Explore regional NSW this National Science Week

Our regional centres continue to embrace National Science Week and we are thrilled to support events across NSW, from Armidale in New England, Bellingen on the Mid North Coast, Newcastle and Cessnock in the Hunter, Wyangala in the Central West, Nowra and Illaroo in the Shoalhaven, Ulladulla and Mystery Bay in the Eurobodella, to Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

These include multiple opportunities for the public to either get involved in citizen science with field walks and iNaturalist training, interact with scientists and experts in research relevant to local landholders at community forums, or enjoy place-based programs that celebrate science, art and culture.

Check out some of the amazing local events below; with hands on activities and workshops to inspire all ages.

South Coast

Dive into a South Coast nature adventure this August for Science Week 2024! Explore the region’s incredible biodiversity with a variety of events:

  • Learn about iNaturalist & Nature: Talks from the experts – Nowra August 11.
  • Uncover Bomaderry Creek’s wonders: Embark on a nature exploration – Bomaderry Creek Regional Park, August 11.
  • Travel back in time: Join a Gondwana Fossil Walk – UlladullaAugust 16.
  • Become a citizen scientist: Participate in a Bioblitz – Mystery Bay August 18.

Choose one event or join them all! Learn from experts, use iNaturalist, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Sunday 11 – Sunday 18 August 2024 on the South Coast NSW


Rewilding Bundanon

This year’s program celebrates Australia’s love of our wildlife, a growing value for Traditional Knowledge, and our fascination with our technological future. Go on a walk Broad-headed snake guided science walk, or se all your senses to discover which plants, birds, mammals, insects and reptiles live at Bundanon on the Rewilding Family walk. Using a series of guided drawing exercises, participants will build up a survey record of a particular ecological zone, from the macro down to the micro in the Creative Field Artmaking workshop.

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 August 2024 at Bundanon


Then and Now – Talking about Australia’s environment with Tim Flannery

Tim Flannery is one of Australia’s best-known scientists and biggest-selling authors and one of our most prominent climate change activists. This in-conversation with Tim will explore how Australia’s environment has changed (or not), and what new problems and solutions we face.

2 – 3pm on Saturday 17 August 2024 at Bundanon Art Museum


Science Showcase University of Wollongong

Explore the University of Wollongong as it transforms into a hub of science activities! This is a free event and all are welcome. There is something for everyone, of all ages and interests!

Activities include:

  • Guided tours of the medicine and nursing teaching spaces.
  • Fire and Ice Spectacular science shows presented by the Science Space.
  • Dragon Training mobile zoo reptile display. See a lace monitor, crocodile, snake, turtle, frogs and a few smaller lizards.
  • Project Bucephalus Lego robotics building and competition with prizes! BYO robot or build one here.
  • Tours of the observatory on-site, view the Sun with a solar scope, and a telescope display with Shoalhaven astronomers
  • Anatomy models of the different parts of the body
  • Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation Birthing on Country with midwives and interactive mannequins to measure fetal heart rates
  • Interactive health and medicine displays! Have your blood pressure measured, see your muscles via ultrasound, and see how dummy patients and simulations are used in medicine and nursing.

Our cafe will be open, and there will also be a sausage sizzle and a coffee cart.

10am – 3pm on Saturday 10 August 2024 at University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven campus


Future Science Talks

This show features local scientists from Wollongong who have partnered with comedians to infuse humour and laughs into scientific talks. Laugh and learn at the same time! At this show, you’ll be hearing from Wollongong’s best and brightest science professionals who will be combining science and comedy.

Speakers:

  • Alexander Mason
  • Stefan Mueller
  • Jodi Edwards
  • Johannes Deon Swanepoel

7 – 8pm on Wednesday 21 August 2024 at University of Wollongong, Science Space


Nature Journalling Session

Join us for a walk to see the diverse plants and animals of the Panboola Wetlands. After you can write or draw what you saw.

