Sapphire Coast Science Festival

Volunteers have been extra busy on the Far South Coast lately, pulling together a great set of activities for people in the area interested in or wanting to have a taste of science during National Science Week 2014.

Running from 13 to 23 August, the Sapphire Coast Science Festival will showcase the natural beauty and history of the surrounding areas.

It all kicks off on 13 August with three experts from the Australian National University speaking about climate, water and fire at Bega Library.

Participants can then attend the official Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony launch event on 16 August at Bournda Environmental Education Centre.

After the official welcome and opening, participants are spoiled for choice with a selection of 12 workshops on offer ranging from a fish dissection to a spotlight walk in search of yellow-bellied gliders.

Doug Reckord, the Principal at the Centre said that many great scientists and naturalists participate in these events because they love to be able to share their passion for science.

“This is the second year the Centre has been involved and we expect it to be even bigger and better than last year.”

On 19 August participants will gather at a special place in the area, Eden Aboriginal Land Council’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Keeping Place at Jigamy Farm is a site of great significance to the local Aboriginal peoples.

There will be a fascinating talk on some of the science of the Bundian Way, a traditional pathway of over 300km from the coast at Eden to Mt Kosciuszko. Dr Duane Hamacher an astrophysicist from UNSW will also speak about Indigenous Astronomy.

Thursday 21 August sees both outdoor and indoor science with walks through the local Panboola Wetlands and a Science Café where local food producers will present on the science of their products.

Jillian Reithmuller of the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre can’t wait for this event.

“I just love to learn about food especially when I also get a chance to taste it!”

The festival presents a Trivia Quiz in the evening of Friday 22 August, where all are invited to answer predominantly food-related science questions and compete for a gourmet hamper of local products. We expect this to be a hotly contested challenge!

The week will come to a close on Saturday 23 August on the shores of beautiful Twofold Bay in Eden with the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre Open Day. From 10am there will be workshops and the opportunity to walk through and experience the many displays and activities at the Centre.

Kerryn Wood, Operations Manager loves this kind of event because children, their parents and often grandparents come in and experience marine science up close and personal.

“I really love to see their eyes light up during feeding time in the tanks.”

Bookings are necessary for most activities and can be made here.

For more information please contact: Angelika Erpic, Coordinator (voluntary), Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub
Phone: (02) 6496 3540
Email: a.erpic@yahoo.com.au

Details are also available on the National Science Week Website and the Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub Facebook page.