University doors open across the state to great success
Around 9000 people visited the University of Tasmania's campuses at the annual Open Day on Sunday 25 August.
About 6500 people visited the Hobart campuses, where the Chemistry Magic Show played before packed lecture theatres, thrilling young and old alike. The Robogals activity, which helped participants to build their own robots, was also a hit.
Visitors gathered eagerly to watch the famous Taiko Drummers perform outside Lazenby's restaurant despite a sudden rain shower, and the free BBQ and Clubs and Society displays were popular as always.
No matter what the weather was doing, the fairy floss machine, face painting and jumping castle remained firm favourites with small children and their parents.
The Radio Telescope Observatory and Grote Reber Museum at Cambridge was visited by more than 2000 people who enjoyed tours, displays and activities, as well as the market-style array of food on offer, including tasty "slow food" by local Coal River Valley producers.
The Medical Sciences Precinct was filled with visitors keen to explore the new second building, with Open Day marking the first time it has been fully opened to the public. Menzies' Teddy Bear Hospital, Tassie devil mask-making and healthy lifestyle quizzes were also popular with visitors.
At the Newnham campus, Australia's Got Talent contestant and Psychology student Rueben Koops drew a crowd with his music performance, as did displays by Slipstream Circus performers.
The Australian Maritime College offered tours of its world-class facilities and gave visitors the chance to view real-time maritime simulations and survival and rescue displays. There was also a shuttle bus to take visitors to the Beauty Point Campus' Centre for Seafaring Training.
Visitors to the Inveresk cultural precinct were lucky enough to have the opportunity to try their hand at boat building and model making. There was also an interactive design expo, as well as guided tours of the award-winning facilities, workshops and studios.
At the UTAS Cradle Coast campus in Burnie, guest speaker Tim Cope proved a big hit, as he recounted tales from his many adventures, even sticking around afterwards to have further chats with visitors.
Course information was also a popular drawcard at all University campuses, with prospective and returning students eager to find out what is on offer from UTAS.
Image: Chemistry Honours students Deanne Heier and Jeremy Just were a hit with crowds at the Chemistry Magic Show.