This event is for young people, families, and people of all ages. You will be immersed in nature and inspired to record your observations.

Art materials will be provided.

3 – 4.30pm on Saturday 10 August 2024 at Panboola Wetlands


North Coast

Riveryouthfest

Winter Riveryouthfest is a fun family-friendly community event on Saturday 17th August at the Bellingen Skatepark. Join us to get involved in local science initiatives and learn about the importance of river health. We aim to inspire science in young people and the wider community, while sharing the ways that science helps protect our environment.

The event will feature guest speakers alongside musical performances and interactive citizen science activities by the river. The event will feature Gumbaynggirr welcome and dancers, guest speakers, musical performances and interactive citizen science activities by the river. Activities are targeted at young people but we encourage everyone to come down and enjoy what’s on offer!

12 – 3pm on Saturday 17  August 2024 at Bellingen Skatepark


UNE Discovery Armidale

UNE Discovery is an outreach program of the University of New England in Armidale NSW. National Science Week is one of our important event weeks for science communication and we are excited to host three inclusive activities during the week. 

Adaptations: Amazing Australian Species Art Competition 

UNE Discovery is hosting a regional art competition to highlight the extraordinary abilities of our Australian animals, birds, insects and plants as they adapt to their ever-changing world due to human and climate factors. Artworks will be included in a public exhibition that will commence from 12 August in UNE’s Dixson Library.

From Monday 12 August Dixson Library Armidale

Stayin’ Alive: Discovery Walks 

A ranger, a botanist and an ecologist wander in the New England bushland and the community is invited to join them. UNE Discovery is partnering with the local National Parks & Wildlife Services (NPWS) team to host two 4 hour visitor walks in the New England area to observe, question and be informed of local flora, fauna, insects and/or fungi and how they have adapted to the changing environment of the region.

10am – 2pm on Sunday 11 & Sunday 18 August at Armidale Visitor Information Centre

Science @ the Library 

UNE Discovery will host two late afternoon science shows at the Armidale War Memorial Library on Wednesday 14th August 2024. 

Join us for some creative chemistry and a little magic of physics – we might create some elephant’s toothpaste or a fire tornado, perhaps we’ll levitate a light bulb or vibrate a Chladni Plate. There’ll be something for everyone – lots of science, and lots of wow! 

Let’s ignite a spark of curiosity and have fun!  

Wednesday 14 August Armidale War Memorial Library

  • Session 1: 4:30pm-5:30pm (for primary school students) 
  • Session 2: 6:00pm-7:00pm (for secondary and open/adults) 

Future Science Talks

This show features local scientists from Armidale who have partnered with comedians to infuse humour and laughs into scientific talks. Laugh and learn at the same time. At this show, you’ll be hearing from Armidale’s best and brightest science professionals who will be combining science and comedy.

Speakers:

  • Lucy Farrow
  • Toni Petronaitis
  • Barbara Padalino
  • Lou Streeting
  • Dirk van Winden

6.30 – 7.30pm on Saturday 24 August 2024 at Armidale City Bowling Club


Western NSW

ERTHWRX24

ERTHWRX24 is an inaugural multi day community event involving a series of panel-talks, exhibitions, presentations, performances, installations and workshops. The program will focus on ‘environmentalism’ delivered through the nexus of science, arts, culture, social, historical, geo-political and activist discourse. The program will bring together community, scientists, cultural knowledge holders, architects, ecologists, traditional medicine, global explorers and artists to ideate, create, share and explore humanity’s entangled relationship with the climate emergency. 

Panel topics will include indigenous perspectives on land stewardship; biodiversity conservation and sustainable living practices; global wildlife disease; soil management and health; renewable technologies and circular economies; land and water sustainability; ocean micro-plastic research; and bio-fuel technology.

