General News
13 March, 2023
TEDx talks to share new ideas in Maldon
Grace Tame and Bendigo’s Dr Kirby White are among those headed to Maldon later this year to give TEDx talks in a community-first. The Maldon event is a grassroots offshoot of the popular TED talks — a non-profit organisation devoted to ideas...
Grace Tame and Bendigo’s Dr Kirby White are among those headed to Maldon later this year to give TEDx talks in a community-first.
The Maldon event is a grassroots offshoot of the popular TED talks — a non-profit organisation devoted to ideas worth spreading, often in the form of short talks delivered by leading thinkers.
Initially getting the movement happening in Kyneton a few years ago, COVID-19 put a plug in event organiser Paul Kooperman’s plans but after moving to Maldon, the idea started gaining traction and he applied for a TEDx licence for the town.
“It really came about by identifying that there are some amazing people in the area and wanting to do an event where they could share their ideas with others,” he said.
“This is a platform to share and engage in local inspiring ideas.”
The schedule includes talks from Grace Tame — an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and 2021 Australian of the Year — and Bendigo GP Dr Kirby White — founder of Gowns for Doctors (a reusable gown created after her supply of disposable gowns ran out three weeks into the COVID-19
pandemic).
City of Greater Bendigo councillor Margaret O’Rourke and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation CEO Rodney Carter have also been confirmed to give talks.
Mr Kooperman said the event has already had a strong response.
a“We’re looking for local voices, or people who have a local connection. We’ve had about 100 applications and we’ll probably select about 15,” he said.
“We have four confirmed so far, three of which are from the Bendigo area, and Grace Tame has a local connection and was very keen to talk.”
Applications to give a talk are still open and Mr Kooperman said anyone with unique, inspiring ideas can apply.
“It can be people who have expertise, but you don’t have to be a known speaker, it’s about unearthing voices as well,” he said.
“The ideas can be about anything — it’s really about unique, inspiring ideas, not so much from a particular area of expertise although if people have that, that’s great.”
The talks will be held on July 1 at the Maldon Progress Hall, with tickets to go on sale in April.
Applications to give a talk close on March 31.
To apply or find out more, visit www.TEDxMaldon.com