site at Bickley near Mount Gungin in the Darling Range. Construction of the new observatory cost $600,000, and it was opened by the Premier Sir David Brand on 30 September 1966. Recent history The Observatory has fought off several attempts to close the facility by the State Government, the most serious being in 1987 when it was part of the Department of State Services. An outcry from the public, scientific and amateur communities was helpful in retaining the observatory. As of July 2015, The Perth Observatory Volunteer Group runs the Observatory under a community partnership agreement between the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group which was signed in June 2015. Centenary 1996 In January 1996, the centenary of its foundation, the observatory was transferred to the Department of Conservation and Land Management, now part of the Department of Parks and Wildlife (Western Australia). Bickley Observatory heritage listed In 2005 the Bickley site was heritage listed, being Australia's oldest continuing operating observatory and Australia's only remaining State Government operated astronomical observatory. Publication The Western Australian astronomy almanac was published in the 2000s by the DEC as part of the Observatory expertise, utilising staff of the Observatory to edit and contribute. The 2002 publication for the 2003 almanac had an extra subtitle which was not utilised in later editions: the really useful guide to the wonders of the night sky. It had been preceded by Astronomical Data (1965–1990) and the Astronomical Handbook (1989–1992 ?). Perth Observatory today The Minor Planet Center credits 29 minor planet discoveries to Perth Observatory for the period between 1970 and 1999. On 22 January 2013 the Western Australian Government announced that all research programs would be cut and the Observatory would only be open for tours. As of 1 July 2015, the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group has been running the Observatory for the Western Australian Government, the Perth Observatory continues to operate today under the management of only 3 part-time staff and almost 120 passionate volunteers who work hard ensure its position as a scientific and heritage education facility. Each year more than 200 events are hosted at the Observatory which draw over 10,000 visitors. Further afield, star viewing events are held at remote sites in WA with the aim of providing a gateway to the universe for all in WA. irrespective of location. Collectively, the volunteers provide over 18,000 hours each