Science in the Pub Goes Outback and Starry Starry Night

Science Communicators prepare to travel throughout rural NSW and Queensland in a DC3

Can you imagine 20 scientists and journalists travelling the Outback of NSW and Queensland by DC3 preaching the message of Science? Would anyone want to listen? Well this is exactly what did happen during National Science Week in 2000. Over a frenetic week the DC3 visited Broken Hill, Birdsville, Longreach, Charleville and Bourke with a travelling science show. It was organised by science communicator Robyn Stutchbury, with some assistance from me. While Science in the Pub was its focus, with an event staged at every location, it also featured Starry Starry Night (an evening under the stars hearing about the mythology and science of the skies), Science in the Bush (presentations by female scientists to community groups) and numerous schools visits (including School of the Air). And we drew quite an audience.

In the Birdsville Pub it might only have been 10 people, but that's 10% of the local population! The idea of the event was to bring some of the excitement and sense of discovery of science to remote communities. The result exceeded our expectations, and was captivating for audience and presenter alike. We all sampled new experiences and learnt of a different way of life. Indeed the effect it had on our team of scientists was the most unexpected in this amazing week - we all felt it was truly a life changing experience. Science in the Pub Goes Outback was made possible by a grant from the Science Technology & Awareness Program of DISR, and by the generous support from the FST and the U Committee of UNSW.