Perth businesses keen to 'light up' for John Glenn's space shuttle (A/Prem)

30/10/98

Perth's corporate 'citizens' and major sporting venues will play their part in saluting American astronaut John Glenn during his return to space on board the space shuttle 'Discovery'.

Acting Premier Hendy Cowan said there had been an excellent response to the call for residents and businesses to re-create the gesture of 1962 when Perth 'lit up' to honour Senator Glenn's first space mission on board the space capsule 'Friendship 7'.

Mr Cowan said that apart from individual homeowners who intended to put their lights on for 'Discovery's' passover early on Saturday morning, there had been a good response from the central business district and a number of the city's largest sporting facilities.

"The WA Football Commission will switch on the lights at Subiaco Oval, the Western Australian Cricket Association will follow suit at the WACA Ground along with its neighbour Gloucester Park, while farther out in the suburbs, the Joondalup Arena and Challenge Stadium in Mt Claremont will be lit up," he said.

"In the CBD, the buildings to switch on the lights include Governor Stirling Tower, Dumas House and all major private sector building managers have been asked to participate in the event."

In response to Government calls for Perth to participate in the event, BP Kwinana Oil Refinery has also received approval from the Department of Environmental Protection to 'light up' their gas flare, which was seen by John Glenn during his 1962 flight.

Mr Cowan said the support was a clear indication that the people of Perth were rekindling the enthusiasm of 1962 which led to Perth earning the title of the 'City of Lights'.

To mark the event, the State Government has also given two WA science students and two science teachers the opportunity to witness the launch of the historic mission at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

"At this stage it is anticipated that Senator Glenn and the crew of the 'Discovery' will have the best view of Perth early on the morning of Saturday, October 31 - at thirty two minutes past midnight," Mr Cowan said.

"There has been strong support from the media for the proposal to turn on the lights and I am sure they will play their part in informing the people of Perth of the appropriate time and, if necessary, of any changes to the current schedule.

"I am sure the people of WA wish Senator Glenn and his fellow 'Discovery' crew members a safe and successful mission."

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595