Register now for the BIG STEM Assembly
Published on the 11 June 2026
In partnership with the Australian Antarctic Program and the Australian Space Agency, Future You is proud to present the inaugural BIG STEM Assembly, taking place on Thursday 23 July, 1:30-2pm AEST.
What do a software engineer, an Antarctic logistics specialist, a space technologist and an astrophysicist have in common? They're all using STEM skills to solve problems, create opportunities and discover new worlds.
On 23 July, learners in Years 3-6 are invited to join the BIG STEM Assembly, a free online event featuring a panel of Future You Pathfinders who will share their career journeys and answer learners’ questions live.
During the event, learners will hear from:
- Cliffy McAucliffe – Antarctic Station Supply Officer for Casey Station at the Australian Antarctic Program
- Dr Elyse Allender – Director of Space Science and Technology at the Australian Space Agency
- Kayta Hackman Riley – Produce Manager and Software Developer at ABC
- Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith – Astrophysicist and Science Communicator
They’ll also hear a special video message from Arno Payan, an Antarctic Field Training Officer who works in the field.
The BIG STEM Assembly is designed to help learners broaden what they see as STEM by meeting professionals from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds. Through authentic stories and interactive Q&A, learners will discover that there is no single pathway into STEM - and that curiosity, creativity and persistence can open doors to exciting futures that they may never have thought possible.
The event is aligned with our broader mission to build children's interest and belonging in STEM by connecting classroom learning with relatable role models and real-world contexts.
Registrations are now open. We encourage teachers, schools and families to secure their place and join us for an exciting 30mins of STEM exploration.
About the partners
Future You is a free program that builds children’s interest and belonging in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Through our curriculum-aligned resources and activities, we challenge stereotypes - because the equity we want to see in STEM is achievable.
Future You
The Australian Space Agency is the heart of space in Australia. It works across government, industry and academia to boost Australia’s position in the global space economy. The Agency’s strong international partnerships, technical expertise and programs are advancing cutting-edge Australian technologies and facilitating international collaboration. It also delivers initiatives to inspire our nation and build a future space workforce. As the regulator for Australian space activities, the Agency ensures Australia is globally regarded as a responsible space nation that is a great place for space launches and returns.
Australian Space Agency
The Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) is a collaborative partnership across government and more than 150 national and international research institutions. The AAP’s Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research is supported by Australia’s leading international policy role in preserving Antarctica as a natural place devoted to peace and science and contributes to understanding the world’s climate and the effects of climate change. The AAP is co-ordinated by the Australian Antarctic Division, which is in Hobart, Tasmania and is part of the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Australian Antarctic Program
JT. Production Management (JTPM) is an award-winning, full-service event production company based in Melbourne. Currently servicing over 70 brands Australia-wide, JTPM works across a range of industries to seamlessly manage everything from creative direction and logistics planning to on-site execution, video production and post-event analysis. Our mission is to deliver extraordinary events that spark joy, connect people, start important conversations, and lead to lasting change.