• Charles Sturt in Orange will host a free ‘Sky Stories’ event on Friday 13 October with telescope viewings and traditional First Nations sky stories, food and dancing

The wonders of the universe will be explored at the annual ‘Sky Stories Community Observation Night’ at Charles Sturt University in Orange of Friday 13 October.

The free event will share a wealth of First Nations knowledge and culture through traditional foods, stories, dancing and stargazing in the open expanse of grassy land between the Orange campus Yarning Circle and the back of building 1001.

Event organiser and Lecturer in Problem Based Learning in the Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences Dr Sid Parissi said the aim of the event was to explore the links between First Nations and Western science and to share each other's knowledge.

“It’s a truly magical evening and we’re very lucky as a University to co-host this event thanks to a lot of hard work by staff and our event supporters,” Dr Parissi said.

“Students, staff and all members of the public are encouraged to attend this event.”

Uncle Neil Ingram will launch the event with an official Welcome to Country, while guests will hear Aboriginal Sky Stories from First Nations man Doug Southerland and enjoy live performances of traditional dancing by Uncle Ricky’s Indigenous Dance Troupe.

The Central West Astronomical Society members will assist attendees to view the night sky through multiple telescopes, and share their knowledge of constellations, the moon, planetary motion and other celestial objects and phenomena. With some luck, attendees might catch a glimpse of a passing comet that will be in that part of the sky at that time.

Mr Gerald Power from  Indigenous Cultural Adventures will be treating attendees to Indigenous Bush Tucker tasting plates of kangaroo, emu and crocodile meats, while Residence Life will be giving away popcorn and the Rural Health Club students will run a barbecue and healthy foods table with bottled water.

The Cheesecake Co. will also be providing free hot beverages to accompany the evening’s entertainment by live musician Harriet Fahy, and there will also be planet face mask making, colouring in, glow sticks, bubbles, lollipops and face painting for kids.

Dr Parissi said as much as the evening was about the entertainment, it was also an excellent educational opportunity.

“All students studying undergraduate and professional entry courses at Charles Sturt must undertake  Indigenous cultural studies as part of their course, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with the local First Nations community,” he said.

The ‘Sky Stories Community Observation Night’ event is on between 6pm and 8pm on Friday 13 October at Charles Sturt in Orange, with parking available in carpark three, four and nine. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or chair. While the event is free, booking is encouraged here with those registered in the running to win one of five lucky door prizes.

The event is supported by  Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health, Residence Life and Charles Sturt.

ENDS