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TEDxMaldon acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, the custodians of the land upon which TEDxMaldon will be held: the Dja Dja Wurrung people, and wishes to pay respect to their elders past and present, hoping that we can work together, respectfully and collaboratively for many years to come.
The theme of TEDxMaldon August 2024 is "Uncomfortable Conversations". To build stronger, deeper relationships with our friends, families and communities, we need to do more, hear more, talk more and have conversations which may hurt us to help us, conversations which stretch our thinking, shift our balance and strengthen our purpose. TEDxMaldon August 2024 will showcase topics and talks which prompt these uncomfortable conversations and threaten to unnerve us to unite us.
The event will be held Sunday 4th August 5-9pm, in TWO separate sessions (there will be 8-9 speakers per session),
SPEAKERS
Nancy Whittaker: "Sometimes, it’s nice to be nasty."
Over a long life, one can get into quite a few uncomfortable conversations, so I’ve chosen a couple which haunt me to this day, particularly how I acquired a grandiose title for one of them.
Nancy Whittaker has been an art teacher in both government and independent schools, in the city and country, at every level from prep to tertiary in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Great Britain, and Canada. She worked as a commercial artist in PNG Department of Information and Extension Services, and then lectured in Art Education at Madang Teachers’ College. She has also been a lecturer in Art Education at Melbourne University prior to becoming an Arts Policy Officer with the Ministry of Education. This was followed by a position as an Extension Education Officer responsible for all subject associations in the state of Victoria, in addition to providing Professional Development for Extension Education Officers (EEOs) in Subject Associations and Cultural Institutions (including NGV, MOV, Zoo et al), prior to her retirement to Maldon. After retiring, Nancy was the Coordinator of the Maldon Visitor Information Centre (VIC) for seven years and concurrently co-editor of The Tarrangower Times with her husband, the late Dr Geoff Hammond for two years. Nancy was Secretary of the Maldon Movies Film Society (Maldon Golden Movies -MGM) for ten years, organises a fortnightly game of Social Pétanque, and writes a regular article called Arts About for the local paper. Being a presenter for eight years as part of the In Maldon Today (IMT) team on MAINfm 94.9 is her current gig, now in its 11th year of broadcasting.
Nancy Whittaker has been an art teacher in both government and independent schools, in the city and country, at every level from prep to tertiary in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Great Britain, and Canada. She worked as a commercial artist in PNG Department of Information and Extension Services, and then lectured in Art Education at Madang Teachers’ College. She has also been a lecturer in Art Education at Melbourne University prior to becoming an Arts Policy Officer with the Ministry of Education. This was followed by a position as an Extension Education Officer responsible for all subject associations in the state of Victoria, in addition to providing Professional Development for Extension Education Officers (EEOs) in Subject Associations and Cultural Institutions (including NGV, MOV, Zoo et al), prior to her retirement to Maldon. After retiring, Nancy was the Coordinator of the Maldon Visitor Information Centre (VIC) for seven years and concurrently co-editor of The Tarrangower Times with her husband, the late Dr Geoff Hammond for two years. Nancy was Secretary of the Maldon Movies Film Society (Maldon Golden Movies -MGM) for ten years, organises a fortnightly game of Social Pétanque, and writes a regular article called Arts About for the local paper. Being a presenter for eight years as part of the In Maldon Today (IMT) team on MAINfm 94.9 is her current gig, now in its 11th year of broadcasting.
Bronwyn Grieve: "Puberty and Sex education - so much more than an uncomfortable conversation."
Bron's talk explores the critical importance of comprehensive puberty and sex education for young people, going beyond the discomfort often associated with these topics and taking it beyond the classroom. She draws from her extensive experience working with young people to shed light on this, sharing statistics that may make you want to cry and words that may make you squirm. However ultimately, Bron challenges you to embed life values into every connection we have with young people - and how that is within all our reach.
Bron has been the Community Health Nurse for the Mount Alexander Shire since 2017. Before this she was a school nurse in Alice Springs and has over twenty years’ experience working with younger people - including her own. Bron absolutely loves her role and sees it as a privilege rather than a job. She runs a wide variety of programs, but her favourite is interacting and learning with young people to understand puberty and sexuality and its implications in our complex world. It takes only one adult who can hold up the light in a young person’s life to make a significant difference to that young person's life outcomes.
