Prominent astronomer, Professor Fred Watson, has added his support to the campaign to bring back the Blackheath rocket.
A chance visit recently by Professor Watson to the Trains, Planes and Automobiles shop at Blackheath began the link.
Professor Watson noticed the rocket badges and store owner Keith Mentiplay explained they were being sold by Rotary to fund the building of a new rocket for the Memorial Park.
Professor Watson, who has been an astronomer at the Australian Astronomical Observatory since 1995, was an instant fan.
He heard that the original rocket built in the 1960s was the first in Australia and spawned copies that became much-loved features of playgrounds across the country.
Professor Watson himself opened the Moree rocket park in 2009.
"The Blackheath rocket is both part of our heritage and part of our future,” he said. “Who knows how many seven-year-olds climbing into the future rocket's control cabin might be inspired into an illustrious career in science?
“The Blackheath rocket project ticks all the boxes for both the local district and the wider community, and deserves wholehearted support. I wish I'd had a rocket to play on when I was a kid."
I wish I'd had a rocket to play on when I was a kid
- Professor Fred Watson
Andrew Hancock, Blackheath Rotary president, said Professor Watson was happy to lend his name to the campaign.
“Anything that might excite the next generation into some kind of science field he’s all for,” Mr Hancock said.
Local MPs Trish Doyle and Susan Templeman are also supporters.
Ms Templeman said Rotary had made good progress in building community support for the project.
“There’s no doubt that there is nostalgia for those iconic and beautifully designed pieces from the mid-century. I certainly recall stopping for a play in the park, and it would be nice to see that opportunity for future holidaymakers and locals alike,” she said.
Mr Hancock said as well as the Blackheath rocket badges, Rotary is selling locally baked rocket biscuits and rocket-inspired T-shirts. There is also a miniature scale rocket donation box which is being rotated around local businesses.
The campaign has raised about one-third of the estimated $75,000 needed to bring back the rocket. To donate, see www.rotaryclubofblackheath.com.au.
