22 July 2011
File Reference No: National Science Week

The Circular Head Education and Training Consultative Committee (CHETCC) is a committee of the Circular Head Council. A core role of CHETCC is to encourage and promote life-long learning in Circular Head. As part of this commitment, CHETCC has sponsored and hosted the annual Science Big Gig at the Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre since 2006, as part of National Science Week.

This evening event has been well supported by the schools of Circular Head as well as the University of Tasmania, Bureau of Meteorology's Cape Grim Base-line Station, local business and industry.

Mayor Daryl Quilliam described the Science Big Gig as "a great event for families.  Despite being held in winter, this event has received wonderful support from the community.  It has been well attended, attracting between 200 - 300 people" he said.

Circular Head schools run competitions in the lead up to the event. There are fun, interactive displays on the night and the annual MacGyver Challenge is always a hotly contested event.

The Science Big Gig adopts a theme of international significance. As 2011 is the International Year of Chemistry, this year's event has been dubbed the 'Whizz Bang Science Gig" and seeks to explore the prevalence of science in our everyday lives. In Circular Head many of our key industries and employers use chemistry in practical applications every day in the course of their business; think of forestry, agriculture, aquaculture and even cooking and hairdressing.

Mayor Quilliam said "With the support of our schools and businesses, the University of Tasmania and CHETCC, the Science Big Gig in 2011 is sure to be a vibrant and exciting event for the children and families of our region. We have a wealth of expertise and resources to draw on in order to make the 6th Science Big Gig a success."

National Science Week 2011 will be held 13-21 August 2011, with the Science Big Gig on Wednesday 15 August at the Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre from 6pm-9pm.

 

Further enquiries may be directed to Yvonne Stone by Telephoning 6452 4800.

Authorised for general media distribution by Greg Winton, General Manager, Circular Head Council on Friday, 22 July, 2011.