desertSMART EcoFair will be again shining a spotlight on science and sustainability in Central Australia 8th-11th August 2019 as part of National Science Week.
Organised by the Arid Lands Environment Centre, desertSMART EcoFair is in its 11th year and aims to educate, inspire and activate the community around science and sustainability. The event features high profile speakers, presentations, workshops, sustainable living markets and an ABC Alice Springs Outside Broadcast.
Special guests at EcoFair in 2019 include Craig Reucassel (ABC’s War on Waste), EcoFair Ambassador Costa Georgiadis (Gardening Australia) and children’s sustainability entertainers Zucchini Clan.
2019 Program
EcoScience Schools Days
Thursday 8th, Friday 9th August, 8.30am-1.30pm Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Local school groups participate in hands-on workshops. With workshops by the Arid Zone Research Institute, Olive Pink Botanic Garden, Engineers Without Borders, Land For Wildlife Central Australia, Alice Springs Town Council, Museum and Art Gallery NT, Ekistica, National Rural Health Students Network and local beekeepers.
ABC Alice Springs Outside Broadcast
Friday 9th August 4-6pm Bean Tree Cafe, Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Join us at the Bean Tree Café Courtyard for the ABC 783 Drive Outside Broadcast. With special guest speakers from EcoFair, live music and fantastic prizes up for grabs in the Great Science Quiz hosted by Costa Georgiadis. A family-friendly event Cost: Free
Apmereke Akaltye-irreme
(Learning from the land)
Friday 9th August 6-8pm Gallery, Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Hear about local and regional projects that are connecting language and technology to ensure the continuation of Indigenous languages in the 21st century. Launch of the ‘Climate Change in Central Australia’ animations. Live music by Stuart Nugget. Food and drinks will be available.
Cost: Free but please RSVP at https://www.alec.org.au/apmereke_akaltye_irreme_learning_from_the_land
Our Bright Solar Future: Learning from our Leaders
Saturday 10th August 2.30pm-5pm Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre
Join Minister for Renewables, Energy and Essential Services, Dale Wakefield, alongside industry leaders and the Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy, to hear about the solutions that can ensure a bright solar future for the Territory.
Afternoon tea provided from 2.30pm.
Cost: Free but please RSVP at https://www.alec.org.au/our_bright_solar_future
Craig Reucassel’s War on Waste
Saturday 10th August 7-12pm Montes Lounge
In 2019 desertSMART EcoFair keynote speaker is Craig Reucassel, the Australian writer and comedian who is best known for his work for going through your bins on the ABC’s War on Waste. https://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/craig-reucassel/ With music by Madeline Hudson and Alex Pye.
Cost: $15 ALEC members, $20 non ALEC members. Purchase tickets at:https://events.humanitix.com.au/craig-reucassel-s-war-on-waste
EcoHub at the Todd Mall Markets
Sunday 11th August 9am-1pm @ Todd Mall (Alice Springs CBD)
Learn more at the EcoFair Hub featuring sustainable living stalls on the Uniting Church Lawns as part of the Todd Mall Markets. Kids activities from 10am with special guests Zucchini Clan and Costa the Garden Gnome. Cost: Free
Growing Healthy Gardens
Sunday August 11th 1-7pm
1-3pm Costa’s Healthy Gardens Workshop
Costa Georgiadis (Gardening Australia) is a vibrant change maker, a connector of people and the host of the ABC’s Gardening Australia program.
1-3pm Costa’s Healthy Gardens Workshop
3pm Opening of garden kitchen and gate
3.30pm Garden Tea Party with Zucchini Clan,
hip & funky advocates for positive, sustainable communities. Entertainment for the whole family!
Cost: $15 ALEC members, $20 non ALEC members for Costa’s Workshop. Purchase tickets at: https://events.humanitix.com.au/growing-healthy-gardens
Donation on entry from 3pm.
@ Alice Springs Community Garden (Frances Smith Memorial Park, Burke St Eastside)
Keep updated via the EcoFair Facebook Page or on twitter @Eco_Fair
A short film from last year's EcoFair: