Acknowledgement of Country TEDxKings Park 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 are 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.
Moon and 70s where the Moon represented
firmly believe that the act of extending the
World War 1, or maybe it was just
achievement, possibility and the
boundaries of our knowledge, and of our
because he wasn’t interested.
occasional golf swing.
humanity, is one which builds a unity we
I could never get my grandfather to dwell
Encouragingly, we’re taking humans
could all do with more of.
on the past. I’d ask him to tell me about
to the Moon in this decade for more
My grandfather was born at a time when
his early life, and he’d always demur. He
valuable reasons than geopolitical
we didn’t even know there was a universe
only wanted to look forward. Now much
bragging rights, not least the first woman
outside our galaxy, yet in 1969 he saw
older, I understand that “going back” isn’t
and the first person of colour to walk on
a man on the Moon. Why shouldn’t we
always a positive experience. Could it be
the Moon. Rather than just an American
have something as remarkable as that to
that the past should stay where it is?
endeavour, the Artemis missions involve
look forward to?
Yet going back is exactly what humanity
many nations – including Australia.
is doing by returning to the Moon. We’re
We face problems on Earth – walking on
revisiting the energetic and optimistic 60s
the Moon can seem a low priority. But I
Perhaps it was his experiences in
Rob Lines
TEDxKings Park Licensee
About TEDxKings Park We spread fresh ideas that are exciting,
Environmental responsibility is
thought-provoking and potentially
demonstrated through our actions,
transformative for our community.
as well as our words. Our events are
Our outlook is local, national and global.
carbon neutral.
We’re interested in the best ideas that
We are values and volunteer-driven and
excite and benefit our community from
TEDxKings Park is a not-for-profit.
wherever, or whomever, they come. We actively invite young people to participate – all are involved, heard, valued and empowered. Our TEDx talks
Image: Shutterstock
are made available online, for free.
Welcome In just two years we have presented a
Finally, thank you for being part of
Our events are a celebration of ideas
remarkable 50 talks which have been
the TEDxKings Park community. Our
worth spreading and tonight we
watched over two million times.
2024 events are already in production
showcase another four insightful
Please make time to thank our speakers
and, between them, offer something
speakers from Perth and share their
and all our volunteers.
for everyone. The incredibly popular
ideas with the world.
We also thank our friends at Curtin
TEDxKings Park Youth will be joined by
Each speaker is giving their time and
University for being our Principal Partner.
ideas freely and, in doing so, contributing
Without them this event would not be
to a global library of thousands of talks
possible; it is a joy to work with such
presented online, for free. Indeed,
enthusiastic and dedicated people.
everyone at TEDxKings Park is a
Cundall, PAV and others are making
volunteer, all skilled people committed to
notable contributions to make this event
our City and our community.
the best it can be.
Welcome to our final event of 2023.
Future Technology and another event still to be announced – all not to be missed! Gavin Buckley
Chief Executive Officer
Make a Positive Environmental Impact! Planting trees in Australia’s largest biodiverse, reforestation carbon sink contributes to the restoration of global biodiversity and the creation of a greener world.
carbonneutral.com.au
Join us in contributing to the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor and help us sequester carbon, protect endangered species, and combat the climate crisis for the benefit of future generations.
Our Carbon Neutral Commitment
TEDxKings Park is committed to
or are ‘neutral’. This includes the journey
impact. We hope that all event
TEDxKings Park is grateful to Cundall
This amazing WA project not only
who have helped us calculate our
has significant climate benefits
carbon footprint.
but is also delivering social and
This program is printed on recycled paper
environmental outcomes by
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
you made to attend.
and is included in our carbon test.
The Yarra Yarra
Biodiversity Corridor
reinvigorating social and cultural traditions, conserving habitat,
Biodiversity Corridor. Overall the
protecting biodiversity and increasing
emissions from this event will equal zero,
employment opportunities.
