RDA Orana is Bringing National Treasure Dr Karl to Dubbo for a Hugely Anticipated New Show
June 29, 2026 – RDA Orana is thrilled to announce that Australia’s most iconic science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, is coming to Dubbo! He’ll be live on stage with a brand-new, family-friendly show at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre on Wednesday August 19, 2026.
Proudly supported by Dubbo Regional Council, this one‑night‑only experience will bring Dr Karl’s trademark curiosity, humour and mind‑bending science storytelling to the heart of the Orana region. Following the public event, Dr Karl will take centre stage as the headline speaker at the 2026 Orana Youth Forum on Thursday August 20 at Charles Sturt University, Dubbo.
RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said securing Dr Karl for both events marks a significant milestone for regional NSW.
“Dr Karl is a national treasure. A voice who has inspired generations to stay curious, ask questions and explore the world with wonder. Bringing him to Dubbo is an extraordinary opportunity for families, young people and lifelong learners across our region,” said Ms Campabell.
“He has dedicated his life to making science exciting and accessible, and we are incredibly proud to offer this experience right here in the Orana. This event reflects our commitment to creating opportunities that spark imagination, broaden horizons and show our young people what’s possible in their own backyard.”
For more than three decades, Dr Karl has brought science to life for millions of Australians across radio, television, books, podcasts and online platforms. A lifelong learner, he holds degrees in physics and mathematics, biomedical engineering, medicine and surgery, and has worked as a physicist, filmmaker, car mechanic, taxi driver, TV weatherman, labourer, biomedical engineer and medical doctor at the Children’s Hospital in Sydney.
His media career famously began in 1981 when, after being rejected by NASA as “non‑astronaut material”, he walked into Triple J and offered to talk about the Space Shuttle launch. Triple J said yes, and the rest is history. His weekly science talkback on Triple J has since become a national institution.
An acclaimed author, Dr Karl has written 48 books and fronted countless television favourites such as Quantum, Sleek Geeks and his latest ABC series How Things Work, which takes viewers behind the scenes of Australia’s most iconic manufacturing processes. His impact as a science communicator has been recognised globally, from being named the 2025 NSW Senior Australian of the Year to receiving UNESCO’s prestigious Kalinga Prize, earning an Ig Nobel Prize, and even having an asteroid named in his honour. Since 1995 he has served as the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at the University of Sydney, continuing his mission to spread the “good word of science” with unmatched enthusiasm.
The third annual 2026 Orana Youth Forum is shaping up to be RDA Orana’s biggest event yet. Alongside the inspiring Dr Karl, hundreds of students from across the region will come together to hear from industry leaders, explore future careers, emerging industries and opportunities for their future.
Ms Campbell said the Forum presents a major opportunity for regional organisations.
“If you are a local business, government organisation, industry leaders, training providers or education institution who wants to connect directly with the next generation, this is your chance. Whether you're looking to showcase your industry, promote career pathways, inspire young people or strengthen your regional presence, we’d love to have you involved,” added Ms Campbell.
Event Information
An Evening with Dr Karl will be held at the Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre on Wednesday August 19 from 6pm. Tickets are just $25 for children, $45 for adult or $100 for a family and are available now from the Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre Box Office: https://drtcc.sales.ticketsearch.com/
The 2026 Orana Youth Forum is on Thursday August 20 at Charles Sturt University, Dubbo. To find out more, register your school or to get involved as a sponsor or exhibitor, visit https://oranayouthforum.com.au/
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International.
-ENDS-
Media Contact: Harriet Gilmore M: 0427 095 558 E: harriet_gilmore@outlook.com
