The History of VASTROC
VASTROC (the Victorian ASTROnomical Convention) began in 1987 as an idea of Dr Wayne Orchiston, the president of the ASV at the time. The first convention was sponsored by the ASV and was held at Victoria College, Clayton. The convention has been held on a bi-annual basis ever since, in years when the National conference (NACAA) is not held.
The aims of VASTROC
We conduct VASTROC for several reasons. Mainly the assembly gives each attendee the opportunity to meet socially with other people of similar interests from outside the ASV - such meetings are rare. The workshop venue is a special interest discussion of current issues. The observing night provides an environment at the “coal face” of astronomy. The presentation of papers is a very important feature of any conference. It allows presenters to describe the projects that they have been passionately working on over the past two years. It also imparts ideas and enthusiasm to the listener.