Acknowledgement of Country TEDxKingsPark acknowledges the Wadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which Kings Park, the city of Perth and the metropolitan region is located. We recognise their continuing connection to the land, waters and community of this area and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging. It is an honour for us to be meeting here today.
Life On Earth
Do you feel like a survivor? Because
Tonight you’ll hear about the big,
are the end of an unbroken chain of
important lessons about our own
billions of years ago.
But, just as importantly, we have
you should. You, and your genes,
charismatic animals who teach us
duplication and mutation that began
humanity.
And if that doesn’t make you feel
advocates giving a voice to the tiniest
But many times while devising tonight’s
at worst, unfairly reviled.
capacity for indulging in unjustified
passionate conviction that we humans
Our self-awarded dominion over
animal kingdom.
special, I don’t know what will.
event I’ve been forced to reflect on our
What links all your speakers is their
human exceptionalism.
have so much to learn from the
the natural world has, on balance,
So our challenge is to learn some
job title while averting our eyes from
who are just as remarkable as us.
not gone well. We’ve enjoyed the the job description.
But we’ve not been asleep at the wheel.
humility from these quiet survivors,
Only now are we realising that humans are most definitely not exceptional.
Our species’ capacity to see itself
Our actions are having disastrous
and undeniably stupid, reason why
and that includes us.
“outside” nature has been the cruel, we’ve been busily sawing through the branch upon which we sit.
Image courtesy Shutterstock
creatures who are, at best, ignored and,
consequences for all animals,
Rob Lines
TEDxKingsPark Licensee
About TEDxKingsPark We spread fresh ideas that are exciting, thought-provoking and potentially
Our TEDx talks are made available online, for free.
ABOUT TED AND TEDX
transformative for our community.
Our outlook is local, national and global. We’re interested in the best ideas that
excite and benefit our community from wherever, or whomever they come. We actively invite young people to
participate – all are involved, heard, valued and empowered.
Environmental responsibility is
demonstrated through our actions,
as well as our words. Our events are carbon neutral.
We are values and volunteer-driven and TEDxKingsPark is not for profit.
Welcome Welcome to our first event of 2022.
Please make time to thank our speakers
this evening to introduce our speakers
ideas worth spreading and tonight
We also thank our friends at Murdoch
amazing stories.
Partner. Without them this event would
TEDxKingsPark community. Our next
Our events are a celebration of
we showcase another four brilliant experts from Perth and share their ideas with the world.
and all our volunteers.
University for being our Principal
Finally, thank you for being part of the
not be possible; it is a joy to work
two, much larger, events are already
Rob Lines, our Licensee, has selected
with such enthusiastic and dedicated
as they have prepared to give their
Hewshott International, PAV and others
time and ideas freely and, in doing
make this event the best it can be.
and supported tonight’s speakers
people. Cundall, Carbon Neutral,
talk. Each speaker is giving their
are making notable contributions to
so, contributing to a global library
Simone Vitali joins Rob as our Guest
of thousands of talks presented
online, for free. Indeed, everyone at
TEDxKingsPark is a volunteer, all skilled people committed to our City and our community. Since we presented our
first event, just 10 months ago, our talks have been watched over 75,000 times.
and dig a little deeper into their
Host tonight. She presented her own TEDx talk in 2018, The Silence of
Extinction, in which she gave a warm
and impassioned glimpse into a private world only a few experience. I thank her for joining our voluntary team
in production, each for a live audience of over 500 people: TEDxYouth@ KingsPark and Brain, both being
presented in the Heath Ledger Theatre
in April and July respectively. The team and I look forward to seeing you there! Gavin Buckley
Chief Executive Officer
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor
RESTORING THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE carbonneutral.com.au
reforestation project sequesters carbon and preserves global biodiversity for future generations. Work with us to restore Australia’s ecosystems and mitigate the climate crisis.
Our Carbon Neutral Commitment
TEDxKingsPark is committed to
or are ‘neutral’. This includes the
impact. We hope that all event
TEDxKingsPark is grateful to Cundall
This amazing WA project not only
carbon footprint.
but is also delivering social and
minimising our environmental organisers in Australia will be inspired to do the same.
