Carrickalinga Dark Sky Community

In a first for Australia, Carrickalinga has been officially recognised as a Dark Sky Community with DarkSky International.

DarkSky International is the world’s foremost authority on tackling the growing problem of light pollution. It works to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities form the harmful effects of light pollution.

Light pollution is the presence of unwanted, inappropriate or excessive artificial lighting at night. Light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human health, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change and blocks our view of the universe.

Led by the Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association in collaboration with the District Council of Yankalilla, locals have undertaken a range of activities such as sky quality monitoring, information stalls, presentations to community groups and local government, production of flyers, a video teaser, and a Star Party to engage and inspire the wider community. The group has worked closely with the District Council of Yankalilla on an official community consultation process, a new lighting policy and preparation for a public lighting design compliant both with DarkSky and Australian Standards.

Dark sky does not mean dark ground and safety is not compromised. Responsible outdoor lighting means that light is better targeted to where it is needed, does not spill upwards toward the sky or into windows, and is amber rather than white in colour. It meets the needs of people to see at night, conserves energy, avoids harmful effects on both human and wildlife health, and protects our night sky.

This international endorsement is a wonderful and important achievement for both people and for our natural environment. Carrickalinga joins four other Dark Sky Places in Australia, and is the first Community. Other Australian Dark Sky Places include one Dark Sky Reserve (River Murray, SA), two Dark Sky Sanctuaries (Arkaroola, SA & The Jump-Up, Queensland), and one Dark Sky Park (Warrumbungle, NSW).

President of Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association, Amy Gebhardt, is thrilled with the Dark Sky Community accreditation. “The preservation of our night skies not only protects the awe that comes in looking up at the dazzling stars, but importantly it protects First Nations cosmology, the health of our wildlife and the many cultural stories of the stars”, she said. “Our community is incredibly proud that within an hour of the city of Adelaide, Carrickalinga will remain one of the greatest places to enjoy the night sky.”

For more information about Carrickalinga's recognition as an International Dark Sky Community visit the DarkSky International website.

- Supplied by the Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association

Media contacts:

Sheryn Pitman: Carrickalinga Dark Sky Community Project Lead, Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association

• Mobile: 0499903390
• Email: sherynpitman@gmail.com

Amy Gebhardt: President, Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association

• Mobile: 0419 834 853
• Email: agebhardtcra@gmail.com