Around this time of year I usually start getting excited about Tedx Perth. What topics will be presented? In 2019 this excitement was mixed with dread as I was in the mix to be a speaker. This year I sit here wondering whether it will go ahead or if we will be in lockdown? As I ponder this I take a look back at the 2019 lineup.
Ever since Tedx Perth moved to the Perth Concert Hall I’ve been there. I love hearing what ideas people are toiling away on. I think it’s incredibly important to focus on and assist those among us who are moving our world forwards. All too often they get overlooked in the plethora of inane things that occupy our tired minds. So having completed a years worth of work in three months, I took my tired brain along to listen in. But how would my mind cope this year? Would I be able to take anything in or would my brain reach capacity and switch into sleep mode?
I’m happy to report that the caliber of speakers didn’t give my brain a chance to do anything other than be mesmerized. While all of the talks were interesting the ones that captured me the most were …
Jacqueline Alderson PhD is a Professor in Biomechanics. Her talk centred on data collection, something many people have a problem with. Professor Alderson explained that with the right data they can build computers that duplicate human behaviour and they can use these computers to test rehabilition etc. rather than people.
Vet Surgeon and cave diver Craig Challen (he of international cave rescue fame) was always going to be interesting, but he was even more so as his talk did not focus on the much publicised rescue. Instead he spoke about the importance of letting children take risks.
Noongar artist Marcelle Riley who runs Story Doll workshops to help people through though times. By making the dolls people open up and tell their stories.
Owen Merriman and Michael Gatt provided a moment of relief as they presented their idea of Tod Talks, think Ted Talks meets comedy improvizaton. With Tod Talks speakers step on stage with no idea of the topic they’ll be discussing.
Pankaj Sharma. I met Pankaj and his lovely wife a few years ago outside the Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre where he’d parked his food truck called Toast My Curry. At the time I was blown away with his concept of Buy-one- Give one. For each meal they sell they donate to the education of street kids in Mumbai. I was delighted to hear that they were still up and running. It was intriguing to hear that Pankaj had given up a privileged position in media, advertising and Bollywood movies. A position that had seen him flying around the world in Business class. I’ve been told it’s difficult to present such ideas from a position of privilege. I’m pleased he was able to get his message across as it’s a terrifically simple, wonderful idea.
Global diversity strategiest Fadzi Whande. Around three years ago Fadzi worked on a committee with me. While I’d heard a few rumblings about what she’d been up to it was fascinating to catch up hear her speak from the heart about diversity and inclusion.
Adjunct Professor Brian O’Brian PhD. What a treat to hear from someone involved with the moon landing. A delightful gent who explained the importance of a small piece of equipment no bigger than his hand.
As I rode home on my trike I pondered:
- With hundreds of people applying to be speakers each year it must be a nightmare honing down the list. As in previous years, 2019 provided an interesting mix about the Human Adventure.
- It’s always interesting to hear what the academic world is up to, as let’s be honest very few of us would actually spend time shifting through journals and papers.
- While the academic projects are good to hear I’m always more impressed by the ‘man’ (or woman) on the street who’s come up with an idea and is plugging along with minimal support. I know it must be really hard to find these people, especially as they are no doubt busy working on their idea in their spare time, so if you know or hear of anyone I hope you will let the Ted people know.
- I remember a coastal cafe that had a similar “cake-of-the-day” strategy, with all proceeds going to charity. Imagine if all cafes did something similar, although many of them have enough trouble themselves at the moment. Many many thanks to all the coordinators, curators and volunteers who work away for 12 months to give us a peak into these projects.
For more information go to Tedx Perth . Videos from the day will be available on the website once they take a much needed breather.
All images thanks to Tedx Perth
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