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.
On behalf of the Youth Panel, welcome to our flagship youth event, and to the biggest TEDx Youth event in Australia!
I hope you are just excited as I am to hear our amazing speakers who represent the many diverse, creative, and innovative thinkers here in Perth and WA. I know you’ll agree they’ve risen to the occasion to advocate for their big ideas.
TEDxKings Park Youth is our way of celebrating and encouraging the young Australian voices standing out in our communities.
Today we want you to discover an idea worth spreading; something that inspires you to be ambitious with ideas of your own, and to start those big conversations.
Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find something today that ignites a spark within you to make a difference, and strive forward with your ideas worth spreading.
Summer Cory Youth Panel Chair
Make the most of your day
Be in the moment
We love our technology, but your Speakers are worth your attention. Screens can be a visual distraction for you and those around you. Please silence your phone in the theatre.
Ask for help
If you have a question or a problem, ask anyone wearing a TEDx shirt. If you need to talk about something sensitive, ask for Marilyn.
Talk to someone new
Chance encounters can lead to new perspectives and friendships. You never know what a new connection might lead to!
Share your experience
Take photos (no flash) and use #TEDxKingsPark. Please don’t video the talks, we’ve got that covered!
Visit our partners
TEDxKings Park is possible because of our wonderful Partners. Take time to visit them in the breaks, thank them for their support, and find out their ideas worth spreading.
Session times may change on the day Session One 12:30 Session Two 2:30 Session Three 4:00 Lunch 1:45 Break 3:30 End 5:00
Be inspired by the brightest minds, and build your skills with world-class facilities and industry opportunities. Immerse yourself in a vibrant campus and find your student community. Start making your mark on the world, in your Curtin Universe. curtin.edu.au
We spread fresh ideas that are exciting, thought-provoking and potentially 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.
Our TEDx talks are made available online, for free.
Environmental responsibility is demonstrated through our actions, as well as our words. Our events are carbon neutral.
We are values and volunteer-driven and TEDxKings Park is not-for-profit.
Quantum science improves your life every day. Whether it’s fibre optic cables, the camera sensor in your phone, or the humble microchip, quantum science isn’t just for the laboratory.
Australia is part of a global acceleration in quantum science developments, from the geosciences to computing.
Part of our incredibly popular series of science events, five Australian quantum experts will prove that the incredibly tiny... is a big deal.
TEDxKings Park is delighted to be part of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science.
TEDxKings Park is committed to minimising our environmental impact. We hope that all Australian event organisers 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 are zero,
or are ‘neutral’. This includes the journeys you make to attend.
TEDxKings Park is grateful to Cundall who have helped us calculate our carbon footprint. This program is printed on reccycled paper and is included in our carbon test.
The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor
This amazing WA project not only has significant climate benefits but is also delivering social and environmental outcomes by reinvigorating social and cultural traditions, conserving habitat, protecting biodiversity and increasing employment opportunities.
Joshua splits his time between studying Commerce at the University of Western Australia and working as a subcontractor in his side-business. He’s a published author, and has toured Sweden singing. As a practical person with a creative streak, he lives with his hands in the dirt and head in the sky. Josh joined TEDxKings Park to be involved in a community as diverse as it is productive, and thoroughly enjoys working with the team.
Outside of volunteering he can be found bush-bound with his compass, either pondering the meaning of life or trying to find his way back to the UK. He’s also partial to the beach, books, and observing the sights, smells and tastes of the City.
Ope is a Digital Marketing Specialist and Business Intelligence Analyst at NGIS. Ope’s one aim is to meet interesting people and work with them to achieve interesting things. 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 uses his skills developed in marketing to help condense the expertise of the Speakers he works with, helping them find the best way to communicate their valuable ideas to the world.
Mabel is a dynamic and passionate Inclusion and Diversity Consultant with a rich background in mental health. Her outgoing nature and love for making new connections are complemented by her fascination with the mind-body connection.
Her commitment to mental health and building safe spaces extends beyond her professional endeavours, as she actively participates in community events and initiatives.
Whether she is engaging with professionals or the wider commuinty, her goal remains the same: to enlighten and inspire with ideas worth spreading.
Mabel is Lead Curator for TEDxKings Park Youth.