Bron has been the Community Health Nurse for the Mount Alexander Shire since 2017. Before this she was a school nurse in Alice Springs and has over twenty years’ experience working with younger people - including her own. Bron absolutely loves her role and sees it as a privilege rather than a job. She runs a wide variety of programs, but her favourite is interacting and learning with young people to understand puberty and sexuality and its implications in our complex world. It takes only one adult who can hold up the light in a young person’s life to make a significant difference to that young person's life outcomes.
Dr Bahareh Nakisa: "Surpassing Humanity: Trust in an Era of AGI."
We set forth on an expedition to navigate the ever-changing realm of artificial intelligence, a domain where machines not only parallel but also surpass human prowess. As AI entities grow increasingly skilled in performing tasks previously believed to be exclusive to humans - such as medical diagnostics and musical creation - we are introduced to a novel paradigm of confidence in technology. The question arises: How do we ensure that these sophisticated systems act in our favour rather than to our detriment? Is it possible to embed our moral principles and ethical standards into algorithms that outstrip our own cognitive abilities? I will delve into the concept of trust during a time when technological intellect is rapidly advancing and discuss how we can prepare for coexistence with AI in a future that is still unfolding. This conversation is vital, centering on the measures we can adopt now to maybe secure a tomorrow where AI embodies not just intelligence, but also a reliable and positive force in our lives.
Bahareh Nakisa, PhD, is an AI scientist, entrepreneur, author, and engineer. She is the course director of AI, co-leader of the Human-centred Technology research group, and a senior lecturer in Applied AI at Deakin University. She earned her PhD in AI from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she received the Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award. Her research spans a wide range of topics in Artificial Intelligence, Human-AI collaboration, and the development of AI-based algorithms to understand human behaviour and performance in complex, open-ended environments. She has published over 50 articles in computer science journals and has secured more than $2.6M in funding from Australian and US funding bodies for her R&D activities. Her work has the potential to positively impact society and improve quality of life across various industries, including health, transportation, space, and defence. In 2023, Dr. Nakisa was a finalist for the prestigious Asian-Australian Leadership Award, part of the 40 Under 40 Awards. She is also the co-founder and director of AIHUB, a startup launched in late 2023 that offers personalized AI solutions by leveraging Generative AI.
Bahareh Nakisa, PhD, is an AI scientist, entrepreneur, author, and engineer. She is the course director of AI, co-leader of the Human-centred Technology research group, and a senior lecturer in Applied AI at Deakin University. She earned her PhD in AI from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she received the Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award. Her research spans a wide range of topics in Artificial Intelligence, Human-AI collaboration, and the development of AI-based algorithms to understand human behaviour and performance in complex, open-ended environments. She has published over 50 articles in computer science journals and has secured more than $2.6M in funding from Australian and US funding bodies for her R&D activities. Her work has the potential to positively impact society and improve quality of life across various industries, including health, transportation, space, and defence. In 2023, Dr. Nakisa was a finalist for the prestigious Asian-Australian Leadership Award, part of the 40 Under 40 Awards. She is also the co-founder and director of AIHUB, a startup launched in late 2023 that offers personalized AI solutions by leveraging Generative AI.
Lauren Muratore: "Sexual Sovereignty - who is the gatekeeper of sex?"
Sex sells. Around the globe, regardless of culture or religious background, we are fascinated by sex and sexuality. Yet sex remains shrouded by confusing messages and shame. If a person stands confidently in their sexuality, those around them show discomfort. Women face slut shaming alongside the pressure of being desirable. They are expected to want sex. Men are confronted by a duality of expectations – they are portrayed as needing to be sexually hungry while remaining soft and sensitive. This is an uncomfortable conversation about mixed messages, and the struggle of power modern day relationships face; where individuals can feel isolated, undesirable and rejected.
Lauren is a clinical accredited psychosexual therapist, founding Director of Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy. She sits comfortably in the uncomfortable. Lauren completed two post graduated degrees pregnant and with a newborn whilst working in private practice. It was soon after that she then started Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy, which has been operating for six years. Lauren’s vast lived experiences and knowledge of sexuality compliment her qualifications and clinical work.
