Unearth Parramatta’s rich history at 2019 Sydney Science Festival

From behind-the-scenes archaeological tours and interactive robot workshops to bush detective schools and explorations of ancient remedies, Parramatta’s rich natural and cultural history will be showcased at events across the City for the 2019 Sydney Science Festival.

City of Parramatta will lead the way with an innovative series of medical and archaeological-themed experiences and activities from Tuesday 6 to Sunday 18 August as part of National Science Week.

“Parramatta is a constantly evolving Smart City that is using innovations in science and technology to shape its future. This is the place to be for the 2019 Sydney Science Festival and National Science Week,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.

“Our program has something for everyone, providing incredible opportunities to learn about and better understand Parramatta’s past, present and future with the help of leading scientists, archaeologists and members of the Darug community.

“I invite everyone to share in the excitement of National Science Week by coming along to our fantastic and diverse events.”

Join the archaeologists who excavated significant sites across the City for exclusive Science of Archaeology tours. Discover ancient bush remedies at a Bush Medicine Workshop at beautiful Lake Parramatta. Explore the profound impacts of the Spanish Flu at a special Pandemic in Parramatta: 1919 Spanish Flu talk. Visit Aboriginal lands and former hospital sites on the Sawbones to Specialists walking tour to explore how scientific knowledge has changed medical practice in Parramatta.

There are exciting educational experiences for children including: uncovering animal clues at The Bush Detective School; developing bridge-building techniques at the Building Bridges workshop; and hands-on palaeontology at Digging Up Deep Time.

Head to the City’s libraries for a range of interactive science events. Meet robots Pepper and Nao at Shake Hands with Robots Pepper & Nao: How robots work, a special session presented by Western Sydney University’s Dr Omar Mubin. Talk with local scientists at The Citizen Scientists Panel. Make your own rocket ship at Straw Rockets and Space Craft. And explore simple and powered machines using LEGO at the STEM LEGO Club.

At Sydney Olympic Park, children can enjoy a range of free activities at the Innovation Games at GIANTS Stadium, a partnership between the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and GWS Giants.

“From interactive science shows and an augmented reality treasure hunt, to BMX demonstrations, wildlife displays and sport and fitness activities, Sydney Olympic Park is the place for kids of all ages to get inspired on Sunday 18 August,” Sydney Olympic Park Authority Director of Place Management Susan Skuodas said.

The City of Parramatta has participated in the Sydney Science Festival for the past three years. 

Council’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism team is partnering with Westmead Hospital, Urban Growth, Casey and Lowe Pty Ltd, Comber Consultants, and the Darug community to bring the 2019 Sydney Science Festival to life across the City.

The annual state-wide Sydney Science Festival is produced by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) and the Australian Museum in partnership with Inspiring Australia.

For more information, visit City of Parramatta’s Special Events and Science Week and Sydney Science Festival pages.