From the Middle East, Toni brings diverse perspectives to the plethora of movements she advocates for.
Growing up in Doha, Qatar, she was heavily involved in Model United Nations conferences as Secretary General of her debate team, a team which won debates in Georgetown University and Texas A&M University, both in Qatar.
With her love of anime, you can find Toni at stores hunting down the next funko pop figurine to add to her evergrowing collection. You can also find her in awe of the fauna, flora and active wildlife readily present in every direction you face in Perth.
Summer has never been to the Royal Show, never been to Adventure World, and never owned a pair of crocs. However, Summer grew up in Saudi Arabia.
She travelled with her family throughout Europe, America, and Southeast Asia, where diverse religions, cultures and languages became the source of her passion for the arts, beauty and the environment, alongside her interest in culture, human rights and politics. Summer’s dream is to travel the world in search of awe and to contribute to societies by capturing the diverse ways people live, with hopes that she will work to create a significant difference throughout global communities.
Be unboring. That’s Lucas mission for the world. At just 15, Lucas is a skater, creator and entrepreneur who’s been recognised as one of Australia’s top 50 small business retailers of the year.
Since 12, he’s been running Glossy Boys, a six-figure brand of nail polish for guys, built to empower everyone to express themselves boldly and authentically.
As the youngest-ever dealmaker on Shark Tank Australia, Lucas’s vision extends beyond business to LGBTQ+ advocacy and fostering a community where people feel celebrated for who they are. Through speaking, sharing, and inspiring, Lucas proves that age is no barrier to impact.
Playing harp, piano, flute and violin, 15-year-old Crystal has won multiple international competitions and was awarded the Best Overall Senior Performer at the 2024 Fremantle Eisteddfod.
She has been invited to play as guest harpist for multiple orchestras around Perth, including playing for the WA Youth Orchestra.
TEDxKings Park is honoured to partner with UNICEF Australia for the film that accompanies Crystal’s performance.
As Garang struggles on his first day at high school in Australia, memories of being lost in South Sudan are triggered. When past and present collide, Garang must find a way to bridge the gap between where he is and where he’s come from.
Two Sands premiered at Academyqualifying Cleveland International Film Festival (USA) before screening at festivals all over the world. It won the top award for narrative shorts at Port Shorts (AUS), Bronx Social Justice Matters Film Festival (USA) and four WA Screen Culture Awards.
Written by Kook Makim Manuer and Poppy Van Oorde-Grainger
Directed by Poppy Van Oorde-Grainger
Produced by David Kucha
The Outsiders is a dynamic collective of African Diaspora creatives founded by Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’, Lisa Watson and Kuda Ndlovu.
Their mission is to uplift underrepresented Culturally and Linguistically Diverse artists, providing a powerful platform for them to share their distinct stories, cultures, and identities. Beyond performance, The Outsiders is about fostering empowerment among youth and communities through genuine storytelling. Known for their ability to bring together creative minds in an inclusive, vibrant setting, they are dedicated to building a thriving multicultural community that values and celebrates diverse narratives.
Founded in 2020, the Studio’s goal is to provide a safe and encouraging space for dancers within the Perth community. Ardence delivers high quality dance classes that are fun and engaging for beginners and advanced dancers.
Whether you’re into choreography, Kpop, or street dance, Ardence is the place to try something new. As you watch their performance today, they hope to inspire you to try something new and join their growing community at Ardence!
Aaron – Choreographer
Leticia – K-POP dance leader
Rin – Locking routine/freestyle
Chris & David – Popping/freestyle
Lucy – Hip hop freestyle
She / Her
Born in Sydney in 2001 and raised in Perth, Razanne is of Palestinian and Iraqi heritage, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism and Public Relations at Curtin University.
She founded the Curtin Palestinian Society in 2021, and is the current President. The Society has become a hub for Palestinian and non-Palestinian youth alike to learn about the Palestinian identity and culture, from Palestinian perspectives.
She has helped run many social and educational events at Curtin University, such as film screenings, craft events, social nights, panels, and tatreez (a 4000-year-old Palestinian embroidery folk-art) workshops, all attracting hundreds of attendees, while working with University
management to curate the best experience for students on campus.
