Supercharged celebration of science at World Science Festival Queensland Gladstone
The super science showcase that is World Science Festival Queensland is steaming back to Gladstone as part of its regional tour of the state, with two free days of science at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. World Science Festival Queensland’s family-friendly roadshow offers a jam-packed program of explosive live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and loads of cool science. Students from local schools will get the first glimpse of the festival through a stimulating education program on Friday 21 June, developed to inspire the next generation through interactive exhibits, exciting science shows, and engaging discussions with scientists.
The free community day on Saturday 22 June offers a full program for all ages. Visitors can see and participate in awesome experiments with Street Science and the Wonder of Science Flying Scientist, dive into our remarkable reefs with Coral Watch, and hear from snail experts Drs John and Lorelle Stanisic — the team behind the recent new-to-science species, Robert Irwin’s Banded Snail. Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said World Science Festival Queensland provides a platform to engage audiences of all ages.
“On the back of a successful World Science Festival Brisbane, we are looking forward to taking the wonders of science on the road to Gladstone, for World Science Festival Queensland’s state-wide regional tour,” Dr Thompson said. “The local community’s enthusiasm for science means this successful program goes from strength to strength each year, as our team works to bring new and innovative programming to make science, technology, and engineering concepts accessible and relatable for our young Queenslanders.”
The only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the World Science Festival Queensland is supported by the Queensland Government with additional backing through Tourism and Events Queensland. “The World Science Festival is the only event of its kind in the southern hemisphere exploring the intersection of science, art, and culture,” Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said.
“This is a celebration of thinkers, dreamers, and storytellers, sharing bold ideas, innovation, STEM discoveries, and awe-inspiring artworks. “Featured in this year’s program are all the hands-on science experiences audiences love while inspiring Queenslanders and interstate visitors with the exciting possibilities of tomorrow. “The Miles Government is investing $9 million over three years in the World Science Festival, reinforcing Queensland’s reputation as a vibrant knowledge hub and cultural tourism destination in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The events in Chinchilla and Gladstone are presented through the support of Community Partner, Shell QGC and joint venture partners MidOcean Energy and CNOOC, through the Future Makers partnership with Queensland Museum.
“With offices in both Chinchilla and Gladstone, Shell QGC is a prime example of how STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — is empowering local, regional communities while powering the nation,” said General Manager Upstream Krishna Venkatesan. “We are immensely proud to bring World Science Festival Queensland into our backyard, to present captivating science experiences for curious minds in the Western Downs and Central Queensland.”
All community day events and the school’s program are free. Bookings are essential for school groups. For more information on WSFQ Gladstone, visit https://www.worldsciencefestival.com.au/gladstone-program.