Future Technology 20 May 2024
State Theatre Centre of WA If you’re both fascinated and nervous about where technology is taking us, this is an evening of discovery, debate and delight. Quantum computing, Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence, breakthrough medical advances, robotics, Augmented Reality and many other developments will reshape our lives at record speed. Across five remarkable speakers we’ll explore science’s cutting edge and Perth’s role in these advances. Make sure you’re the first to hear when tickets are available by becoming a
Image: Shutterstock
Member for free at TEDxKingsPark.org
Rob Lines
Natasha Hurley-Walker
Sascha Schediwy
Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker is an award-
Dr Sascha Schediwy is the
winning radio astronomer passionate
Astrophotonics group lead for the
about understanding the Universe,
International Space Centre at the
and bringing the beauty of astronomy
University of Western Australia. Sascha
and the Parliament of Western Australia.
to the world.
has been fascinated by human space
Since graduating in Computer Science
After obtaining her PhD in radio
exploration since being inspired by the
Rob has been involved in the TEDx movement since 2012, having curated TEDx events across Perth including at Perth Concert Hall, Perth Observatory
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 in Perth Pride Choir and is a Judge for Creative Edge, the young people’s creative challenge program. Rob is the licensee of TEDxKings Park.
astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2010, she moved to
real-world flights of the Space Shuttle and the fantasy flights of Star Trek’s Starship
Australia to help commission the
Enterprise.
Murchison Widefield Array, a low-
Sascha’s own career in space research
frequency precursor to the Square
started at Curtin University analysing
Kilometer Array. Using this telescope,
NASA Apollo lunar samples and, in 2021,
she created a panoramic view of the
was named the Australian Space Awards
Universe at low radio frequencies:
“Academic of the Year” and the winner of
the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky
the overall “Excellence Award” across all
MWA Survey. In 2019 she was awarded
individual award categories.
an ARC Future Fellowship.
Sascha is a Guest Curator for Moon.
Natasha is a Guest Curator for Moon.
Your Curators & Hosts
Opeyemi Idris
Monica Kander
Kevin Shah Mansouri
Opeyemi is a Digital Marketing Specialist
With a background in Social Work,
Kevin is a Medicine and Computer
at NGIS. His one aim is to meet
Monica appreciates the transformative
Science student at The University of
interesting people and help them to
power of knowledge and storytelling.
Western Australia.
achieve interesting things.
She recognises that stories can touch hearts, challenge perspectives, and
As an avid problem solver, you’ll find
He is excited about the opportunity to help proliferate the big ideas that could help shape the next generation of our City and our State. He truly believes
inspire action. Monica believes that by harnessing the power of narratives, we can create a profound impact on
that young people emboldened with
individuals and society.
new ideas can be the change we need
As a certified coach and advocate for
in the world.
human-centered organisations, she is
He is experienced in creating engaging
deeply passionate about transforming
and interactive programs for teenagers and hopes to bring those skills to bear with his work at TEDxKings Park.
the world of work by creating safe and inclusive workplace cultures characterised by trust, honesty, and organisational justice. With over 15 years of global HR and leadership experience, she is the founder/director of a successful start-up company.
Kevin spending his time playing chess, coding and reading. He loves to learn and share interesting ideas, and firmly believes that writing and public speaking are some of the best ways to achieve that. He is President of the UWA Chess Association and a Residential Advisor at St Catherine’s College. He hopes to help people pursue a life that is meaningful to them, whatever that may look like.
Sky Tour
Steve Ewing Steve is the Night Sky Tour Coordinator
showed him Venus. The sky reached
at the Perth Observatory and an IT
down and took hold of his heart and
Engineer at Bunnings (which he does
never let go. Steve’s overwhelming
in order to eat).
passion for showing people the sky
Originally working for the Observatory
started with the Observatory and
as a Meridian Transit Astronomer in the
continues unabated.
