Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today joined renowned AFL footballer Glenn Manton and legendary Olympic swimmer Shane Gould at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the launch of National Science Week activities.
The 'Gee up at the G' gave inspiration to the Science Week team as they help all Australians in discovering how science contributes to our everyday lives, which is the focus of the annual National Science Week celebrations.
"From humble beginnings, National Science Week has grown significantly and I’m proud to be involved in the launch of what is now Australia’s largest national festival," said Senator Carr.
"The truly unique aspect of National Science Week is that it exists each year as a result of collaboration between science associations, museums, universities, schools and industry bodies right throughout Australia.
Other science shows, festivals and competitions may involve the participation of one or two organisations, however National Science Week is an event that transcends all borders within the science community.
"This partnership is what makes National Science Week such a success each year," Senator Carr said.
Held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, today’s launch celebrations started with a lighthearted ‘spray’ by former senior footballer Glenn Manton.
Mr Manton, who played AFL for Carlton and Essendon for twelve years, encouraged attendees to start getting more involved in science.
Former Olympian Shane Gould recognised the importance of science in the ongoing development of sport.
Ms Gould, who won five Olympic medals at the 1972 Olympic Games, paid tribute to the impact of science on swimming, where winning can come down to as little as one-hundredth of a second.
National Science Week will run from 16 - 24 August and will feature a calendar packed with hundreds of events, including touring displays, hands-on presentations, speeches, forums and a national tour of international science personalities.
This year’s festival is expected to attract over 700,000 event participants across Australia, with another 160,000 taking part in school activities.
Most events are free and open to the public, taking place at museums, schools, pubs, universities, public lecture theatres, libraries and even zoos, catering for a host of different audiences from children to adults and science amateurs to professionals.
"Details of the many events on offer around Australia are available on the National Science Week website at www.scienceweek.info.au," Senator Carr said.
"National Science Week has something for everyone and I would encourage Australians to get involved and celebrate all the things science has done to enhance our everyday lives.”
National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and is sponsored by Australian Geographic. The festival is also supported by CSIRO, the ABC and the Australian Science Teachers Association.
Media Contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
Leigh Exelby, National Science Week, 0422 396 111