Canberra’s platypus and rakali; balloons get kids eating veggies
Here are the Australian Capital Territory-based events and activities that were awarded grants from the Australian Government for National Science Week 2026 through the Inspiring Australia program.
- Discovering Canberra’s platypus and rakali: walks, talks, and a First Nations symposium
- Balloon twisting teaches kids about nutrition and eating their veggies!
More on each of these below.
National Science Week in the Australian Capital Territory is coordinated by Inspiring the ACT. Visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/inspiringtheact/.
For general National Science Week media enquiries, contact scienceweek@scienceinpublic.com.au.
Malunggang Connections: Science, Culture and Community Through Platypus
Grant recipient: Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development
Come for the malunggang- platypus and rakali- water rats; stay for science, First Nations knowledge, and a water bug hunt.
The waterways around Canberra are home to platypus, known in Ngunnawal Country as the malunggang, and rakali, the native water rat that is often referred to as Australia’s otter.
Malunggang Connections will involve 500 + people in a suite of activities centred around these curious creatures, including a First Nations Platypus Symposium, guided platypus and rakali walks to spot them in their natural environment, water bug hunt bioblitzes to collect and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates (aka platypus food), a film screening of ‘The Platypus Guardian’, and platypus and rakali surveys.
Foodie Fun Play!
Grant recipient: Twisty Science Pty Ltd
Can balloons get kids eating and loving their veggies? Show-and-tell takes a deliciously twisted turn with Dr Chloe Lim. The former reality TV star and trained molecular biologist (with a PhD in medical science) introduces preschoolers and primary school kids to healthy eating via balloon twisting and tasting stations.
This lively, interactive science experience encourages young children to explore the colourful world of fruits and vegetables. Starting with an engaging storytelling show, kids learn how produce grows, why it’s healthy, and how our bodies use it. Families then join hands-on activities: creating playful ‘veggie friends’ (like balloon animals, but from the plant kingdom) and sampling fresh produce at the Tasting Table prepared by accredited practising dietitians from Nutrition Australia.