We have reduced our carbon
emissions as much as possible and then invested in WA’s Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor. Overall the
emissions from this event equal zero,
journey you made to attend.
who have helped us calculate our
This program is 100% recycled paper and is included in our carbon offset.
The Yarra Yarra
Biodiversity Corridor has significant climate benefits environmental outcomes by
reinvigorating social and cultural traditions, conserving habitat,
protecting biodiversity and increasing employment opportunities.
s
Youth@KingsPark Youth@KingsPark
3 s
SECOND
IDEAS Do you have an Idea Worth Spreading?
Do you want to be part of TEDxYouth@KingsPark 2022, Australia’s largest TEDx event for young people? Are you 21 or under? As a finalist you’ll receive professional coaching and curation
before presenting your idea, live from the Heath Ledger Stage of the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia.
Supported by TEDxKingsPark, the winner will turn their idea into an actual TEDx talk, published by TED.
Upload your idea as a 30-second video to tedxkingspark.org
Our Next Events
TEDxYouth@KingsPark
Identity
Brain
Perth’s biggest and most diverse TEDx
How do we learn? Why do we forget?
Are you proud to be you? When our
aged 14 to 21.
most complex, and least understood,
and ever-more detailed, it’s ironic that
event made by, and for, young people
How does love work? Our brain is the
Nine amazing young speakers,
part of our body.
interactive installations make it the
are shaping our understanding of the
identities our increasingly multifaceted they’re prone to damage and even theft.
short films, performances, food and
The latest advances in neuroscience
Identity will be a journey through four,
most exciting youth-focused event
organ that defines us. This will be our
speakers, each with their own moving,
of the year.
30 April 2022
State Theatre Centre of WA
most thought-provoking event yet! 27 July 2022
State Theatre Centre of WA
thought-provoking and challenging
unique and beautiful perspective on what makes us… us. November 2022
Tickets available now
Be the first to know when tickets go on sale by becoming a member of
TEDxKingsPark. Membership is free and gives 48 hours priority booking in which to enjoy a 5% ticket discount, and a range of other benefits. Join at tedxkingspark.org
Your Curator & Hosts
Rob Lines
Simone Vitali
Rob has been involved in the TEDx
Simone is passionate about improving
TEDx events across Perth including at
of Australian wildlife.
movement since 2012, having curated Perth Concert Hall, Perth Observatory
and the Parliament of Western Australia. Since graduating in Computer Science and Physics, Rob has worked for
many years in theatre and cinema
management in the UK and Australia. He is currently Manager of the
University of Western Australia’s public
venues, including the Octagon Theatre, Winthrop Hall and the Somerville Auditorium.
Rob sings with Perth Pride Choir and is a Judge for Creative Edge, the young people’s creative challenge program.
Rob is the Licensee of TEDxKingsPark.
welfare and conservation management In the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions Simone develops strategies and procedures for wild animal welfare emergency
response, and for the University of
Sydney Simone is the Project Lead for a
national disease risk analysis for koalas. Simone was the Senior Veterinarian at Perth Zoo for over 15 years and
was recently awarded a Meritorious
Service Award by the Zoo Aquarium
Association for her contribution to the Australasian zoo industry.
Be sure to watch Simone’s spinetingling TEDx talk, The Silence Of Extinction.
Your Speakers
Bruno Buzatto Bruno is an evolutionary biologist
Consultants, where he conducts
behaviour, and his research has mostly
assessments focusing on subterranean
fascinated by biodiversity and animal focused on the mating systems and
reproduction of insects and arachnids.
surveys and environmental impact fauna and short-range endemic
invertebrates. He also maintains
He is originally from Brazil, where he
adjunct research positions at the
in Ecology degrees from Campinas
Western Australian Museum, as well
Australia in 2009, completed a PhD in
Macquarie University.
Western Australia in 2013, and worked
science and teaching biology, for which
got a Bachelor of Science and Master
University of Western Australia and
State University. Bruno immigrated to
as an honorary lectureship at
Evolutionary Biology at the University of
Bruno is passionate about promoting
as a Lecturer at Macquarie University
he has received a student-nominated
between 2018 and 2020, where he also became a National Geographic and Australian Geographic explorer.
