General News
5 August, 2026
‘Little green man’ to star
CHILDREN’s author Julie Busuttil has driven 5000km with Australia’s most curious extraterrestrial – ‘Superconscious Dave’ – from Wagga to Cardwell in time for the 2026 Australian UFO Festival.
Australia’s only dedicated UFO festival attracts visitors from around Australia to celebrate curiosity, mystery, science, storytelling and the unexplained.
“But Dave isn’t arriving to prove aliens exist,” Ms Busuttil said.
“He’s arriving to prove imagination does,” she said.
Children visiting Dave’s stand can:
Meet and take photos with Superconscious Dave
Take part in a colouring competition
Help write a new adventure for Dave
Receive collectible bookmarks and stickers
Take photos with Dave
Hear Dave’s adventures so far
Discover how imagination develops creativity.
Ms Busuttil said she would be attending an exclusive event at Cassowary Coast Libraries on Thursday 6 August starting 3.15pm, for an author talk, where she will share Superconscious Dave’s adventures through space, ancient Egypt and beyond.
She said anyone could join Dave’s road trip journey on Superconscious Dave’s Facebook page, suitably referred to as the ‘D Files’ – daily check-ins along the way.
“I created Superconscious Dave in 2020 to encourage children to think differently, ask questions and embrace curiosity” Ms Busuttil said.
“In a world where children spend more time on screens than creating, Dave reminds them that their imagination might be the greatest superpower they already have,” she said.
The festival opens with a free Stories in the Stars on the Cardwell foreshore on Thursday 6 August at 5.30pm.
The special presentation by Girramay Traditional Owners shares cultural knowledge and stories connected to the night sky, offering a unique and meaningful perspective on the stars above.
The evening also features the Stories in the Stars Art Exhibition, showcasing works inspired by Indigenous astronomy, alongside traditional dance performances and live music – creating a vibrant and memorable celebration to begin the festival weekend.
As Australia’s only dedicated UFO festival, this unique event features the C-Files Forum, guest speakers, films, live entertainment, markets, art, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, all celebrating the mysteries of the skies and beyond.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the Queensland Government was proud to support the Australian UFO Festival through 2025 round two of Tourism and Events Queensland’s Homegrown Fund, which backs events developed in our state and helps connect them with the unique destinations they call home.
“Homegrown events play an important role in showcasing new ideas, celebrating culture, and creating memorable experiences for visitors, all while contributing to Queensland’s vibrant and diverse events calendar,” he said.
“Beyond the Australian UFO Festival, there is so much to see and experience in the Cassowary Coast.
“I encourage visitors to take the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wide range of tourism opportunities that Queensland has to offer.”
For the full program visit www.observer.s.gy/ur3uLF
Read More: Cardwell