As Education Director of Students for Refugees, Razanne has visited many upper socioeconomic schools across Perth, educating schoolchildren about issues affecting refugee communities, including the Palestinian refugee community. She has also worked with community organisations to curate positive programs and experiences for Palestinian communities.
When she isn’t writing articles, editing pieces or reading the news live on radio, she spends her time crossstitching and teaching the tatreez tradition to community members. She has since completed multiple pieces, held workshops and uses the art to share cultural stories.
He / Him
Ronald is a Baad and Samsep person who grew up between Lombadina Community and Broome, along the coast of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region.
He has many distinctive memories of driving the Cape Leveque road between Broome and Lombadina, a long pindan corrugated road. His childhood was full of adventures where he found what he loves today. His time out in community was crucial towards his love for animals, the land and sea.
Being one of the eldest of ten children he always wanted to set an example for his younger siblings, but understands that sometimes you don’t always pick the right path – but there is always hope to find it.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Exercise & Health. He has been a part of many leadership programs both as a mentee and mentor as well sitting on national and university-based leadership bodies.
Ronald has been a participant of the Community Organising Fellowship and was part of the Western Australia for a Human Rights Act committee.
He is currently the Community Campaigner for Social Reinvestment WA, looking to end the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the justice system. Through the use of his skills and own lived experience he wants to make change for everyone to live in a better place.
She / Her
Jemima is a City of Fremantle Councillor who aims to increase community engagement and support a safe future for all. Elected at age 21, she is the youngest ever Fremantle Councillor. Currently pursuing a degree in Law at Murdoch University, she balances her academic pursuits with her role in local government and her passion for climate activism. Jemima has been involved with the youth climate movement for six years. She advocates for a rapid and just transition to renewable energy, and empowering young Western Australians to join the cause through volunteering with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC).
Jemima’s approach is deeply rooted in community values. Driven by the belief that the personal is political, Jemima strives to bring diverse voices into the decision-making process.
Whether she’s part of an AYCC meeting, working at Gage Roads, or engaging in Council matters, Jemima remains focused on creating positive impacts and strengthening community bonds.
Her ultimate goal is to encourage others to get involved with imagining and designing a better future for all.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
TEDxKings Park, in partnershp with Curtin University, is proud to present seven West Australians aged 14 – 21 sharing their big ideas for change.
Today, you’ll decide which Finalist will turn their 30 Second Idea into a TEDxKings Park Youth talk published by TED on their YouTube channel with 42 million subscribers.
Selected from many entries, today’s Finalists want your vote!
Complete the voting card in the program.
In a break, visit the Curtin University stand.
Enter your vote and receive your complimentary insulated cup, courtesy of Curtin University.
She / Her
Lydia is the creator and founder of Girls on Country, an arts program specifically designed and created for First Nations Young Women. It is carried out on Country and led by the young women. Using art to tell story, Lydia supports these young women to express their thoughts, feelings or ideas through whichever medium they desire. Lydia facilitates the program and participants work as a group over a series of sessions. The program explores cultural identity, self-expression, cultivating a greater sense of self esteem and works to increase self-empowerment.
After completing a Masters in Fine Art at the University of London, Goldsmiths in 2015, Lydia went on to exhibit internationally.
She was shortlisted for both The Catlin Art Prize and University of the Arts’ Future Maps Award. Lydia’s artwork has been featured in The Guardian,
Wonderland Magazine (London) and Hysteria magazine (London). Lydia was awarded the Fellowship Award at Kala Arts Institute, Berkley, CA in 2017.
After Lydia’s Post Graduate she briefly became a visiting tutor at both Camberwell College of Arts and Wimbledon College of Arts, University of the Arts, London.
In 2015 Lydia relocated from Central London to Alice Springs/Mparntwe, home to the largest First Nations population in Australia. Lydia worked in grassroots organisations, notfor-profits and Aboriginal Councils, specialising in Youth and Youth Arts programs. Lydia continued to create and design an Arts program: to ensure this was created in a culturally safe and appropriate way Lydia received the support and instruction of Marlene Rubuntja, an Arrente elder and renowned artist and activist.
He / Him
Ezra is a proud Miriwoong man from Kununurra in the Kimberly. He has attended Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth since 2020 and been a part of Perth Zoo’s Shoreline program since from 2022. Shoreline is a national program which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to gain qualifications and employment through partnerships between schools, training organisations and employers.
