Presented with Melbourne Museum and the Australian Space Agency

The Future of Space

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, hosted by Dr Tania Hill

Sat 23 Aug

What kind of civilisation are we taking into space? Whose values, knowledge and stories will mold the new places we build?

As Australia’s first astronaut under the national flag, Katherine Bennell-Pegg is shaping humanity’s next giant leap. In The Future of Space, Bennell-Pegg and astronomer Dr Tania Hill invite you to look skyward – not to escape the present, but to better understand our place within it and unpack who we might yet become.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone on the cusp of history – and to ask the questions that will shape what comes next.

The event includes a screening of a new short film, birrang, commissioned by the Australian Space Agency showcasing the beginning, present and future of Australia in space. The short film incorporates artwork by Gomeroi man Jake Duczynski. Maal [One: Gomeroi] and draws on Gomeroi knowledge systems, to depict time as cyclical and the sky as a river of ancestral stories.

Tickets

Adult: $30
Concession: $25
Child: $10
BLAKTIX: $25

+ booking fee

GENERAL ONSALE MON 23 JUNE, 12PM

On the left, Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg in her blue space uniform with a name patch and an Australian flag patch, she smiles at the camera. On the right, Dr Tania Hill gazes to the sky and smiles, against a galaxy background.

- Accessible for low vision
  This event can provide access for people who are blind or have low vision.
- 50% aural rating
  This event has both sound and visual components, but sight isn’t essential to engage properly with the work.
- Auslan by Request
  An Auslan interpreter can be requested up to 2 weeks pre-event by emailing nowornever.ticketing@melbourne.vic.gov.au
- Wheelchair accessible
  Accessible by wheelchair.
- Gender Neutral Toilets
  This event has gender neutral toilets accessible.
- Accessible toilet
  An accessible toilet is available at this event.
- Seat Dimensions
  Seat 41cm W x36cm D Back 39cm no arm rests
The short film, birrang, shown at this event highlights Australia’s First Nations’ peoples long-held cultural connection with space and the role space exploration plays in protecting our planet. The film also spotlights Australia’s cutting-edge space industry and the country’s future ambitions to explore beyond.

Pronounced [birr-ung], the Wiradjuri language word for ‘Sky’. It pays respect to the Wiradjuri Elders who gave their time and involvement during the filming. Much of the film was on Wiradjuri county and local elders have provided guidance/permission on its use.

birrang incorporates artwork by Gomeroi man Jake Duczynski. Maal [One: Gomeroi] draws on Gomeroi knowledge systems, to depict time as cyclical and the sky as a river of ancestral stories. Three interwoven layers represent kinship across family, community and the natural world – revealing how identity and culture are held in art, song, dance and language, and grounded in the ongoing relationships that sustain life on Country.

birrang and Maal are being exhibited at the Australian Pavilion during the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.

Image Credits:
Katherine Bennell-Pegg: ESA

Presented with

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The Future of Space

Dates and Times

Event Duration

Event Accessibility

Accessible for low vision

50% aural rating

Auslan by Request

Wheelchair accessible

Gender Neutral Toilets

Accessible toilet

Seat Dimensions

Venue Info and Accessibility

Credits

Presented with

Related Events

I Have Seen the Future with Tim Flannery

Charting the Future: First Nations Knowledges and Artificial Intelligence

Liz Pelly: Mood Machine