Lauren is a clinical accredited psychosexual therapist, founding Director of Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy. She sits comfortably in the uncomfortable. Lauren completed two post graduated degrees pregnant and with a newborn whilst working in private practice. It was soon after that she then started Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy, which has been operating for six years. Lauren’s vast lived experiences and knowledge of sexuality compliment her qualifications and clinical work.
Katie Larsen: "Why people with lived experience must lead change."
When people experience high levels of distress and crisis, it is most often a legitimate response to the traumatic experiences of their lives. Within Western mental health systems the response is to medicalise, stigmatise, isolate, disconnect and suppress. This is at best case largely ineffective and in the worst cases traumatising and harmful. People with lived experience offer alternatives understandings of mental health that can revolutionise our Western mental health systems. Lived experience led approaches are grounded in collective wisdom and insight, social justice and change and relational concepts of healing. They are born of the stories of survival, resilience and resistance. These approaches seek to counter and repair damage from the current system, centre the social, cultural and political experiences of peoples’ lives and are grounded in connection, compassion, love and trust. Lived experience led approaches are both radical and deeply human and with collective courage, can be centred to transform our communities response to mental health.
Katie is a queer person living on Wurundjeri Country who works from a lived experience expertise and social justice perspective, drawing from their lived experiences of mental
health challenges. Katie is committed to developing radical change processes in mental health support and systems, drawing from the deep wisdom and knowledge of lived
experiences of crisis and distress. They are committed to the development of lived experience led models and solutions that centre community, connection and healing. They are a PhD Candidate at Deakin University researching how deeper understanding of intersectionality, power and privilege can drive transformative change in leadership and decision-making in mainstream mental health services. Katie also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) and Master of Social Work. They currently work as the Executive Director Lived
Experience at Mind Australia.
Katie is a queer person living on Wurundjeri Country who works from a lived experience expertise and social justice perspective, drawing from their lived experiences of mental
health challenges. Katie is committed to developing radical change processes in mental health support and systems, drawing from the deep wisdom and knowledge of lived
experiences of crisis and distress. They are committed to the development of lived experience led models and solutions that centre community, connection and healing. They are a PhD Candidate at Deakin University researching how deeper understanding of intersectionality, power and privilege can drive transformative change in leadership and decision-making in mainstream mental health services. Katie also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) and Master of Social Work. They currently work as the Executive Director Lived
Experience at Mind Australia.
Jez Watts: "To Breed or Not to Breed: This Needs To Be A Question."
What do 8 billion people have in common? The overwhelming urge to make more of ourselves. But is being good at breeding a good enough reason to do it? Jez talks about the decision to proactively help humanity by taking a snip for the team. Increased economic stability in the 3rd world and access to family planning lead to universally smaller family sizes, but late-stage capitalism and the climate crisis have passed their tipping points and “smaller" is no longer enough. A talk about why the biggest positive impact you can make for humanity is to stop adding to it.
Jez Watts is a touring standup comedian, writer, producer & podcaster based in Melbourne. A former neuroscientist (BSc. Molecular Biology, BSc. Biotechnology, BSc. Hons. Biomedical Science, MSc. Neuroscience) & Australian soldier, he’s featured at 45+ festivals worldwide. A sought-after host and headliner, Jez works constantly. Tour support for Sam Tallent (USA) Duncan Trussell (USA) Brian Posehn (USA) He Huang (China) and many more, he’s performed with some of the biggest names in comedy. Currently preparing to record his debut special, he co-hosts and producer the “weekly” Tiny Vet Podcast with his fiancée Nicole and lives with 2 rabbits, a snail, and occasionally visits Nicole’s horse.
Jez Watts is a touring standup comedian, writer, producer & podcaster based in Melbourne. A former neuroscientist (BSc. Molecular Biology, BSc. Biotechnology, BSc. Hons. Biomedical Science, MSc. Neuroscience) & Australian soldier, he’s featured at 45+ festivals worldwide. A sought-after host and headliner, Jez works constantly. Tour support for Sam Tallent (USA) Duncan Trussell (USA) Brian Posehn (USA) He Huang (China) and many more, he’s performed with some of the biggest names in comedy. Currently preparing to record his debut special, he co-hosts and producer the “weekly” Tiny Vet Podcast with his fiancée Nicole and lives with 2 rabbits, a snail, and occasionally visits Nicole’s horse.
