2018 Riverina Science Festival receives $18,492 Federal Government funding boost

Get your lab coats ready – this year’s Riverina Science Festival is set to feature a robot zoo, kitchen chemistry and more following an $18,492 funding boost by the Federal Government.

The Riverina Science Hub is coordinated by Wagga Wagga City Library, with the 2018 festival to be held from 13 to 18 August during National Science Week.

“The Riverina Science Festival is growing each year and with this funding the 2018 event is set to be another success,” Wagga Wagga City Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said.

“Last year’s funding helped bring the popular pop-up planetarium to Wagga Wagga and this year we have developed another inspiring and diverse program.”

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the $18,492 investment from the Federal Government to Wagga Wagga City Council was one of 45 organisations across the nation to receive more than $600,000 though the 2018 National Science Week Grants.

“The Riverina Science Festival 2018 will combine modern science with ancient Indigenous practices to entertain and educate the young and young at heart,” Mr McCormack said.

“Well done to Wagga Wagga City Council and to the library for embracing National Science Week to give developing minds an outlet to quench their thirst for knowledge.”

Many popular activities will return in 2018, including Kitchen Science for pre-schoolers and the microscope program CLOSER.

The National Indigenous Science Education community program (NISEP) will again feature in the festival program after a successful first year in 2017. Facilitated by Riverina Science Hub partners – including Charles Sturt University, NISEP High Schools and local Indigenous Elders - it will share both modern chemistry and ancient Indigenous science and technology.

New to this year’s festival is the Robot Zoo and a Citizen Science Biodiversity Blitz.

“The Robot Zoo will feature robotics, drones, 3D printing, presentations, films and even a robot petting zoo,” Wagga Wagga City Library Manager Claire Campbell said.

“The Citizen Science Biodiversity Blitz will give the community the opportunity to explore and identify the wildlife of the Marrambidya Wetland.

“The Riverina Science Festival is focused on fostering excitement about science with plenty of hands on learning opportunities.

“There will be something for everyone, whether you’re a budding scientist or just want to learn something new.”

Keep an eye on the Wagga Wagga City Library website for more details: wagga.nsw.gov.au/library