commUNIty FEST is an 11-day-long celebration of learning and curiosity, with a program of FREE community events being held at our Cradle Coast campus.
3-13 April 2025
The University of Tasmania will be hosting a festival of learning for our community on the North West Coast. Everyone is welcome to the Cradle Coast campus in Pataway/Burnie to join in our free cultural, interactive, and educational activities, all aimed at fostering connection, inspiring curiosity, and sparking conversation in our community.
There will be something for everyone, from musical performances, dance lessons, and interactive science experiences, to educational workshops, mentoring sessions, and public talks.
Check out the full program below. Registrations are essential to ensure you don't miss out.
Explore our exciting program
Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat/Sun 5-6 Mon 7 Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat/Sun 12-13 Every day
Thursday, 3 April
An evening with Samantha Harvey author of Orbital
Thursday, 3 April - 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Room 238
This year, all first-year students at the Cradle Coast campus received a copy of Samantha Harvey's Booker Prize-winning novel, Orbital, as a welcoming gift. Inspired by the novel's invitation for readers to reflect on their relationship to their place and the planet, the students engaged in conversation about the global challenges that directly impact their lives and that will shape their futures. Join Samantha Harvey in conversation with an esteemed panel of specially invited readers as they discuss the themes and provocations of the novel.
Friday, 4 April
Find Your Writing Voice
Creative Writing Workshop
Friday, 4 April - 11:00am-12:15pm
Room 241
Come along to a nurturing and gently inspiring creative writing session designed around finding your writing voice and learning how you can use it. Perfect for those already writing and for those who might like to further explore their creativity.
Education Forum:
Empowering Tasmania's Future STEM workforce
Friday, 4 April - 12:30-1:45pm
Online
Jillian Formentin, Australian Engineer of the year 2024-2025 will share her personal journey as a Tasmanian woman and University of Tasmania alumni, discussing STEM education and the field of engineering in an engaging forum on the role and future of STEM in Tasmania. Hosted by the University of Tasmania's Peter Underwood Centre and School of Education, this forum will:
- Explore the critical value of STEM to the future of Tasmania.
- Discuss the importance of creating a compelling vision and narrative to attract and retain students in science, technology, engineering and maths.
- Discuss how we can all work together to enhance STEM education in Tasmania. If you would like a recording please register and one will be emailed out after the session.
Symphony by the Sea:
Local Student Talent Meets Beethoven's Masterpiece
Friday, 4 April - 6:30-9:30pm
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
You are invited to a special Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) live-streaming event. The TSO and the University of Tasmania are collaborating with the Cradle Coast campus to establish a series of live-streamed concerts titled ‘Symphony by the Sea’. After a successful pilot, the series is being launched with the performance of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto on our new large screen, with pre-live performance by up-and-coming local high school musicians from Pataway/Burnie. The program for the ‘Symphony by the Sea’ series will be announced at this event.
This performance includes: Mozart Symphony No 1 in E flat, K16; Beethoven Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C, Op 56; and Mozart Symphony No 41 in C, K551, ‘Jupiter’.
Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 April
NW EcoFest
Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 April - All day
Camp Clayton, 41 Clayton Rd, Ulverstone
Come and join the team at EcoFest. Random acts of green will run over two huge days with lots of sustainability learning and fun for all. Our team will be on hand to tell you about the latest environmental sustainability courses on offer, and there will also be an opportunity to learn more about looking after our own health for a healthy planet with our Cradle Coast nursing team.
Monday, 7 April
Come and try - Personal learning and growth
Effective Communication: Speak, Listen, Connect Workshop
Monday, 7 April - 4:00-6:00pm
Room126
Come and join our Effective Communication: Speak, Listen, Connect workshop, where you will discover tips and tricks in the art of communication. Designed for anyone looking to strengthen their communication skills, in a fun and engaging session.