Tim Budge: "Finding Humanity in Humanitarian Work: Hope and reality and Gaza and other places."
Thirty years of humanitarian work has only taught me how little I know. I don’t have the certainty and focused motivation with which I started, back when I thought I could make a difference to people living in poorer parts of the world. However, what has grown in me is a deepening need to hold onto a sense of shared humanity and to look for that humanity in its unpolished yet hopeful reality in all contexts. In the words of Ernest Hemingway, I am trying to become a better BS detector, to sieve through meaning and layers of information presented by politicians, well-meaning marketing folk, including those in NGOs, and my own crusted-on prejudices that blur the realities of other people’s humanities. What is often under the layers is a heartbreaking jumble of suffering and determination, loss and hope, bitterness and faith, seemingly ever-present in all refugee camps and other emergency contexts. Yet, in all my work, even before October 2023, it is Gaza that breaks my heart beyond any other place. It’s where post-traumatic stress took root in my life, and where I still have a sense of survivor guilt and vicarious suffering. As I see it, this is not about taking sides, it’s about listening to stories and challenging ourselves about the meaning we superimpose on other cultures, religions, people and histories. It’s about being unequivocal in holding on to shared humanity and letting hope guide us all to something better than what we have.
Tim Budge has worked in humanitarian contexts around the world for over thirty years, including years in Timor-Leste, Zambia, Palestine and Tanzania. He has also worked on refugee programs in Mozambique, Cambodia, Lebanon and Jordan. Tim has held director level postings in Zambia and Timor-Leste, senior roles in Australian NGOs and leadership roles in local advocacy and community development agencies. He has a PhD in social change, based on research undertaken with people living in townships in Southern Africa. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University. He is recently retired and lives on Taungurung land in central Victoria. Tim has been active in development and emergency response work in Palestine for twenty years. He was last in Gaza in 2018, for two visits, working with the Al-Ahli Hospital, now the only hospital still operating in the North of the Strip. He also visited Al-Shifa and other hospitals while there. He tries to stay in contact with friends and colleagues still surviving in what-seems-to-be endless devastation in Gaza.
Tim Budge has worked in humanitarian contexts around the world for over thirty years, including years in Timor-Leste, Zambia, Palestine and Tanzania. He has also worked on refugee programs in Mozambique, Cambodia, Lebanon and Jordan. Tim has held director level postings in Zambia and Timor-Leste, senior roles in Australian NGOs and leadership roles in local advocacy and community development agencies. He has a PhD in social change, based on research undertaken with people living in townships in Southern Africa. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University. He is recently retired and lives on Taungurung land in central Victoria. Tim has been active in development and emergency response work in Palestine for twenty years. He was last in Gaza in 2018, for two visits, working with the Al-Ahli Hospital, now the only hospital still operating in the North of the Strip. He also visited Al-Shifa and other hospitals while there. He tries to stay in contact with friends and colleagues still surviving in what-seems-to-be endless devastation in Gaza.
Kerryx: "Navigating nudity: life modeling and becoming Living Art."
Standing naked in front of a group of people can be a daunting task. Whilst it may be nightmare fuel for some, it's the bread and butter of a life model. Kerryx explores life as a life model, and the art of becoming the art. She discusses the nuts and bolts of what it's like to model naked, the tips and tricks of not only holding a pose, but holding oneself whilst being the only naked person in a room full of clothed people. Public nudity can be a delicate and difficult conversation for many, but confronting this taboo can give birth to a wonderful journey of self discovery, empowerment, and discovering the joy of playing an active part in the creation of beauty, playing muse and becoming art.
Kerryx is an Australian alternative model, dancer and performer based in Melbourne specializing in all things unique, esoteric and dark. She is an experienced and well regarded life drawing model and muse, having been modeling all around Australia for 22 years. She has been an accredited member of the Victorian Life Model Society. With many years experience under her belt, she is a favorite amongst life drawing classes Australia wide, having worked in a range of situations, settings and with different themes and topics. Known for her unique looks, striking body art and strong graceful poses she is comfortable and confident both nude or in costume. X marks the spot.
