Help 'Astro Dave' Reach The Stars
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Folks, I am really in a rut. I’m one of Australia’s most well known and respected amateur astronomers and lecturers with over 50 years experience in astronomy and links to some of the world’s leading astronomical institutions.
I’m an invited speaker at astronomy conventions throughout Australia, I write a column for dozens of Australian newspapers and I'm a science correspondent for ABC and commercial radio. All this work is voluntary and on non profit because I love showing/teaching the night sky to anyone, especially kids, who want to listen and learn.
Since 2004 in my own time I’ve been visiting most Australian primary and secondary schools teaching kids astronomy and teaching teachers how to teach astronomy. It’s now part of the curriculum. My ‘Astronomy Outreach Program’ had been donating a $500 telescope (from a sponsor) to all the schools we visit for them to start up their own school astronomy clubs. I go by the name ‘Astro Dave.’
I also produce a range of educational material on all matters associated with astronomy and space exploration free for beginners. My website takes dozens of questions from kids and adults each week that I answer personally. I’m also called on to give regular talks to Rotary, Apex, Lions, Probus clubs etc.
But now my work (and my life) has come to an abrupt standstill. After a lot of soul searching I decided to give this a try to get back on my feet.
I've only just been released from hospital. I've had CT scans, ultrasounds, checks, assessments, x-rays etc. Essentially my car left the road after trying to avoid a large animal. It was on a back road, around 11pm Wednesday April 19, and I ploughed straight head on into a large power pole with huge junction boxes and transformer. According to the doctors I’m lucky to be alive. Somebody was looking after me that night!
I was stunned and badly knocked about but had time to get out before seeing the car explode and burn. I lost everything in that accident including everything I use in my work. I literally cried. The second hand car was a recent purchase and no, I didn't get around to the insurance of it yet. So, at this stage I’m badly bruised and cut but recuperating.
Financially it's not good as you can imagine. I have no car, towing and storage cost, plus an infringement notice fine from police and I might have a big bill for the replaced pole and transformer, BUT it could have been much worse. I'm alive.
Folks, I’m hoping you can help and I’ll appreciate any assistance you can give to get me and my program up and running again. We need at least $7000 to replace my electronic projector, laptop, my screen...I need a car, etc. I’ll find the rest somehow but I need to get up and running now. Thank you for reading my story and if you’re unable financially to help, thank you for at least caring!
I’m an invited speaker at astronomy conventions throughout Australia, I write a column for dozens of Australian newspapers and I'm a science correspondent for ABC and commercial radio. All this work is voluntary and on non profit because I love showing/teaching the night sky to anyone, especially kids, who want to listen and learn.
Since 2004 in my own time I’ve been visiting most Australian primary and secondary schools teaching kids astronomy and teaching teachers how to teach astronomy. It’s now part of the curriculum. My ‘Astronomy Outreach Program’ had been donating a $500 telescope (from a sponsor) to all the schools we visit for them to start up their own school astronomy clubs. I go by the name ‘Astro Dave.’
I also produce a range of educational material on all matters associated with astronomy and space exploration free for beginners. My website takes dozens of questions from kids and adults each week that I answer personally. I’m also called on to give regular talks to Rotary, Apex, Lions, Probus clubs etc.
But now my work (and my life) has come to an abrupt standstill. After a lot of soul searching I decided to give this a try to get back on my feet.
I've only just been released from hospital. I've had CT scans, ultrasounds, checks, assessments, x-rays etc. Essentially my car left the road after trying to avoid a large animal. It was on a back road, around 11pm Wednesday April 19, and I ploughed straight head on into a large power pole with huge junction boxes and transformer. According to the doctors I’m lucky to be alive. Somebody was looking after me that night!
I was stunned and badly knocked about but had time to get out before seeing the car explode and burn. I lost everything in that accident including everything I use in my work. I literally cried. The second hand car was a recent purchase and no, I didn't get around to the insurance of it yet. So, at this stage I’m badly bruised and cut but recuperating.
Financially it's not good as you can imagine. I have no car, towing and storage cost, plus an infringement notice fine from police and I might have a big bill for the replaced pole and transformer, BUT it could have been much worse. I'm alive.
Folks, I’m hoping you can help and I’ll appreciate any assistance you can give to get me and my program up and running again. We need at least $7000 to replace my electronic projector, laptop, my screen...I need a car, etc. I’ll find the rest somehow but I need to get up and running now. Thank you for reading my story and if you’re unable financially to help, thank you for at least caring!
Organizer
David Reneke
Organizer
Doyles River NSW
