The Goodness Festival National Science Week program is in full swing as people flock to community events and professional development opportunities across the city.

The festival celebrates science, sustainability and innovation with a jam-packed festival calendar.

Festival highlights for the community this week include the Navigating Nutrition Lunch on Thursday August 18 in which you’ll hear the science behind the trends such as the paleo diet, vegetarian and vegan options – and sample them over a two-course lunch.

Innovators should not miss the GeroSoup Pitch Night event on August 20 – think of the SharkTank TV show but held locally with local innovations and investors.

Social entrepreneurs should schedule in August 19 for the Regional Social Innovation Symposium to learn about the incredible work of social enterprises in benefiting communities.

Professional development opportunities include an Inspiring Women in Science breakfast with former WA chief scientist Lyn Beazley, as well as the Smart Health Symposium which considers the latest health-related apps and technology, and the Nature Symposium in which leading conservationists present on the topic of research and innovations in a changing climate.

And fishing enthusiasts will love the Fishing Full Circle workshop – a family-friendly affair in which you’ll learn where to catch fish, how to fillet them and how to cook them too.

Pollinators Chairman Paul Dyer encouraged Mid West residents to take advantage of the incredible learning opportunities that Goodness Festival offers.

“Goodness Festival has something for everyone – whether you’re a professional looking for the latest information in your field, a community member who wants to keep abreast of the latest in science, sustainability and innovation, or a family looking for an informative fun-filled day out,” Mr Dyer said.

“It’s not often that we have such learning opportunities available in such a short space of time – I’d encourage you to check the festival program and plan your participation now.”

For a full events listing visit the website www.goodness.org.au/events

Goodness Science, Sustainability and Innovation Festival is an Inspiring Australia initiative, supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, and by Regional Development Australia Mid West Gascoyne.