Kerryx is an Australian alternative model, dancer and performer based in Melbourne specializing in all things unique, esoteric and dark. She is an experienced and well regarded life drawing model and muse, having been modeling all around Australia for 22 years. She has been an accredited member of the Victorian Life Model Society. With many years experience under her belt, she is a favorite amongst life drawing classes Australia wide, having worked in a range of situations, settings and with different themes and topics. Known for her unique looks, striking body art and strong graceful poses she is comfortable and confident both nude or in costume. X marks the spot.
Gerry Terati Lyons: "The importance of Culture to Country."
The importance of culture to country is the foundation on which First Nations peoples around the world connect. This connection is Physical, Spiritual and Ancestral. Thus it places a responsibility on each and everyone to be the caretakers of the land.
Gerry (Gman) Lyons is from an Indigenous background (Maori) and has worked in First Nations Media for over 30 years, devoting his skills to enhance community broadcasting. Gerry's career commenced at community radio 8CCC in Alice Springs and later joined the CAAMA Network where he worked as an Announcer, Journalist, Outside Broadcast Coordinator and later its Station Manager. He is a recipient in the Australian of the Year awards, "Centralian Citizen of the Year 2016" for outstanding work in the community. CBAA Station Leadership Award 2019 and a Paul Harris Fellow 2021 by Rotary International. Gerry up till recently was the General Manager at First Australians Media Enterprises 3KND Radio, having served in that position for 7 years.
Gerry (Gman) Lyons is from an Indigenous background (Maori) and has worked in First Nations Media for over 30 years, devoting his skills to enhance community broadcasting. Gerry's career commenced at community radio 8CCC in Alice Springs and later joined the CAAMA Network where he worked as an Announcer, Journalist, Outside Broadcast Coordinator and later its Station Manager. He is a recipient in the Australian of the Year awards, "Centralian Citizen of the Year 2016" for outstanding work in the community. CBAA Station Leadership Award 2019 and a Paul Harris Fellow 2021 by Rotary International. Gerry up till recently was the General Manager at First Australians Media Enterprises 3KND Radio, having served in that position for 7 years.
Dr Devorah Heymann: "Let’s talk about labour, leakages and lives lost."
In the quiet corners of Uganda, over 100,000 women endure the silent agony of obstetric fistula— a preventable childbirth injury that leaves them incontinent and ostracized. Despite global efforts, foreign aid often falls short, relying on temporary surgical camps rather than sustainable local solutions. Why does this persist? Together, let's advocate for sustainable healthcare solutions, envisioning a future where every woman has access to quality obstetric care and those suffering from obstetric fistula can rebuild their lives with dignity and reclaim their voice in society. Let's pave the way towards a future where no woman is left behind in silence or suffering.
Dr Devorah Heymann is a Urogynaecology Fellow in Melbourne and the Founder/CEO of The Alon Project, a non for profit dedicated to supporting rural Ugandan women suffering from traumatic birth injuries, particularly obstetric fistula. She leads surgical missions aimed at treating these resilient women and facilitating their reintegration into society, alongside training local doctors and nurses. The Alon Project’s upcoming mission in November includes a neonatal CPR course to reduce preventable newborn deaths. Beyond her humanitarian efforts, Dr Heymann actively contributes to education, research, and the advancement of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is a passionate advocate for every woman's right to a safe birth and dignified life, striving to empower women in need and develop sustainable solutions to global challenges.
Dr Devorah Heymann is a Urogynaecology Fellow in Melbourne and the Founder/CEO of The Alon Project, a non for profit dedicated to supporting rural Ugandan women suffering from traumatic birth injuries, particularly obstetric fistula. She leads surgical missions aimed at treating these resilient women and facilitating their reintegration into society, alongside training local doctors and nurses. The Alon Project’s upcoming mission in November includes a neonatal CPR course to reduce preventable newborn deaths. Beyond her humanitarian efforts, Dr Heymann actively contributes to education, research, and the advancement of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is a passionate advocate for every woman's right to a safe birth and dignified life, striving to empower women in need and develop sustainable solutions to global challenges.