Tuesday, 8 April
Town and Gown and Graduations in Devonport
Tuesday, 8 April
10:00am: Parade - Departing from and returning to the Paranaple Centre, Devonport
11:00am: Ceremony - Livestreamed from the Cradle Coast Campus in Burnie
Graduation ceremonies are an important milestone in the life of a university student and a great chance for our students to celebrate their academic achievements with family and friends.
Finance and Tax Clinic
Health Check for students and clubs (drop-in sessions)
Tuesday, 8 April - 1:00-4:00pm
Cafe area and Room 134
Need help understanding your personal or not-for-profit tax obligations? The University's Tax Clinic is here to support students and student clubs with free, practical tax guidance. Drop by for expert advice and ensure you're meeting your tax responsibilities with confidence!
Just drop in - no need to register.
Also running on:
Wednesday, 9 and Thursday, 10 April 10:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday, 9 April
Eats, Beats & Savvy Sessions
Wednesday, 9 April - All day
Entire campus
Light beats in the courtyard, with food vans onsite for lunch, and fascinating sessions on a huge range of topics! Opportunity to learn new moves, grooves, and tunes, as well as contribute to supporting communities abroad.
Come and try - Personal learning and growth
Effective Communication: Speak, Listen, Connect Workshop
Wednesday, 9 April - 9:30-11:30am
Room 126
Come and join our Effective Communication: Speak, Listen, Connect workshop, where you will discover tips and tricks in the art of communication. Designed for anyone looking to strengthen their communication skills, in a fun and engaging session.
Finance and Tax Clinic
Health Check for Students and Clubs Drop-in
Wednesday, 9 April - 10:00am-3:00pm
Room 134
Need help understanding your personal or not-for-profit tax obligations? The University's Tax Clinic is here to support students and student clubs with free, practical tax guidance. Drop by for expert advice and ensure you're meeting your tax responsibilities with confidence!
Just drop in - no need to register.
Also running on:
Tuesday, 8 - 1:00-4:00pm, and Thursday, 10 April - 10:00am-3:00pm
Resume Rescue: Job-ready and Career Conversations Drop-in
Wednesday, 9 April - 10:00am-2:00pm
Domestic Arts Building Student Space
Are you a member of the community or a university student?
Have a one-on-one session to help get your resume into shipshape and get connected to the world of job possibilities.
Food vans
Wednesday, 9 April - 11:00am-2:30pm
Laneway
Delicious Sri Lankan foods will be available for purchase.
*University of Tasmania students can receive a food voucher from the Community Lounge.
Tax Time Fundamentals Workshop
Wednesday, 9 April - 11:30am-12:30pm
Room 126
Get tax-savvy in just 60/90 minutes! This workshop covers the essentials of lodging your tax return, deductions, and avoiding common mistakes—perfect for students and young professionals.
Resume Rescue Workshop
Wednesday, 9 April - 12:30-1:30pm
Room 126
Join West North West Working as we support our local community in education, employment, and training. As the North West's local jobs hub, we are here to guide you on your job journey. We’ll be sharing valuable insights on resume building, cover letters, career confidence, interview tips, workplace readiness, and understanding selection criteria. We also offer one-on-one sessions and can connect you to further supports when needed. Plus, we’ll help link you to industry professionals and employers to kickstart your career. Edwin from the University of Tasmania will also be discussing AI and CoPilot programs to boost your job seeking toolkit, along with his role supporting students at the University. There will be a Q&A at the end, so come prepared with your questions!
Birthing Kit Assembly
Wednesday, 9 April - 11:30am-1:30pm
Room 165
Come along and assemble a kit, that used by health professionals in communities around the world to support women in childbirth.
To learn more about the kits visit Birthing Kit Foundation.
Cybersecurity Seminar
"Cyber Safe: Understanding Your Digital Footprint"
Wednesday, 9 April - 1:30-2:30pm
Room 126
Participants will learn to manage and identify scams by controlling their digital footprint, responding to data breaches, and identifying common indicators of scams.
