THE STATE PREPARES FOR TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

In under a week, thousands of people will travel to Exmouth to view a rare Total Solar Eclipse. 

Fourteen state government agencies have been working together with local governments and the Department of Defense to ensure the region is well supported for the event on April 20th.

The government spent 22 million dollars in preparation for thousands of travellers to watch the Eclipse that will last 62 seconds.

Minister for State Development Roger Cook said the area will be ready but for travellers to expect delays and inconveniences, as Exmouth is a small town expecting around twenty-five thousand visitors.

The Dark Sky Festival, will have artistic performances and events taking place in Carnavon, Exmouth and Onslow to bring activities around the Total Solar Eclipse.

The Dark Sky Festival also includes the inaugural Jamba Nyinayi Festival, a Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation event hosted by Traditional Owner Hazel Walgar at Cardabia Station near Coral Bay on 19 April, the night before the eclipse.

“There’s a festival in Cardabia Station that will showcase Indigenous cultural values and insights in relation to the total solar Eclipse, and we’ll also have great entertainment,” he said.

Jamba Nyinayi will feature a drone show by Fremantle Biennale with storytelling from Traditional Owners and local and original indigenous music, dance, food and fire.

There will also be a series of Stargazing Sessions with Astrotourism WA astronomy guides, an astrophotography exhibition and workshops, SciTech STEM-based activities for children and public talks including popular Western Australian astronomer Greg Quike.