Zoe Dattner: "The Dance of Dissonance: saving the world with constructive conflict when we can't agree on anything."
In homes all around the world, families and friends huddle around tables, open fires and virtual gathering spaces asking each other this one, probing question: 'Anyway, what's good on Netflix at the moment?' In an effort to avoid the perilous waters of talking about politics, religion, the environment, sex - the most important conversations of our time are being swapped out for the safer topics of what true crime podcast we're currently binging and what sleeping aids we're on. We are at a pivotal point in the history of our species. When we avoid difficult or uncomfortable conversations, we perpetuate models and mindsets that led us to this point and deprive us of the opportunity to create and innovate towards a future we can be proud of. Because we are afraid of conflict - of upsetting someone, of being shut down, of being disagreed with. This talk will explore this issue through examples of embracing uncomfortable conversations, and leave audiences with some practical tools around how to have more of them.
Zoe is an experienced business leader, culture strategy consultant and coach with a passion for collaboration and a talent for engaging others. With a focus on self-awareness and courage, she believes in addressing challenging conversations head on, ensuring everyone understands and contributes to purposeful problem solving. Her work is grounded in clearly articulated values, driving collective action to build a better future. Formerly a publisher from the book and media industries for some twenty years, Zoe is now a Director with the renowned leadership and culture consultancy, Dattner Group.
Zoe is an experienced business leader, culture strategy consultant and coach with a passion for collaboration and a talent for engaging others. With a focus on self-awareness and courage, she believes in addressing challenging conversations head on, ensuring everyone understands and contributes to purposeful problem solving. Her work is grounded in clearly articulated values, driving collective action to build a better future. Formerly a publisher from the book and media industries for some twenty years, Zoe is now a Director with the renowned leadership and culture consultancy, Dattner Group.
Mackenzi Moyes: "Living Without My Mirror."
So many people around the world experience the loss of a loved one when they're just a child, and growing up with that weight is challenging and rarely acknowledged. Twinless twins face an intense and isolating form of grief, one that no other knows. The bond between twins is profound, and when it is cut short, the surviving twin is left to navigate the world alone.
Mackenzi Moyes is a school student from Bendigo, Victoria. Since birth she has had to live without her twin by her side. It's inexplicable, the grief she has felt, even though she never knew her. Currently in highschool, Mackenzi has always strived to speak up, speak her truth, and speak loudly. Dedicating most of her youth to volunteering, she seeks comfort in giving back. She aims to pursue law, to speak up about what is right.
Mackenzi Moyes is a school student from Bendigo, Victoria. Since birth she has had to live without her twin by her side. It's inexplicable, the grief she has felt, even though she never knew her. Currently in highschool, Mackenzi has always strived to speak up, speak her truth, and speak loudly. Dedicating most of her youth to volunteering, she seeks comfort in giving back. She aims to pursue law, to speak up about what is right.
Dr Steven Cooke: "The continuing relevance of Holocaust education".
Within the next few years there will be a Holocaust museum or education centre in every state and territory in Australia. The motivations for this are many, but often focus on the role of Holocaust education in learning from the past to inform a more peaceful and cohesive future. Within the context of the passing of the survivor generation, and the contemporary rise in antisemitism and racism, what is the future for Holocaust education in Australia?
Dr Steven Cooke has over 30 years’ experience in the cultural heritage sector across both museums and academia. Steven has published extensively on both the historical evolution of Holocaust museums and memorials, and new approaches to sharing Holocaust survivor testimony. His exceptional work has led the Australian Government to appoint him to the Australian delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, where he represents Australia on the Memorials and Museums Working Group. From 2002 until 2011 Steven held leadership positions at some of Australia’s most significant cultural heritage sites, including the Shrine of Remembrance. From there, he transitioned into academia where he worked at Deakin University as an Associate Professor and Course Director for the Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies postgraduate programs, helping inspire the next generation of museum professionals. In 2020 he was the lead investigator on the landmark Gandel Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness in Australia Survey.
