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desertSMART EcoFair 2021

Since 2009, the Ecofair has connected thousands of people in Alice Springs around the themes of desert science and sustainability.

The Ecofair presents a line-up of national and local thinkers, change-makers and innovators. By showcasing best-practice, place-based solutions to ecological and social challenges, the festival aims to generate ideas and spark local action toward a healthy, thriving future in the desert.

Celebrating local solutions for a resilient future

  • Enjoy talks, outdoor cinema, a garden tour, composting workshops, sunset BBQ and more!
  • Hear from leaders and innovators driving local and national science and sustainability
  • Learn about renewable energy, local climate solutions, bush medicine, and arid zone gardening

Be part of the action - connect with the community at the Ecofair.

Ecofair 2021 program

Download the festival program

 

 

Friday 6th August
 

ABC Alice Springs Outside Broadcast

4-6 PM @ Bean Tree Cafe, Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Join us at the Bean Tree Café Courtyard with ABC Alice Springs and special guest speakers from EcoFair, live music and fantastic prizes up for grabs in the Great Science Quiz. A family-friendly event!

Kicks off at 4pm. The Great Science Quiz from 5:15pm. 


 

 
2040 film
Outdoor cinema: 2040

7-9 PM @ Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

Award-winning director Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040. A feature documentary that looks to the future, but is vitally important NOW! Rug up for a movie under the stars. Food available for purchase from the Bean Tree Café.

Tickets $5, kids free! Get your ticket today. 

Buy tickets

Saturday 7th August

Olive Pink Landcare Buffel Bust

8-9:30 AM @ Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Come along, meet a great bunch of people, get fit, and help protect River Red Gums in the Todd River! Remove buffel grass and help stop these majestic beauties being burnt to the ground. On this day as part of the EcoFair and every second Saturday of the month. Meet at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden entrance at 8AM. 


Food for Alice 

9-11 AM @ East Side Community Garden

Food for Alice food project which connects local people with local produce. We are a social enterprise working toward food security for our community. Come along to the Saturday market selling fresh, quality produce from local, ethical suppliers including farmers, the Community Garden, bakeries, honey producers, coffee roasters and backyard growers. Enjoy coffee and cakes for sale too!


It's a Science: Growing Fruit and Vegetables in the arid zone

11 AM - 12 PM @ East Side Community Garden

Join local gardener gurus sharing tips for growing food in arid Central Australia as part of a guided tour of the thriving community garden. Buy tickets for one of two sessions: 11-11:30 AM | 11:30AM -12 PM.

Tickets $5, limited places available. 

Buy tickets

Cuppa with Dave Sweeney

Postponed due to travel restrictions!

 

Central Australian Plant Sale

12-3PM @ Olive Pink Botanic Gardens 

Create your own water-wise desert garden paradise. Uncommon and stunning Central Australian Plants for sale. Native plant and gardening advice available.


Bush food & bush medicine workshop

1-2:30 PM @ Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Join Traditional Owners from Akeyulerre Healing Centre to learn about bush remedies and traditional healing.

Bookings essential. $20 per person. 

Buy tickets

Powering the future: what a renewable energy future looks like

Postponed due to covid!

Unfortunately, due to our interstate panellists being caught in lockdowns, we're postponing this event. We're committed to bringing this important discussion about renewable energy to the community - stay tuned for details! 


Budding botanists tour

5-6 PM  @ Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Entry level tour of the botanic gardens sharing insights on the adaptations of desert plants.

Sunday 8th August 

Panel: Heat horizons - exploring the future of housing, health and water

11 AM-12:30 PM @ Town Council lawns

Our climate is changing and desert communities are responding. Local leaders discuss the impacts of climate change on health, housing and water and what we can do to create climate-resilient communities.v


Music by Stuart Nuggett

12:30-1 PM @ Town Council lawns

A Jingili man from Elliott, Stuart is passionate about the plight of his people and hopes that through his songs he can capture audiences from all walks of life.


Composting workshop

2-4 PM @ Westside Community Garden

Composting Workshop covering compost bins, bokashi and worm farm option.

Cost: $20 waged attendees, $10 unwaged attendees

Bookings essential.

Buy tickets

EcoFair sunset & soup

4-6 PM @ Westside Community Garden

That’s a wrap! Wind down your weekend with sunset views & veggie stew. As well as herb tea, cakes and biscuits. Organised by wonderful Westside Garden volunteers. 

Please RSVP for catering purposes. See you there!


 

 

 

Thanks to our Ecofair sponsors