Chef coming on board and recently launched Friday night entertainment with live bands, which provides a really great atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.” Michelle said.

Click here to find out more or purchase tickets to the Dark Sky Festival dining events being hosted at Exmouth Yacht Club.

Photo: Ned Haywood, Secretary - Exmouth Golf Club

Ned Haywood, Secretary, Exmouth Golf Club

To help accommodate visitors, the Exmouth Golf Club will be operating a temporary caravan park onsite.

“The golf club has been given approval for 30 sites that will not only give guests who book somewhere to park up but an exclusive experience to view the eclipse from their site.”

“We are looking forward to hosting visitors to Exmouth and committed to making the solar eclipse a positive experience for our customers that stay at the club.” 

Email the golf club for more: admin@exmouthgolfclub.com.au