Dr Steven Cooke has over 30 years’ experience in the cultural heritage sector across both museums and academia. Steven has published extensively on both the historical evolution of Holocaust museums and memorials, and new approaches to sharing Holocaust survivor testimony. His exceptional work has led the Australian Government to appoint him to the Australian delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, where he represents Australia on the Memorials and Museums Working Group. From 2002 until 2011 Steven held leadership positions at some of Australia’s most significant cultural heritage sites, including the Shrine of Remembrance. From there, he transitioned into academia where he worked at Deakin University as an Associate Professor and Course Director for the Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies postgraduate programs, helping inspire the next generation of museum professionals. In 2020 he was the lead investigator on the landmark Gandel Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness in Australia Survey.
Patti Fawcett: "Cakes and the fear of not existing ."
When I was 14 years old I suddenly developed a debilitating fear of death. With no belief in a greater being or god, I had already begun to heavily scrutinise the idea of a greater being when my sheep died at the age of 8. My brain couldn't deal with the idea of simply not existing. That was until I started watching Great British bakeoff specials and came to the conclusion that if people could spend their precious hours alive failing to make cake, maybe I was doing just fine. It is a difficult topic to come to terms with, but one we all at some point must. Not just for ourselves but for those around us.
Patti Fawcett is a comedian from Castlemaine, Victoria. Starting comedy at 14, Patti was the 2019 Class Clowns winner. Recently performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for Breast of the Fest, Pilot, and her own split show 'In Cooperation' with Dane Knowles. As well as the upcoming, and two previous years of, Women of Wit tours. Starting comedy so young was partly a fallout of the above mentioned anxiety antidote that is humour, and partly thanks to a helpful push from a highschool teacher. Patti's aim within her work is to create fun, front and foremost.
Patti Fawcett is a comedian from Castlemaine, Victoria. Starting comedy at 14, Patti was the 2019 Class Clowns winner. Recently performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for Breast of the Fest, Pilot, and her own split show 'In Cooperation' with Dane Knowles. As well as the upcoming, and two previous years of, Women of Wit tours. Starting comedy so young was partly a fallout of the above mentioned anxiety antidote that is humour, and partly thanks to a helpful push from a highschool teacher. Patti's aim within her work is to create fun, front and foremost.
Ren Alessandra: "Cancelling Cancel Culture: How We Decide What We Leave Behind."
A culture is alive. Each mindset, each action either nurtures or starves it. In the height of cancel culture, the act of mass shaming someone due to their socially unacceptable actions, young people are reporting more and more their fear of ostracisation. What is its antidote? How does being cancelled impact a person? What does a culture of this nature socially and psychologically do to us? It’s time to ask these questions and explore how we as leaders step up for our youth and feed the culture we want to leave behind.
Ren Alessandra is an Italo-Australian, award-winning poet, celebrant and educator. With a Masters of Teaching and twelve years industry experience, Ren facilitates storytelling spaces through Wordcraft, a collective for all ages to celebrate their stories in safe and inclusive environments. She was recently commissioned by the State Library of Victoria as a part of the (In)Visible Libraries initiative bringing poetry to braille readers for the first time. She also judged the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Poetry in 2022 and has been commissioned by organisations worldwide. Performing at festivals, schools and in community, Ren advocates for the medicine of storytelling at every turn. Her debut collection, Blueprint Body, will be launched this year.
Photographer: @lilly.pilly
Ren Alessandra is an Italo-Australian, award-winning poet, celebrant and educator. With a Masters of Teaching and twelve years industry experience, Ren facilitates storytelling spaces through Wordcraft, a collective for all ages to celebrate their stories in safe and inclusive environments. She was recently commissioned by the State Library of Victoria as a part of the (In)Visible Libraries initiative bringing poetry to braille readers for the first time. She also judged the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Poetry in 2022 and has been commissioned by organisations worldwide. Performing at festivals, schools and in community, Ren advocates for the medicine of storytelling at every turn. Her debut collection, Blueprint Body, will be launched this year.
Photographer: @lilly.pilly
Sally Goldner AM: “I’m sitting in my comfy trans chair – so who’s uncomfortable about what?”
