National Science Week runs until August 17, and last Saturday I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Indigenous Science Experience Open Day at the Redfern Community Centre.
The event was a dynamic collaboration between the Redfern Community Centre, led by Tracey Duncan, and Macquarie University’s National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP), headed by Professor Joanne Jamie. Since 2012, NISEP has been hosting Open Days at Redfern, and each year the event grows in size, energy, and excitement.
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Families poured in with their children, eager to explore, learn, and engage with the hands-on activities. The sheer quality and depth of knowledge being shared was inspiring.
The day began with a beautiful Welcome to Country, followed by very powerful speeches. Tracey Duncan spoke about how Indigenous and Western science don’t have to compete but can work together to expand our collective understanding. Attending as well was Tanya Plibersek, who praised the generosity of First Peoples sharing their knowledge with the wider community.
And share they did. One highlight was basket weaving with Renee, who demonstrated traditional techniques using native plants and explained how these skills were used in everyday Indigenous life. I also sampled a delicious tea made from lemon myrtle and strawberry gum leaves, a small but delicious taste of the botanical knowledge on display.
The energy and curiosity of the younger generation was inspiring. Sydney, from the Murama Junior Rangers, taught me about boomerang aerodynamics, while Laura showed how to identify starch in plants and explained how Indigenous people traditionally used it to bake bread.
I wrapped up the day meeting Tahnee and Jordan, two rising scientists representing the next generation of innovators. Tahnee’s story is particularly inspiring: she participated in the NISEP program with Professor Joanne Jamie and now works at ANSTO, Australia’s centre for nuclear science and technology. She returned to Redfern to help organise the event and mentor young participants.
Together with Jordan, they ran a two-minute virtual reality demonstration that captivated the children and, truth be told, it enchanted the adults too, myself included!
The Indigenous Science Experience Open Day is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of curiosity, collaboration, and the shared joy of learning, showing how science in all its forms can inspire everyone.
For more information about National Science Week, visit https://www.scienceweek.net.au/.