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August at The Corridor Project Wyangala

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 August 2024 at Cowra Micro Gallery


Science@Heart

Science@Heart ventures award-winning teachers & leading science communicators into Dubbo, the heart of New South Wales, during National Science Week to facilitate hands-on activities for the local community. The talks will offer insights into various fields of science, ranging from biodiversity to economics, environmental science, sociology, marine biology, and astronomy. 

Join us @Science@Heart, a day filled with interactive activities and short talks with leading scientists. You will get a chance to touch shark’s teeth, stargaze the universe through a telescope, co-create a building, learn about the fascinating world of oysters, about frogs’ singing melodies, how economics is not about money or why injustice matters for all.  

12 – 7.30pm on Saturday 17 August 2024 at Western Plains Cultural Centre Dubbo


Hunter

Living Legend to Speak on Saving Orangutans

Dr Birute’ Galdikas, the extraordinary researcher from the jungles of Borneo, is gracing Newcastle with her presence! Join us as we welcome this living legend, who alongside Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, forms one of Louis Leakey’s iconic Trimates.

With over 50 years of groundbreaking research on orangutan biology, Dr Galdikas has been instrumental in saving these majestic creatures from extinction. She’s not just a scientist, she’s a symbol of inspiration for women in science everywhere.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from Dr Galdikas herself and learn about her incredible journey in orangutan conservation. Let’s come together to celebrate and learn from this living legend.

6 – 8 pm on Tuesday 6 August 2024 at Newcastle City Hall


Hunter Science Festival 2024

The Hunter Science Festival is back in 2024 and bigger than ever! This huge day is filled with FREE science fun and hands-on experiences for kids of all ages!   

  • Become a poo on the giant inflatable Poo Palace from Hunter Medical Research Institute, and learn all about your digestion with their gastrointestinal researchers the Grand Poobahs 
  • Build and race your own Electric Vehicle with Hunter Innovation and Science Hub HISH 
  • Climb into a City of Newcastle garbage truck and meet a real driver!  Chat to our waste team about Compost Revolution, community workshops and our general waste and recycling services 
  • Explore the activity and display tables from Hunter Water, Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre, Hunter Wetlands, Hunter Landcare and School of Earth, Hunter Geological Society 
  • Chill out at the Newcastle Libraries science storytime zone and borrow one of their cool tech kits 
  • Check out Fizzics Education’s Bushfire Science Shows 
  • Tickle your funny bone with Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition 
  • Pot a Pollinator Plant! Learn about the life cycle of a seedling as you pot a native plant to take home. Grown from seed in our Kotara nursery, we’ll have a variety of local native plants, including edible plants, and experts on hand to share their knowledge. Get your hands dirty in the soil and chat all things green with our Environment teams. Take your plant home and watch it attract native bees, butterflies, and birds.

10am – 2pm on Sunday 18 August 2024 at Newcastle Museum

Poo Palace

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Poo Palace is returning to the Newcastle Museum for Science Week 2024. The HMRI Poo Palace is an interactive and educational activation that takes kids on a journey through the human digestive system. 

Saturday 17  to Sunday 18 August 2024 at Newcastle Museum


An Evening of Science with Robyn Williams: From Atoms to Ecosystems

Join the University of Newcastle for an exhilarating National Science Week event.  This unique in-person event will feature a series of rapid-fire, five-minute talks from our esteemed academics, covering a diverse range of topics from quantum engineering, the biodiversity crisis and technological innovations.

5.30pm – 8.00pm, on Thursday 15 August 2024 at
the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music


Koala Workshop: Scats, Scratches and Screams

Come along to this fascinating workshop to learn all about the science, technologies, programs, and people helping to find and protect koalas.

You’ll hear from scientists and researchers from the University of Newcastle, Wollombi Aboriginal Cultural Experiences, NSW Environment and Heritage, NSW Local Land Services, Landcare, National Parks and Wildlife Service, along with local landholders and representatives from Hunter Wildlife Rescue.

Koala and Joey in tree
© Charles J. Sharp

This event is specifically targeting local residents with koala habitat on their properties. Refreshments will be provided on the day.

