The Paterson Allyn William Science Hub (PAWSH) has shown how you can have a party with nearly 200 people that is safe, legal and lots of fun.
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On Saturday, August 21, across 96 screens, families, couples and singles joined in the Science + Dance online Zoom party.
Co-hosts Jane Richens, John O'Brien and Michael Kelly were supported by Brian Doherty and several other science hubbers for the bright, colourful and lively event.
The night included interviews with special guests Dr Karl Kruszelnicki with interesting plague and science facts and Dr Mark Temple on sonifying the corona DNA code.
Other activities included cooking and science demonstrations by Michael Kelly, how to do CPR to a dance track by John O'Brien and a fabulous dance lesson with COVID specific moves by Jane Richens. Science hub member, Dr Ruth Dircks was one of the DJs.
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Glen William Public School via the Dungog Reconciliation Group provided a video acknowledgment of country.
There were also creative contributions from artists around the state including visual artist Virginia Hilyard and Barbara Campbell and local Tina Tiedeman who did an hilarious voice over for a film segment.
Science hubber Toby Solomon did a cracker job as judge giving out prizes for best costumes, best background, best dancers, best use of a puppet, most energetic, best decorations, most sparkles, most partying family, best mask, best Covid dance, longest Covid dance, best choreography, best special effects, best macabre duo. It was a very hard task choosing.
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As well as guests from the Dungog Shire there were hellos from the UK, Amsterdam, India, Cooloolabin Queensland, Newcastle, the Mid North Coast and some from the very locked down Sydney.
Partygoers could join in the conversation via the chat, managed by nimble-fingered science hubber David Smith.
Partygoers from Dungog and much further afield shared photos on social media and kept the conversation going, as well as reconnecting with friends by phone, text and email. Organisers report so many people rose to the challenge, getting dressed up and dancing the night away, especially those who had experienced previous masked balls in Dungog.
The night was a National Science Week event supported by Inspiring Australia.
Do you have a local story to share with readers?
If you have an event coming up or some good news to share - we would love to hear from you. Email mail.dungogchronicle@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call our journalist Michelle Mexon on 0417 572 594.