80s, Steve transitioned to the world of
Whether in front of a crowd, with a group
IT and returned to the Perth Observatory
of people by a telescope, or just showing
in 2015.
a group of friends some fun things to see
Steve has had an interest in astronomy
in the sky, Steve is in his element.
from the age of six, when his big brother
Your Speakers
Gretchen Benedix Gretchen Benedix is an astro-geologist
have used machine learning to determine
and cosmic mineralogist using meteorites
the launch location on Mars of several
to study the solar system’s evolution.
meteorites which have landed on Earth.
After a brief stint in particle physics,
The team are now exploring the Moon
she has trained her attention on planets,
with machine learning to update the lunar
asteroids and meteorites for the last
geologic map.
30-or-so years.
Gretchen is an adventurer and has
She loves interrogating meteorites to
been fortunate to participate in multiple
decipher the geologic processes that
meteorite hunts around the globe,
shaped them. She uses these clues to
including two expeditions to Antarctica,
unravel the evolution of the early solar
which really taught her how to camp.
system which helps to build the life story
She also has an asteroid named for her
of the Earth. This has led to several
(6579 Benedix), which will not interact
publications where she and her team
with the Earth... ever. She has checked.
Ben Kaebe Dr Ben Kaebe, an engineer, physicist
took a significant turn when he joined
and data scientist, currently serves as an
Fugro, where he played a pivotal role in
Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University
overseeing the Australian Space Agency’s
of Western Australia.
contract to develop the Australian Space
Originally hailing from Germany, Ben’s
Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and
journey in the world of engineering
Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) in
began as a Mechanical Design Engineer
Western Australia.
specializing in fluid mechanics within the
Currently, Ben is dedicated to a ground-
field of ventricular assist systems. His
breaking endeavour, working towards the
expertise expanded as he transitioned to
establishment of one of the world’s first
tutoring in fluid mechanics, aerospace,
near-equatorial spaceports in Western
therm-fluids, hydraulic engineering and
Australia. His passion for science and
environmental engineering.
space extends beyond his professional
Ben’s academic pursuits led him to
work. In collaboration with his brother,
complete his doctorate at UNSW Canberra. In 2018, he made the move to Perth, where he assumed the role of a Research Associate in quantum physics at UWA. His career path
he runs Econauts, an engaging YouTube show that delves into discussions about science and technology, with a particular focus on the realm of space.
Your Speakers
Mark Micire Mark is a geek, research scientist,
hacker mindset, regularly breaks things,
business leader, program manager, and
and has been active in the cyber-security
firefighter passionate about innovation
community for over 30 years.
and pushing the leading edge of
For 20 years, he demonstrated his
advanced robotics. He has operated robots in space, disasters, and extreme environments worldwide.
commitment to developing solutions to mitigate social challenges through his training and involvement as a
Mark combines his passion for real-world
search and rescue specialist. He was
experiences with a deep and highly active
formerly the Head of Robotics for
technical background. He loves to
NASA Ames Research Centre and
“get dirty” to understand problems, and
moved to Australia in 2019. He is now
this tendency has catalysed technological
leading one of the design teams for
advancements in the breadth of domains
Australia’s first lunar rover, tentatively
he has explored. He embraces the
scheduled to launch in 2027.
We’re We’re blazing blazing a trail a trail forfor research research commercialisation commercialisation
he Resources The Resources Technology Technology and Critical and Minerals Critical Minerals Trailblazer Trailblazer will accelerate will accelerate ndustryindustry technology technology readiness, readiness, generate generate commercial commercial outcomes, outcomes, and transform and transform he waythe industry way industry and universities and universities work together. work together.
urtin University Curtin University has partnered has partnered with the with University the University of Queensland of Queensland and James and James ook University, Cook University, togethertogether with industry with industry partnerspartners across Australia, across Australia, to encourage to encourage the the anslation translation and commercialisation and commercialisation of university of university researchresearch within the within resources the resources and and ritical minerals critical minerals sector. sector.
y coupling By coupling university university and industry and industry capabilities, capabilities, we can enhance we can enhance our natural our natural dvantage advantage to add value to add and value deliver andthriving deliver economic thriving economic benefits.benefits.
o learn To more, learn visit more, research.curtin.edu.au/trailblazer. visit research.curtin.edu.au/trailblazer.
TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER
sources Technology Resources and Technology Critical Minerals and Critical Minerals ilblazer is supported Trailblazerby is supported the Australian by the Australian vernment Department GovernmentofDepartment Education of Education ough the Trailblazer through the Universities TrailblazerProgram. Universities Program.
TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER
COS ProviderCRICOS Code 00301J. Provider5611ROC Code 00301J. 5611ROC
Your Speakers
Matt Woods Matt is the Tour Administrator and
Lucy Mission, live streamed six eclipses
an amateur astronomer at Perth
for TimeAndDate.com, and has loved
Observatory. Matt joined the Perth
getting out to dark locations and taking
Observatory’s volunteer group in 2014
nightscape photos of Western Australia’s
and became the Observatory’s Tour
beautiful landscapes.
Administrator in 2016, a year after the
Matt’s boundless passion for space and
volunteer group took over the running of the Observatory. Since then, he has developed exciting events for the public, promoted astronomy and astronomical events through the media, and inspired adults and children alike with the wonders of the cosmos.
astronomy traces back to a poignant childhood memory. Aged nine, he shared an awe-inspiring moment with his father, watching in wonder as the Space Shuttle Columbia soared gracefully over Northam. This unforgettable experience ignited a lifelong dedication to exploring
As an amateur astronomer, he has
the mysteries of the universe, which Matt
helped define the shape of the asteroids
continues to share with the world at the
Patroclus and Menelaus for NASA’s
Perth Observatory.
Principal Partner
Curtin University has delivered a rapid
and with the University of Queensland
climb in international status to rank
and James Cook University, as well as
consistently in the top 1% of universities
industry partners across Australia,
in the world.1 Curtin maintains a top-
to build commercialisation in Australia’s
200 global position based on academic
critical mineral supply chain through
reputation, research performance and
the Resources Technology and Critical
internationalisation, and we’ve earned
Minerals Trailblazer project –
the highest possible rating for a tertiary
to name a few.
education institution – QS Five Stars
Curtin is also highly connected
2
Plus – for top ratings in all categories assessed, including teaching, research and innovation.
throughout the Indian Ocean rim. With campuses in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius, we
We focus on creating a learning
can offer outstanding education and
environment that is enhanced with
cultural experiences and foster the global
high-impact research activities and
research relationships that will help make
partnerships. Our collaborations include
tomorrow better.
NASA and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in the area of space sciences; BHP and Woodside in resources-related research;
1 Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
curtin.edu.au
2 QS World University Rankings 2024
Space research without boundaries Curtin University is pushing the boundaries of space technology, advancing planetary science research and expanding our understanding of the local and distant universe.
OUR EXPERTISE • Space systems engineering and remote operations
We’re tracking remote objects, analysing the composition of planetary bodies, designing and building end-to-end satellite technologies for on-orbit missions, and managing large-scale remote observation infrastructure.
• Planetary geology, astrophysics and exploration science • Communications, remote sensing, signal processing and navigation
With embedded research excellence and support from trusted partners, our bold multidisciplinary research programs look to create impact, innovate and shape the future of the Australian space industry as we build our sovereign capability and capacity in the coming years. To find out more about our programs and partnerships, visit curtin.edu/space.
• Analytics, computing and visualisation • Robotics and automation Image: Mars craters densitymap Authors: Dr. Anthony Lagain(1), Prof. Gretchen Benedix(1), Mr. Konstantinos Servis(2) (1) (2)
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J. 5611ROC
Space Science and Technology Centre CSIRO - Pawsey Super Computing Centre
Partners
Cundall is an international, multi-
PAV reliably delivers audiovisual solutions
disciplinary consultancy operating from
on any scale, renowned events and
over 20 locations across the globe.
exemplary installations. We proudly
We provide professional services from
boast our industry’s leading events team,
business level strategy and governance
multimedia producers, styling team,
to building performance and design.
audiovisual operators as well as an
We are recognised as a global leader
installation/retail sales department.
in sustainability. Yet, we know there is
PAV design, manage and deliver your
much more that we can and need to do.
crucial solutions from concept to
Business as usual is not enough.
completion. We’re extremely passionate
As a global business, we became carbon
about events and love what we do.
neutral in 2020, and we are on course to hit our 1.5° Science Based Target. We ensure that we focus on sustainability across every part of the Cundall world: industry leadership, our projects, our workplace, and our homes and communities.