Ezra grew up in the north of Western Australia in Kununurra, fishing, exploring, and going bush with his family. He always wanted to be successful in life, but wasn’t sure what that would look like. His first
idea was to play AFL for the Eagles, but as time went by he considered becoming a ranger on country, which was the reason for joining the Shoreline Program.
Since starting at Perth Zoo, this has changed again, and he now wants to work at the Zoo as a Keeper. People tell him he has an entrepreneurial spirit, and Ezra seeks out opportunities that he believes will enhance his understanding and help him achieve his goals.
After only six months, Perth Zoo offered him a casual contract. Having just graduated this year, he can now dedicate himself fully to his career.
TEDxKings Park is grateful to Perth Zoo, Nancy Shamu and Obey Marimo for their assistance in film production.
She / Her
Dawn is a Financial Adviser by day and a mum to two Generation Zs, a Gen Alpha and an adorable Alaskan Malamute. She is a self-professed superannuation nerd.
Many in her profession would recognise Dawn for her heart-led approach to financial advice.
Dawn has been recognised multiple times for her contributions to financial empowerment in Australia. From 2020 to 2023 she was listed in Financial Standard’s Power 50, acknowledging her as one of Australia’s most influential financial advisers.
She won the Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) Excellence Award and
Thought Leader of the Year in 2023, IFA Transformation of the Year Award 2023, 2019 Inspire Women’s Excellence in Advice Award and the Great Advice Award (WA) in 2021.
Dawn is passionate about advancing young peoples’ financial empowerment and is currently a part-time PhD student researching the superannuation behaviours of Gen Z as well as spearheading the launch of The Wealth Designers’ financial literacy initiative: the Start Well program and podcast.
Dawn enjoys cooking for loved ones, listening to trance music and playing hockey.
TEDxKings Park is grateful to Perth Mint for access to the gold-pouring room.
She / Her
Emma is a PhD student in experimental physics at the Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter Research Lab at the University of Western Australia. Her research is focused on discovering dark matter, a fundamental mystery in modern physics. This research has led her to develop innovative technology, which she is currently working on commercialising through a startup aimed at chiral separation – a process critical in various industries. Emma is driven by a passion for discovery and innovation. She finds immense satisfaction in uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of what is known.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Emma enjoys long walks, which allow her to clear her mind and reflect on her work. She is also dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle, regularly hitting the gym to stay fit and focused. In her downtime, Emma’s curiosity extends beyond the lab, fueling her interest in exploring new ideas and challenges. Whether in the world of physics or in her personal life, she is constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow, both as a scientist and as an individual.
They / Them
Mx Rigel Paciente is currently a researcher working at The Kids Research Institute of Australia. They are currently researching working with vulnerable populations to help them recover from trauma but also improve the accessibility of mental health services. This includes young people who are experiencing (or have experienced) a traumatic medical condition such as living with Type 1 diabetes, young LGBTQA+ people, and young people from a refugee background.
Rigel began their research career during their Master of Public Health, where they completed a dissertation component in LGBTQA+ suicide prevention, which was followed by a
research-based practicum into the usage of TikTok to communicate mental health outcomes and determinants by the LGBTQA+ community.
Rigel plans to begin their PhD in 2025, which will investigate suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and selfinjurious behaviours, in young people who are living with Type 1 Diabetes. Though relatively fresh to research, Rigel has developed a strong passion for research in all its forms, including research communication and dissemination.
Outside of their professional life, Rigel enjoys a platter of hobbies which include Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
She / Her
Aaliyah is a young and proud Whadjuk Nyoongar yorga from Boorloo, deeply passionate about her First Nations culture and heritage. She is a Culbong Parfitt who descends from multiple tribes within the Nyoongar nation, in the southwest of Australia. Her Indigenous family mostly originate from Narrogin. Aaliyah carries both Maori and Macedonian ethnicity as well.
She loves being outdoors whether at the beach, the bush or on country. She values the freedom in practicing culture through art, painting and learning/sharing Dreamtime stories with those around her.
Her journey STEM-med through the Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School (IAESS) at Curtin University in 2020.
