Visitors centre tours and events

ANSTO keeps the community well informed about its activities by providing a wide range of communications materials, running free tours, holding community discussions and Nuclear Open Days.

At public meetings, held annually and by request, any matters of interest can be raised by members of the public. These gatherings are hosted by ANSTO experts who give presentations on specific topics, such as:

• Procedures for decommissioning previously used reactors at Lucas Heights
• Safe radioactive waste management
• ANSTO's international work in tracking air pollution, and
• Shipment of used fuel

In 2009 ANSTO recommenced its popular Nuclear Open Days, which saw more than 2000 local and regional visitors tour ANSTO's facilities, and get insights on the science and technology from experts manning the information booths.

While these activities are highly interactive, perhaps the most visible and long-standing public information activity is ANSTO's free tours program, which sees many thousands of people visit the campus each year. This includes customised site tours for senior science classes, specifically tailored to match the NSW Higher School Certificate syllabus outcomes for physics and chemistry.

Publications and documentation

Most information about ANSTO's activities, capabilities and facilities, current research and policies is available online. ANSTO's Government and Public Affairs unit regularly issues media releases and a wide range of informative publications, including ANSTO's annual reports to Federal Parliament, can found here.  The Government and Public Affairs unit is also available to assist with specific information requests from the public. Contact: enquiries@ansto.gov.au.

ANSTO observes a Community Right to Know Charter, which is underlain by Federal Freedom of Information legislation.