Give It Forward Three ways to empower young people At TEDxKings Park we work hard to
Our Give It Forward initiative is here to
keep our ticket prices as low as possible.
ensure that young people, selected by
We’re here to spread great ideas, not to
partner charities, can attend
make money.
TEDxKings Park for free.
Our Partners help us and so do our entire
There are three ways you can help:
voluntary team. However, there are bills to pay and, for some young people, the ticket price remains a barrier.
Contribute Everyone is invited to contribute to Give It Forward.
Partner We invite the brightest and best to partner with us for mutual benefit, and
Recycle Don’t feed the fill! When you recycle your containers it’s easy to donate all those
to make a positive investment in the city
10c to Give It Forward.
of every contribution goes to the scheme,
we love.
At the recycling centre simply use the
with no administration fees deducted.
Our Partnerships team are experienced
code C10411059 or scan the QR code
We thank everyone here at Moon who
professionals with a deep appreciation of
printed on the back of your lanyard
commercial realities, so speak to them
Again, 100% of your refund will go to
Every $2 makes a difference and 100%
made a contribution.
today, or email hello@TEDxKingsPark.org
Give It Forward, with nothing lost on administration. Thank you!
Current Partners Principal Partner
Major Partner
Partners
Supporters
Previous Partners and Supporters Blue Ocean
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 TEDxKings Park is driven by a team of professionals. We are volunteers united by the power of ideas. Chief Executive Officer
Curation and Coaching
Marketing and Community
Board
Rob Lines Licensee & Head of Curation
Joshua Betton Programs Manager
Martin Wisker Chair
Youth Panel
Gavin Buckley Speaker Coach
Summer Cory Marketing & Social Media Manger
Bethany Hunt Vice Chair
Lisa Evans Lead Speaker Coach
Bethany Hunt Marketing & Social Media Manger
Katie Hunt Company Secretary
Mabel Abatania Curator
Chanel Marriott Marketing & Social Media Manger
Lydia Setiadi Treasurer
Maggie Gordon Curator
Grace Mpinda Marketing & Social Media Manger
Gavin Buckley Board Member
Toni Guerrero Curator
Ciara Wood Marketing & Social Media Manger
Natasha Hurley-Walker Board Member
Gavin Buckley
Bethany Hunt Panel Chair & Youth Ambassador Maya Best Youth Panellist Gemma Casella Youth Panellist Summer Cory Youth Panellist Keira Fuller Youth Panellist Grace Mpinda Youth Panellist Joshua Patrick Youth Panellist Om Sharma Youth Panellist Ciara Wood Youth Panellist Youth Engagement
Victoria Wisker Director of Youth Engagement Sarah Jefferson Youth Engagement Manager Louise Moroney Youth Engagement Manager Marilyn Schmidt Youth Engagement Manager
Opeyemi Idris Curator Monica Kander Curator Kevin Shah Mansouri Curator Partnerships and Development Martin Wisker Head of Partnerships
Dave Edward Partnerships Manager Om Sharma Partnerships Officer
Operations
Lydia Setiadi Head of Finance Production
Blake Good Head of Production Alice Leggett Head of Volunteering
Rob Lines Board Member 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
Joshua Betton Assistant Stage Manager
ABN 12 519 887 714
Keira Fuller Production Assistant
TEDxKings Park is not affiliated with Kings Park Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority.
Alex Pecoraro Lead Photographer Lexi Prichard Production Assistant
This program is printed on recycled paper and is included in our carbon offset. Images: Shutterstock