Meet an Australian trailblazer at Sydney Science Festival Family Day

Kids will have a rare opportunity to meet and hear from Australia’s first female astronaut when the 2024 Sydney Science Festival comes to Parramatta for this year’s Sydney Science Festival Family Day, presented in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum and the City of Parramatta.

Coinciding with National Science Week, the Sydney Science Festival Family Day features free and fun hands-on science activities for all ages while celebrating science, technology and engineering.

Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and since high school has only dreamed of taking flight to explore the wonders of Space. The trailblazer will host a presentation on her journey towards lift off and into the history books.

The day will also feature live demonstrations, interactive workshops, performances and conversations with inspirational leaders in the sciences.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said it comes after a successful Sydney Science Festival Family Day in 2023.

“This is an opportunity that is out of this world, set in the heart of our CBD,” Cr Esber said.

“Parramatta is again providing a thought provoking and fascinating day exploring ideas and scientific achievements – all for free.”

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the day offers curious minds a chance to explore a bright future and interest in the sciences in the heart of Greater Sydney.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with the City of Parramatta in delivering this year's Sydney Science Festival Family Day,” Ms Havilah said.

“The Powerhouse plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and connecting them with industry, and our Sydney Science Festival program brings together leading creatives and scientists from around the world who are radically rethinking our understanding of the sky.”

Families will be able to meet with Australia’s best scientists from Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney. The team from Story Factory will also be on hand to help you create a piece of writing that captures the universe.

“The city is home to six universities and a world-class research precinct – we are proving not only to be the heart of Greater Sydney, but the brain,” Cr Esber said.

“We want to nurture our young minds and encourage them into STEM so they can be the next generation of Australia’s great astronauts, physicists or engineers.”

Workshops are available covering every topic from robotics to AI, cognitive neuroscience and the latest space technology. Various activities may require bookings.

The City of Parramatta is proud to partner with Powerhouse to bring you Family Day, as part of the Sydney Science Festival.

Sydney Science Festival Family Day runs from 10am-3pm on Saturday, 17 August at Parramatta Square, PHIVE and Parramatta Town Hall.

To find out more and book for Sydney Science Festival Family Day events, click here