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THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
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Tuesday, 11 February 2003

STAFF RETURN TO STROMLO

Just three weeks after flames of an estimated 800-1200 degrees Celsius destroyed much of Mount Stromlo Observatory, staff and students today officially returned to work on the mountain.

While the fires on the afternoon of Saturday 18 January destroyed five telescopes, the heritage-listed old administration building, the workshops and seven houses on Mount Stromlo - two academic buildings and key research data were saved.

Most importantly, staff and students were not injured and unanimously voted to return to the mountain as soon as possible.

"This is a great day in the history of Mount Stromlo and in the lives of our staff," Director of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Penny Sackett said today.

"Coming back to work on Stromlo makes me feel like I'm home again.

"This is where we belong. This is where we've been for nearly 80 years and this is where we will continue to be.

"From the day after the fire, staff were very keen to return to Stromlo as quickly as possible."

The site will be open to staff only until the entire site is made safe and secure. It is expected that it will re-open to the public within weeks.

The academic buildings have been re-connected to electricity, water, telephone and internet links and will accommodate approximately 80 staff and 20 students while new construction takes place.

The acting Vice-Chancellor of ANU, Professor Malcolm Gillies said the return to Stromlo was a great day for the University.

"The resolve of staff to return to work at Stromlo is infectious and exciting," Professor Gillies said.

"The speed with which we have been able to return is a testament to the work of staff across the ANU, to the offers of support from across the nation and around the world.

"ANU owns both Siding Spring and Mount Stromlo Observatories and staff will continue their world-class research from both sites while plans for new construction at Stromlo are finalised."

Media contact: Tim Winkler, ANU Media Relations on (02) 6125 5001 or 0416 249 231