Bruno is currently a principal biologist at Bennelongia Environmental
award at Macquarie University in 2019. A naturalist by heart, Bruno also
engages with the natural world in his
spare time, being an avid scuba diver and rock climber.
Stephen Catwell Stephen has worked with many different
Recovery Team, who are working to
years old. But he has always held a
populations.
species of animal since he was 19
special place for quokkas – they are
intrinsically linked to happy childhood memories as he spent many of his family holidays on Rottnest Island around quokkas.
While working at Perth Zoo, he became the Zoo and Aquarium Association Species Coordinator for quokkas,
ensuring the population in zoos and
wildlife parks throughout Australasia is
genetically diverse and sustainable. He has also gained a seat on the Quokka
prevent the decline of mainland quokka In his downtime he loves to be
outdoors, whether playing football, going for a hike, or heading to the beach for a surf.
One of his favourite areas to visit in
Western Australia (aside from Rottnest)
is Denmark. He likes to hike around the area and try and get a sighting of the elusive mainland quokka. He has yet to see one in the wild, so the search continues!
Your Speakers
Theo Evans Theo Evans had a stationary childhood
nutrients in agricultural soils. He has
with a peripatetic adulthood, being
patent.
in WA, but has tried to make up for this
educated in six universities in five cities in three countries, working for CSIRO and universities in Singapore and
Germany, with research activities in six
continents. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia in the School of Biological Sciences.
Theo has worked on termites, other insects and spiders for more than
30 years, researching fundamental questions in biology, evolution and
ecology, and applied questions, such
as effective pest control and improving
published around 120 papers and one He became interested in social
insects through tricky evolutionary
questions, such as how sterility (found in the worker and soldier castes of all social insects) could evolve through natural selection – Darwin’s special
difficulty, plus their seemingly efficient
behaviours organised through complex communication.
The focus on termites came from their spectacular architecture, the largest, non-human-built structures, and the diminished attention they received
compared with the more showy ants, bees and wasps.
Holly Thompson From a young age Holly became
within Australasia, and internationally
a career at Perth Zoo in 2002. She
connected with zoos worldwide to
fascinated with wildlife and started volunteered with conservation NGO’s working in the field in Java, Sumatra and Vietnam.
Sharing Perth Zoo’s commitment to conservation, she has been
instrumental in conservation programs
for Javan and White-cheeked Gibbons.
for Javan gibbons she has been improve husbandry practices.
She has a keen interest in travel that centres around wildlife and giving
back. She encourages eco-tourism
and highlights the impacts of the illegal wildlife trade. Through her voluntary work she has raised vital funds for
Since 2014 she has led the team who
conservation through many fundraising
ranging from great apes to 130g
Being diagnosed with cancer at 26 put
recently been included as an author
down. She enjoys fitness, the beach
care for Perth Zoo’s primate species
events.
pygmy marmosets. She has most
a lot in perspective but didn’t slow Holly
for a book on primate conservation. As the species coordinator for the Javan and white-cheeked gibbon programs
and spending time in the Yallingup region where her parents now live.
Tuesday’s classroom. Learning beyond four walls. When you’re thinking for yourself there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Semester 1 applications open now. murdoch.edu.au
CRICOS Code: 00125J
Principal Partner
From our beginnings as a free-thinking
Murdoch University research is
learning, teaching, research and
around us. Our researchers focus on
university to the global centre for
industry we are today, we have never lost sight of our purpose. With more
than 24,000 students and 1,700 staff
from across 90 different countries, we are proud to be recognised for the
impact that our free-thinking graduates, life-changing research, and innovative campus and industry developments
have made – both in Western Australia and around the world.
leaving an indelible mark on the world the significant social and scientific challenges of our time, including climate change, environmental
sustainability and adaptation, food, water and biosecurity, as well as
human and animal health and welfare. Often working with key corporate,
academic and government partners,
our research is underpinned by a deep understanding of politics, governance and international affairs, helping translate outcomes into impact. murdoch.edu.au/imprint
Image courtesy Shutterstock
Give It Forward Three ways to empower young people At TEDxKingsPark we work hard
people, the ticket price remains a
possible. We’re here to spread great
is here to ensure that young people,
to keep our ticket prices as low as ideas, not to make money.
