A one-time special event, set for July 1 2023 during Maldon In Winter, will be the TEDxMaldon talks made up of local people who will share inspiring ideas on the TEDx platform.
The program helps communities, organisations, and individuals produce TED-style events at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis, under a free licence from TED. In the spirit of community and sharing great ideas, speakers are invited to volunteer their time to be part of the event.
Local Maldon resident Paul Kooperman, inspired by the TED talks, began working hard to organise this innovative local event and has recently secured the licence to run TEDxMaldon, an opportunity for locals with big ideas to have a global platform.
Paul moved to Maldon two years ago after living in the Macedon Ranges; being community-minded, he wanted to use his skills in a way that would recognise and celebrate inspiring ideas, “There are many inspiring people in Maldon with ideas to share,” Paul said. When Paul first moved to Maldon, he kicked off a local youth program and hit the ground running, contributing to the local community. He currently runs the Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas www.goldfieldsgothic.com with co-director Valentina Tansley.
The topics in a TEDx event are varied and are intentionally not themed! They are driven by the passion of the speakers and reflect the change each speaker wants to see in the world, something they are passionate about, personal to them and the local community, but also clearly relevant to a global audience. All talks include a tangible and practical call to action for the live and online audience.
TED is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan foundation whose aim is to help create a future worth pursuing for everyone. TED.com produces original podcasts, short video series, animated TED-ED and TV programs that are translated into over 100 languages for those not yet in the know about TED.
Each year, more than 3,000 independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and connect divides in communities on every continent.
There are spaces available for locals who would like to participate in this event which will be hosting approximately 20 speakers. Paul hopes to address a wide range of topics, including education, environment and community living.
One of the confirmed speakers from Maldon is an outstanding community contributor: Rodney Carter. Rodney is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation: www.djadjawurrung.com.au, and is a perfect candidate to speak at TEDxMaldon, a prominent voice for human rights and a proactive contributor to our local and global community.
Another confirmed speaker for TEDxMaldon 2023 is Grace Tame.
Grace is an Australian activist and advocates for survivors of sexual assault. Tame was named 2021 Australian of the Year, has a strong connection with our local region, and is excited to be part of TEDxMaldon.
Nominations to join these renowned speakers at the event on Saturday, 1 July, can be found at: www.together-is-better.net/tedxmaldon.
Speakers are invited to volunteer their time to be part of the event.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 24 February 023.
