South West Science Fair a big hit with Bunburys budding young scientists

The City of Bunbury Library hosted the South West Science Fair on Saturday to celebrate National Science Week 2023. The free community event saw 21 exhibitors showcase interactive experiences ranging from forensic analysis to biology. Many educational institutions had displays, such as Edith Cowan University’s South West campus which was there to tell kids about the important micro-organisms that help keep local waterways such as Big Swamp healthy. Chemcentre from Curtin University’s forensic crime scene department was very popular, with kids encouraged to look through evidence to solve a mystery of who had broken into a cafe. Another popular exhibit was the hands-on display from Discover Deadly, a South West reptile park that brought many creatures for the kids to meet, including non-venomous snakes and lizards. Discover Deadly Co-Owner Kim Green said the day was a great chance to educate the next generation on how vital information on reptile conservation and safety is. “I grew up with all those myths and fears that I believed about snakes, especially venomous snakes,” she said. “There’s a shift now, we’ve got to look after out environment and especially our animals, and our venomous snakes. “We’ve got to learn to live in harmony with them.” The day also featured a Wearable Art Festival and competition, in which $1500 worth of prizes was given out to those making sculptures and fashions from recycled material. The event was funded by Inspiring Western Australia and the City of Bunbury.