What is it about trans that seems to generate so much intensity? Is this intensity real or fabricated? What are possible causes of discomfort in broader society, in LGBTIQA+ communities and in relation to some people’s sense of self? Of greater importance: can we move past the current climate to a place of greater calm – and if so, how do we do it?
There are a range of issues that might be considered uncomfortable to examine in this situation. These include deep emotions and feelings – and facing those feelings and emotions, when emotions are being mis-used, lateral hostility, implications for leadership and power - and will also cover philosophies for daily living to tackle these issues.
Sally Goldner AM’s massive involvement in Victoria’s queer communities spans nearly 30 years. Her diverse contributions include being a founding member of Transgender Victoria, Transfamily and Bisexual Alliance Victoria, presenting 3 CR’s “Out of the Pan,” being the focus of an autobio-doco “Sally’s Story”, a life member of 4 queer-focussed organisations and has made many broad-ranging contributions across LGBTIQA+ communities, community media and arts/entertainment.
She was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2016 (the first trans and first known bi woman to receive the honour), awarded LGBTI Victorian of the Year in 2015 and noted in The Age’s Top 100 most creative and influential people in Melbourne in 2011. She was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019.
Sally is a bi/pan neurodivergent trans woman (among other attributes) living on Kulin lands, a professional wrestling ring announcer and commentator (as well as referee and wrestler in training), MC, speaker, educator, life coach and occasional performer - all in contrast to her original accountancy training.
There are a range of issues that might be considered uncomfortable to examine in this situation. These include deep emotions and feelings – and facing those feelings and emotions, when emotions are being mis-used, lateral hostility, implications for leadership and power - and will also cover philosophies for daily living to tackle these issues.
Sally Goldner AM’s massive involvement in Victoria’s queer communities spans nearly 30 years. Her diverse contributions include being a founding member of Transgender Victoria, Transfamily and Bisexual Alliance Victoria, presenting 3 CR’s “Out of the Pan,” being the focus of an autobio-doco “Sally’s Story”, a life member of 4 queer-focussed organisations and has made many broad-ranging contributions across LGBTIQA+ communities, community media and arts/entertainment.
She was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2016 (the first trans and first known bi woman to receive the honour), awarded LGBTI Victorian of the Year in 2015 and noted in The Age’s Top 100 most creative and influential people in Melbourne in 2011. She was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019.
Sally is a bi/pan neurodivergent trans woman (among other attributes) living on Kulin lands, a professional wrestling ring announcer and commentator (as well as referee and wrestler in training), MC, speaker, educator, life coach and occasional performer - all in contrast to her original accountancy training.
TERMS AND GUIDELINES FOR SPEAKERS
All speakers agree to the following terms and conditions:
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You agree to abide by the rules of speaking at a TEDx event (click to read).
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There is no payment for TEDx event organisers or speakers, it is a not-for-profit event, and any income or support from sponsorship or tickets sales go directly towards all expenses for the event
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The broad theme of our TEDxMaldon event in August is "Uncomfortable Conversations".
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Each TEDx talk must be a minimum of 6 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes (at 8 minutes, a bell will ring as a warning)
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There is no panel or Q&A after each talk. Once speakers have finished, there will be a 2 minute change-over break and speakers are invited to sit and watch the other talks at the event
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Each TEDx talk should include the broad theme of "uncomfortable conversations" and be based on a clear, focused topic the local audience will be interested in; as well as a very specific idea, theory or proposition speakers think could make a big difference in healing or helping the world regarding the chosen theme (each talk must include a call to action, something for the audience and viewers to do as a result of hearing and seeing each talk)
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All speakers undertake a selection process and are selected based on the potential interest of the talk to a local and global audience and the diversity of the final list of talks (we want a range of diverse topics)
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No sponsor or organiser of the event can also be a speaker; no talks can promote a business, sponsor or organisation
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No talks with an inflammatory political or religious agenda, nor polarizing “us vs them” language
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We seek to build consensus and provide outside-the-box thinking, not to revisit familiar, unresolvable disputes on these topics
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If selected, you must arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to the event commencing to ensure you are present, ready and available to participate
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TEDxMaldon is a licensed TEDx event and talks will be published on the TED YouTube Channel
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