Our partners help us and so do our
entire voluntary team. However, there are bills to pay and, for some young
Contribute
Partner
barrier. Our Give It Forward initiative selected by partner charities, can
attend TEDxKingsPark events for free. There are three ways you can help:
Recycle
Everyone is invited to contribute to
The Give It Forward initiative is one of
Don’t feed the fill! When you recycle
Every $2 makes a difference and
invite the brightest and best to partner
those 10c to Give It Forward.
the scheme, with no administration
a positive investment in the city we love.
We thank everyone here at Life On
professionals with a deep appreciation
Give It Forward.
our great partnership opportunities. We
100% of every contribution goes into
with us for mutual benefit, and to make
fees deducted.
Our Partnerships team are experienced
Earth who made a contribution.
of commercial realities, so speak to them today, or email
hello@tedxkingspark.org
your containers it’s easy to donate all At the recycling centre simply use the
code C10411059 or scan the QR code printed on the back of your lanyard.
Again, 100% of your refund will go to Give It Forward, with nothing lost on administration. Thank you!
Our 2021/2 Partners Principal Partners
Major Partners
Blue Ocean
Partners
Supporters
Partner With Us
We welcome the brightest and best
brands and organisations to partner
with us, share our vision and engage with our community.
hello@tedxkingspark.org
Our Team TEDxKingsPark is driven by a team of professionals. We are volunteers united by the power of ideas. Chief Executive Officer
Curation and Coaching
Operations
Partnerships and Development
Gavin Buckley
Rob Lines Licensee & Head of Curation
Cameron Munro Head of Website and IT
Martin Wisker Partnerships Director
Lisa Evans Lead Speaker Coach
Lydia Setiadi Finance Manager
Bethan Winn Senior Partnerships Manager
Gavin Buckley Speaker Coach
Production
Dave Edward Partnerships Manager
Youth Events and Engagement Kai Lovel Chair, Youth Panel Victoria Wisker Director of Youth Engagement Bella Bergemeister Panellist Bethany Hunt Panellist & Youth Ambassador Fariha Asha Panellist Maggie Leung Panellist Haeden Miles Panellist & Youth Ambassador Tom Oliver Panellist Lexi Prichard Panellist & Youth Ambassador Reuben Saggar Panellist Marilyn Schmidt Youth Engagement Manager Om Sharma Panellist Joshua Simpson Panellist Matthew Tetlaw Panellist
Maggie Gordon Curator Opeyemi Idris Curator Kevin Shah Mansouri Curator
Blake Good Event Manager Olivia Boulud Deputy Head of Production Capucine Flipo Event Coordinator
Koshina Yong Partnerships Manager Shani Wende Partnerships Manager Board
Anika Hannington Videographer
Martin Wisker Chair
Marketing and Communications
Minh Hoang Event Coordinator
Bethan Winn Vice Chair
Gordon Geraghty Head of Marketing
Parul Jha Volunteer Coordinator
Lydia Setiadi Treasurer
Carol Cole Photographer
Alice Leggett Event Coordinator
Gavin Buckley Company Secretary
Andrew Kilburn Lead Photographer
Kayla MacGillivray Event Coordinator
Rob Lines Board Member
Tamara Moore Website Content Manager
Catherine Milbrandt Deputy Head of Production
Victoria Wisker Board Member
Alex Pecoraro Photographer
Cameron Munro Stage Manager
Stephanie Puttick Photographer
Drianca Naidoo Installations Coordinator
Carly-Jane Stewart Social Media Manager
Jane Ong Senior Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Wynne Curator
Kabir Ramasary Food Curator Laura Warren Installations Manager
This event is licensed by TED Conferences LLC and is produced independently by Ideas@Perth Inc, a not-for-profit association registered in Western Australia. Ideas@Perth Inc. PO Box 12, Nedlands 6909 ABN 12 519 887 714 This program is printed on 100% recycled paper and is included in our carbon offset.
Using space tech to save whale sharks. Our researchers have harnessed NASA technology to help save endangered whale sharks. Rallying citizen scientists from around the world, we can now track whale populations from space and lead the fight for conservation on earth.
Explore more: murdoch.edu.au/imprint
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/tedxkingspark /company/tedx-kingspark /tedxkingspark