The radio telescope in Parks was made famous when it was the only place in the then “free world” that could contact the astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins from Apollo 11, during the first Moon landing on July 20, 1969.
From a little unknown bush town, Parks became “the centre of the world” for a few days. For 2.5 hours that the moon walking took place, Parks was the link between the lunar module (The Eagle) and Earth. The movie world immortalised Parks in the film The Dish which recount the event and explored exceptionally well the unique Australian sense of humour.
