A Torquay mum of four who quit her executive role in Melbourne to start her own business is bringing the TEDx Conference to the Surf Coast.
Five years ago in a pre-pandemic world Annelise Worn realised that she needed to escape the rat race of the big smoke and started her small-business and is the sole bread winner with her husband home schooling their two eldest children.
Annelise says women are pioneering change in regional Victoria and that’s why she brought the global TEDx Conference (TEDxBellsBeachWomen) close to home.
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design and a TED Conference format is fast-paced: 50-plus talks over the course of three days to a week, in addition to interviews, debates, workshops, activities, interactive exhibits, evening events and parties.
TEDx means the event is independently organised under a free license granted by TED. TEDxBellsBeachWomen will feature TEDTalks video and speakers to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
“For many, the move to the coast has meant a lifestyle shift with freedom a core value,” Annelise said.
“On the ground as a mother of four little ones, a small business owner (freeceo.tech) and an active member of the community – the most pronounced of these shifts through my lens involves work, education and changing stereotypically gender based roles.
“Our own household now sees me as the sole income earner with my husband home schooling our two eldest. But our story is not entirely unique.
“The Surfcoast Women’s Business Community has over 800 members. Many of whom are pioneering incredibly creative business models that better match the shift in values brought forward after two years of disruption.
“Locally, as we march forward with innovation, infrastructure and development – opportunities for women, particularly working mothers, continue to expand. To celebrate these shifts and the growth of our region – we’re bringing the TEDx Conference to Torquay.”
The event will feature virtual guest speakers Nadia Drake (science journalist), Jane Fonda (actor and activist), Heidi B Hammel (astronomer), Angelique Kidjo (singer songwriter), Vanessa Nakate (climate justice activist), Femi Oke (journalist) and Mary Robinson (human rights advocate).
TEDxBellsBeachWomen is at RACV Torquay Resort on November 7. Details: tedxbellsbeachwomen.com
