- As in previous years, Bureau staff operated a stand at the Amazing World of Science in Canberra for five days during National Science Week. The display, a part of the Australian Science Festival, focussed on different ways to predict the weather and on how to enter 'Wager on the Weather.' The feedback provided by visitors was helpful in guiding the development of future exhibits.
- The World Meteorological Day address was given by Mr Mel Ward AO, former managing director of Telecom Australia, on the theme 'Weather, Climate and Water in the Information Age'.
- The Head Office exhibition area hosted a small number of tours by school and community groups before it was closed in September in preparation for the Bureau's move to new premises at 700 Collins Street.
- Regional Office staff participated in more than 55 agricultural shows, field days and similar external functions.
- Regional Office staff gave 168 talks to community and special interest groups (mainly schools, boating organisations, and community service clubs).
- Regional Offices hosted visits from more than 100 groups, predominantly schools.
- Direct media inquiries to the Public Affairs Unit at Head Office generally numbered five to 10 a week, and together with the direct media contact with regional offices and field offices resulted in extensive national media coverage of meteorological issues.
- A new service was established to inform staff of media releases of interest to the Bureau. Staff in regional forecasting centres and field offices who speak with the media on a regular basis are emailed a precis of Bureau-related media releases to enable them to explain new services and systems.
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