July 26, 2019

Wollongong’s renowned Science Space celebrates 30th birthday

Centre captures children's imaginations with retro exhibits, innovative show

Thirty years have passed since Science Space opened in Wollongong.

This weekend (Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July), the Science Space invites the public to its birthday celebrations.

There will be a grand-scale science experiment outside at 11am on both days, free to the public.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Wollongong native who hasn’t been through the Science Space in its 30-year history. Just this year, the Science Space is on target to host 18,000 school students, out of a total of 58,000 visitors, a record number.

“The children leave Science Space thinking science is just the coolest thing ever,” Science Space Director Stuart Creal said.

It now boasts the state’s most advanced digital planetarium, and newly-developed science theatre shows. However, timelessly entertaining science demonstrations, such as the liquid nitrogen show, are still running at Science Space.

“Very often I’m approached by people who will have nostalgic memories of displays, and that’s the lovely thing about having a science centre that’s been around for such a long time,” Mr Creal said.

“We go for retro exhibits. Children today are so used to iPads and iPhones, they come in here and they have to physically move a handle to see something happen, it’s a different experience.”

While reflecting on its evolution, more than anything, Mr Creal wants to look towards the future of the Science Space.

There are expansion plans slated for the site, pending $6 million in funding from the NSW Government, which is yet to be approved.

The University of Wollongong wants to build a maker space.

The pilot version will provide university students with access to laser cutters and 3D printers, so they can work on their own innovations.

The grand plan, requiring State Government funding, is to create Australia’s first regional, community- accessible maker’s space.

“Anyone in the region will be able to take out a maker space membership and gain access to the technology.

“One of my dreams is to have a researcher in residence where they can work in that space and talk to our customers about their research.

“Science Space is the perfect outlet for that type of engagement.”

Mr Creal said the region’s economy stands to benefit from the development.

“We have a lot of industry in the region that has been heavily reliant on coal, we want to support small and medium enterprises into diversification or new manufacturing processes,” he said.

In term four of 2020, Science Space will launch STEM Zone, a dedicated space for accredited professional development support for teachers.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is an area where teachers really do need some support,” Mr Creal said.