Aaliyah comes from a lineage of Strong BLAK female role models, the Culbong’s of Narrogin, who have all
inspired her commitment to effecting positive change for First Nations Peoples. Her elders have dedicated lifetimes to fight for Indigenous Australians, which is why Aaliyah is willing to Keep the Fire Burning!
She has been involved in multiple Indigenous organisations like Polly Farmer’s Follow the Dream program throughout her schooling years, working closely with Jennet Hansen and speaking at notable events such as the International Women’s Day Breakfast in 2021.
Aaliyah delivered the Acknowledgement of Country at Pitching Perth: A Perth Landing Pad Showcase in 2024, alongside Basil Zempilas where she reflected on the grand legacy of Dr. Margaret Culbong, and Nan Margs impact on The First Nations Peoples of Boorloo (Perth).
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Hello. If you and I cross paths today, it’ll be an accident.
I’m not avoiding you. And it’s certainly not your fault. By choosing to be here today you are, by definition, an interesting person, and I’m sure I would find you fascinating!
Looking at my photo in the circle above this text, you will have noticed a few things. Obviously there’s the devilish charm and the white male privilege, but it won’t have escaped your notice that I’m... not young.
That’s why the nearest you might get to me today is this page. Because today is not about me, or anyone like me.
This event has been constructed by young people like you, promoted by young people like you, and is presented by young people like you.
My role is to support, guide and make sure we stick to the TED rules. But, most importantly, I’m here to trust the amazing young people who you can thank for today’s wonderful event.
I hope we meet today, but if we do, we’ll talk about you, not me.
Rob Lines TED Licensee
It’s an extraordinary privilege to be part of the international TEDx community. I never cease to be in awe of the people who give freely of their ideas, energy and time to create TEDx events across the globe. We would not be here at all without the steadfast partnership of Curtin University. Their continuing commitment as Principal Partner ensures the vigour of TEDxKings Park Youth and, on behalf of us all, I thank them.
Young people are at the heart of TEDxKings Park Youth: in the theatre, watching online, speaking, performing and working behind the scenes. Our Youth Panel and our Curators have done a remarkable job in shaping and delivering your experience today. Our team is amazing. Skilled people giving freely of their time and enthusiasm to help spread great ideas. Please make time to thank our volunteers.
And of course we have already started planning for 2025 – be sure to become a free Member of TEDxKingsPark to be the first to hear about them.
Thank you for being part of the TEDKings Park community. You, your energy, and your enthusiasm, are what make our events special.
Gavin Buckley Chief Executive Officer
TEDxKings Park is driven by a team of professionals. We are volunteers united by the power of ideas.
Chief Executive Officer
Gavin Buckley
2024 Youth Panel
Summer Cory Panel Chair
Keira Fuller Panel Deputy Chair
Maya Best Panellist
Gemma Cassella Panellist
Gracia Mpinda Panellist
Joshua Patrick Panellist
Om Sharma Panellist
Ciara Wood Panellist
Youth Engagement
Marilyn Schmidt Youth Engagement Manager
Curation and Coaching
Rob Lines Licensee & Head of Curation
Gavin Buckley Speaker Coach
Lisa Evans Lead Speaker Coach
Mabel Abatania Curator (Youth Lead)
Joshua Betton Curator
Toni Guerrero Curator
Opeyemi Idris Curator
Monica Kander Curator
Partnerships and Development
Martin Wisker Head of Partnerships
Dave Edward Partnerships Manager
Marketing and Communications
Joshua Betton Programs Manager
Pratibha Bhaskar
Website Manager
Summer Cory
Marketing & Social Media Manager
Chanel Marriott
Marketing & Social Media Manager
Alex Pecoraro Lead Photographer
Operations
Lydia Setiadi Head of Finance
Production
Blake Good Head of Production
Alice Leggett Head of Volunteers
Rico Armougom-Aynou Videographer
Keira Fuller
Deputy Head of Production
Thomas Rowe 2D & 3D Manager
Board
Martin Wisker Chair
Summer Cory Vice Chair
Rob Lines Company Secretary
Lydia Setiadi
Treasurer
Gavin Buckley Board Member
Natasha Hurley-Walker 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
ABN 12 519 887 714
TEDxKings Park is not affiliated with Kings Park Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority.
This program is printed on 100% recycled paper and is included in our carbon offset.