2023 Stars and Stories

Join us for night of stargazing and story telling at the Rosny Farm! Enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa or mulled wine while our panel of experts bring the night sky to life, presenting perspectives on the stars from diverse, intriguing and illuminating points of view. You’ll hear from professional astrophysicist Simin Salarpour, cultural leader and multi-disciplinary artist Sinsa Mansell and Clarence City Council History Officer Alan Mansell. This event is AUSLAN interpreted/ Audio loop available on request/ wheelchair accessible.

Meet your panel:

Simin Salarpour

Simin is passionate about unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos through research and education. She completed my master's degree in cosmology at Shiraz University with a focus on the evolution of the universe. After several years of working as a physics researcher and teacher at Kerman University, Simin decided to pursue higher education in a more practical setting. The UTAS radio telescopes tempted her to begin a new academic chapter in Tasmania. Recently, she completed her PhD in astrophysics and geodesy from the University of Tasmania.

Sinsa Mansell

Sinsa is a proud Trawoolaway women from larapuna the Northern region of lutruwita Tasmania. Sinsa is a performer and choreographer as well as the Co-Founder, Program Producer and Project Officer with the successful pakana kanaplila – a Traditional/Contemporary Tasmanian Aboriginal dance troupe.

Dancing statewide, nationally and internationally for well over a decade, Sinsa has been working to reclaim cultural dance within the island state of Tasmania for the past 15 years. Through educational dance workshops, pakana kanaplila aims to create a safe and inviting space to broaden the awareness of the rich cultural heritage and the living ancient traditional practices through song and dance; keeping to traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal culture. Sinsa facilitates open opportunities for the broader community to engage with local First Nations peoples through educational dance workshops, ceremonial performance at a wide range of events, including fun and interactive workshops in schools. She is passionate about creating a greater awareness of Tasmania’s ancient traditions.

Alan Townsend 

Clarence City Council’s very own history buff and senior historical officer.

This event is suitable for all ages. Please note a portion of the evening will be outside, so bring plenty of warm clothes- beanies, gloves, blankets etc. Hot drink on arrival + Toasties and additional drinks available to purchase. Mulled wine, red wine, hot chocolate (vegan option) will be served.

Panel discussion will start promptly at 6pm, please arrive from 5.30pm to enjoy your warm drink.