Women Who Launch
An image of the Women who Launch promotional banner. There is a picture of Nancy Bird Walton and Dr Kirsten Banks on the image, with the words "Women Who Launch, Celebrating the history and future of Australian women in STEM, 7 November 2025. Exhibition, Performances, Workshops, Panel."

Celebrating Australian women in S.T.E.M. through a creative lens.

This November, PYT Fairfield presents the first in a series of creative programs activating Bradfield’s First Building. Bradfield is Western Sydney’s newest city, and Australia’s first new city in over 100 years.

Our celebration, Women Who Launch, is an ode to the innovative contributions of Australian women in S.T.E.M., told through the lens of Western Sydney’s creatives.

PYT Fairfield is proud to be the Creative Producer for Bradfield, expanding our community engagement portfolio further into the Western Sydney region. We’re excited to offer a thought-provoking and energising day of panels, exhibitions, performances, and workshops – and it’s all FREE*.

We look forward to welcoming you to celebrate the powerful intersection of art and science, with women leading the way.

Start the day with a morning panel that honours the historical contributions of women in S.T.E.M., exploring how their achievements have shaped Australia’s innovation landscape and ensuring their voices are documented, celebrated, and remembered. Then, after lunch, join us for an afternoon panel delving into the role of creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking in driving progress across science and technology, and how women continue to redefine what’s possible.

Featured Panellists include:

  • Nina Earl – Churchill Fellow and Science Curator, Powerhouse Museum
  • Louise Whelan – Photographer, Oral Historian and Artist.
  • Professor Veena Sahajwalla – UNSW, Inventor of Green Steel
  • Professor Kate Stevens – Director, MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University

Women Who Launch brings together homegrown Western Sydney artists inspired by the worlds of S.T.E.M. to bring their creative visions to life. Each work celebrates innovation and imagination, and the women whose ideas shape our future.

Featured Artists:

  • Jannawi Dance Clan – Opening the event with a welcoming performance, Jannawi Dance Clan grounds the day in Country.
  • Louise Whelan – “Women in Space Industry Australia” A striking photographic series capturing the women propelling Australia’s space industry and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
  • Josipa Draisma, Mara Knezevic, Sarah Gattellari & Sarah Houdeh – “The Sky Sisters” A new music interlude celebrating the pioneering spirit of aviator Nancy Bird Walton, honouring her courage and vision.
  • Tammy Dang & Thao La – “Fruitful Home of Tomorrow” A futuristic eco-art series exploring our evolving relationship with Mother Nature, blending imagination and the environment.
  • Anney Bounpraseuth – “Built to Transform” Inspired by Australian natural history illustrators Harriet and Helena Scott and their butterfly drawings, this work reimagines their legacy through vibrant contemporary art and storytelling.

The Women Who Launch event will deliver a series of hands-on workshops inspired by or exploring the intersection of STEM and the Arts. Join us to learn, make, and experiment with leading creatives and innovators from across Western Sydney.

Workshops include:

  • Self-Esteem Self-Portraits with Anney Bounpraseuth: Capture your individuality through blueprint-inspired portraiture celebrating self-expression and creativity.
  • Weaving with Malima: Learn traditional weaving techniques and discover how ancient craft continues to influence contemporary design.
  • Lumifold with STEAMPop’s Mel Silk and Annette Mauer: Combine origami, geometry, and biomimicry to create your own illuminated sculpture that brings art and science together.
  • Mother Board with Bradfield’s STEAM Council: Blend arts and problem-solving to create a collective vision board in a fun, collaborative space.
  • Self-Directed Workshops in the Central Atrium: Explore exhibitions at your own pace, with interactive craft activities for all ages.
  • AMRF Tour: Step inside Bradfield’s Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility and experience the cutting-edge technologies shaping Australia’s future.

When
Friday 7 November, 10am to 3pm

Where
Bradfield City’s First Building, 215 Badgery’s Creek Road, Bradfield

Cost
FREE However, registration is essential for catering purposes