TEDxKings Park: Moon

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