Matt Hewson
Geelong is set to hold its first TED-affiliated event in more than a decade this October.
TEDxMalopSt: The Matter of Being is a locally organised TED event featuring five presenters – four of them local – discussing topics designed to stimulate thought, reflection, conversation and action.
The not-for-profit event, held at The Salvation Army Geelong on Malop Street on Thursday, October 24, will also feature a networking session and a drum performance by Surf Coast musicians.
The event is being spearheaded by its lead organiser, local allied health worker and young community leader Stacy Doan.
Since moving to Geelong two years ago to study, Ms Doan has co-founded the Deakin Vietnamese International Students of Geelong student association, become the major events lead at The Lounge Project at the Salvation Army and joined Cultura-affiliated Vietnamese People of Geelong as community and education officer.
Ms Doan said she had always loved TED Talks and “dreamed of introducing the TEDx experience to the Geelong community”.
“It truly means a lot to me to finally be able to make it happen,” Ms Doan said.
“Over the past months, our team has identified charismatic speakers with diverse experiences and backgrounds who can share unique stories with the audience.
“In literature, the Matter of Being explores identity, existence, and consciousness. Our intention with the event is to encourage a deeper reflection on personal identity, life’s purpose and the presence of ‘being’ in the universe.”
The audience will hear from life coach Roxie Bennett, senior manager of Environment and Climate Change at the UN Global Compact Network Australia Dr Evan Center, international lawyer and DJ Lina Chau Le, social work academic Associate Professor Sophie Goldingay and 2012 Young Australian of the Year Rhiannon Tracey,
TEDxMalopSt partnership lead Tyler Le said there was still time for sponsors and partners to come on board and get involved in the event.
”The intention of the event is really to showcase the talents of the Geelong community,” he said.
“We’re targeting this event towards young professionals, university students, academics, and community leaders, so a wide range of audience within the community in Geelong. Seniors as well, because we think that the topics of the event actually have a lot of relevance to everyone in the community.”
Visit tedxmalopst.org for more information.