1 – 4 pm on Saturday 10 August 2024 at Laguna Community Hall


National Science Week at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens has an exciting line-up for National Science Week. Receive your science passport when you register at the Information Tent. Then visit each of the 6 science station activities to stamp your passport.

  • Plant Science – every breath you take …. thank a tree.
  • Dip-netting – healthy water bugs mean healthy water.
  • Bug hunt – discover our eco-engineers and how they make the Gardens grow.
  • Geology dig – the history of our planet is beneath our feet.
  • Why filtering water matters – keeping out the bad stuff.
  • The first inventors – aerodynamics in action.

10am – 2pm on Sunday 11 August 2024 at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens


Future Science Talks – Comedy Edition

Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition is debuting in Wagga after sold out shows all across Australia. This show features local scientists from Wagga who have partnered with comedians to infuse humour and laughs into scientific talks. Laugh and learn at the same time!

At this show, you’ll hear from Wagga’s best and brightest science professionals who will be combining science and comedy.

Speakers:

  • Jen Hawker – exploring the structures of viral proteins
  • Jaishree Ravindran – creating new knowledge in the field of lactoferrin
  • Doaa Hanafy – searching for a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
  • Maddy Ray – investigating the parasites infecting native ducks

6.30pm – 7.30pm on Friday 9 August 2024 at CSU Riverina Playhouse


Riverina

First Nations Astronomy and Stargazing

The Albury LibraryMuseum is proud to present astrophysicist and science communicator Kirsten Banks, a Wiradjuri woman also known as AstroKirsten.

This event will ignite your curiosity and leave you in awe of the universe. Learn about the astronomical knowledge developed by First Nations people over thousands of years. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious novice, this event is perfect for anyone with a passion for learning.

This event includes Kirsten’s talk at the LibraryMuseum, followed by an opportunity to star-gaze in QEII Square with the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga.

Dress warm and bring a picnic rug for the stargazing session. BYO telescope to beat the queues! 

5:30pm – 7:30pm on Friday 16 August 2024 at Albury LibraryMuseum

Halve Waste Tour

Have you ever wondered what happens to your waste once it’s taken from your kerb? Join Halve Waste for a FREE scientific journey to the Albury Waste Management Centre. Hop aboard the Halve Waste bus, where an education officer will guide you through a 1.5-hour tour. Learn exactly what happens to our waste and how we can all work together to send less to landfill.

Fully-enclosed footwear is essential for all participants. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

10.30am – 12:30pm on Monday 12 August 2024 at Albury LibraryMuseum

Museum Tour: Our First Scientists

Join us for an immersive guided tour of the Crossing Place Wiradjuri display where we explore the inventions and theories of our first scientists. All ages welcome.

4pm – 4.45pm on Tuesday 13 August 2024 at Albury LibraryMuseum


Future Science Talks 

This show features local scientists from Newcastle who have partnered with comedians to infuse humour and laughs into scientific talks. Laugh and learn at the same time. At this show, you’ll be hearing from Newcastle’s best and brightest science professionals who will be combining science and comedy.

Speakers:

  • Jason Girkin – fine-tuning immune responses to alleviate or prevent viral-induced respiratory disease
  • Jacqui Iredale – transcranial magnetic stimulation works for the treatment of mental health disorders
  • Louis Nightingale – discovering new natural sunscreens from photosynthetic bacteria for use in safe sunscreen products
  • And more…

2.30pm – 3.30pm on Sunday 18 August 2024 at Newcastle Museum


Big Bang Science Workshop – Sounds of Silence

Celebrate National Science Week with us! Come along to this free science workshop to explore how sound is created, how it travels and how we hear it.

All Children must be aged 5 or over to attend this craft. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over.

3:45pm – 4:45pm on Tuesday 13 August 2024 at Leeton Library


There is a program for everyone to enjoy across regional NSW this National Science Week.


Feature image: OzGreen Tree planting at RiverYouthFest