Virtual Learning and Robotics Workshop
Wednesday, 9 April - 2:30-3:30pm
Rm 156 (Domestic Arts Building)
Come and join us for a virtual experience of steering a robot through a maze! You will take control of a Sphero ball robot and guide it remotely to navigate obstacles and find the best path to the finish. This interactive session is a great way to explore robotics, problem-solving, and remote-control technology in a fun and engaging way. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Burnie Highland Pipe Band 'Come-and-Try' Session: Highland Harmony - Piping and Drumming Workshop
Wednesday, 9 April - 2:30-3:30pm
20 Bass Hwy Parklands
Do you want to learn bagpipes or drums but don't know where to start? Do you want to learn more about the pipes or drums? Then come along to our workshop which includes an introduction to the pipe band world, what is involved in joining a pipe band and of course, playing pipes and drums. Burnie Highland Pipe Band is a vibrant and dynamic pipe band dedicated to promoting traditional Scottish music. We are a close-knit community of musicians who share a love for the pipes and drums.
Indian Dance Fusion
Bollywood Meets South India - learn some classical moves with Bollywood grooves
Wednesday, 9 April - 3:00-3:45pm
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
Fusion combines the graceful movements of Indian classical dance forms with the vibrant elements of Bollywood. Fusion is an exciting and dynamic performance that blends the rhythmic footwork and emotive expressions of classical dance with the energetic Bollywood style to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of India.
Salsa Dancing and Latin Rhythms with our Local South American Community
Discover the history behind these captivating dances, learn the basic steps and taste mouth-watering South American snacks.
Wednesday, 9 April - 4:00-5:00pm
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
Join us for an afternoon of Salsa and Latin Rhythms, a celebration of the rich cultural blends that have shaped South American music. Immerse yourself in the beats of Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and dance with our friendly and cheerful South American community.
Thursday, 10 April
Finance and Tax Clinic
Health Check for Students and Clubs (Drop-in Sessions)
Thursday, 10 April - 10:00am-3:00pm
Location TBC
Need help understanding your personal or not-for-profit tax obligations? The University's Tax Clinic is here to support students and student clubs with free, practical tax guidance. Drop by for expert advice and ensure you're meeting your tax responsibilities with confidence!
Just drop in - no need to register.
Also running on:
Tuesday, 8 - 1:00-4:00pm, and Wednesday, 9 April - 10:00am-3:00pm
Tell your Story through Podcasting
Thursday, 10 April - 10:00-11:30am
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
Do you like listening to podcasts or ever wanted to create your own podcast? Using free online tools, you will learn how easy it is to write, record and edit your very own podcast.
Is Laughter the Best Medicine?
Thursday, 10 April - 6:00-7:30pm (5:30pm free refreshments)
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
Explore the surprising impacts of humour on health in this unique mix of comedy and expert insights. Brought to you by our Island of Ideas public talks series, tickets are free but limited. Secure yours now to avoid missing out!
Friday, 11 April
Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 April
Questacon: Fascinating Science Exhibition:
For Community
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
Saturday, 12 April - 10:30am-2:30pm
Sunday, 13 April - 11:00-2:30pm
If you or your family missed out on Questacon’s travelling science exhibition in libraries across Tasmania throughout February and March, don’t despair. You can experience the world of science with the full set of exhibits at The Makers. Fascinating Science is a free interactive exhibition that explores key scientific principles in a fun, hands-on way.
For Schools: Go to Questacon For Schools
Every day
Questacon: Fascinating Science Exhibition:
For Schools
The Makers, 2-4 Bass Hwy Parklands
Monday, 31 March to Thursday, 10 April - By appointment
Are you a primary school or secondary school teacher looking for something to do in the last week of Term 1? If your students missed out on Questacon’s travelling science exhibition in libraries across Tasmania throughout February and March, don’t despair. You and your students can experience the world of science with the full set of exhibits at The Makers.
For Community: Go to Questacon For Community
