Theme: Being Here

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Emmanuel College
37 Ardlie Street
Warrnambool, Victoria, 3280
Australia

David Beggs

Veterinarian

Dave Beggs graduated as a vet from the University of Melbourne in 1990 and worked briefly in Smithton, Tasmania, before moving to Warrnambool in 1992. After working as a mixed-practice vet for about 20 years, during which time he completed a Master degree in dairy medicine and production, he stepped back from general veterinary practice to take up an interest in research, academia and animal welfare. He is now a senior lecturer in cattle medicine at the Melbourne Veterinary school. He has completed a PhD in animal welfare of dairy cows. He has authored more than 25 peer reviewed research papers and presented at about 20 conferences. He is the author of WelfareCheck – a program used by cattle vets to develop animal welfare plans for farmers, he sits on the Victorian Government Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, and he has recently been appointed as a Fellow of the Australian Veterinary Association and editor-in-chief of the Australian Veterinary Journal.

John Sherwood

Professor

John joined Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education as a Lecturer in 1979, moving to Warrnambool from Sydney with his family. Following formation of an expanded Deakin University in 1990, he was promoted to Associate Professor, a position which was made Honorary on his retirement in 2010. John has strong environmental research interests and is actively involved in environmental management through his memberships of the Victorian Marine and Coastal Council. Previously he has served on the Board of Glenelg-Hopkins CMA, the Western Coastal Board, Victoria’s National Parks Advisory Council and, Victoria’s Fisheries Co-management Council. He has also served as National President of the Australian Marine Sciences Association. His work has been recognised by Warrnambool City Council (Australia Day Awards 1988, 2017), Glenelg-Hopkins CMA (Individual in Business Award 2005) and the Victorian Coastal Council (Lifetime Achievement Award 2005).

Kylie Thulborn

Choir Coordinator

For over 20 years, Kylie Thulbourn has been committed to facilitating access and equality for those that share the lived experience of disability across the South West of Victoria. Her imprint can be found embedded in projects such as Bungy Jumping, Lawyers and Love, the Speak Up Space, Rights / Lights / Sound, Advocacy / Inclusion / Community - Power of Partnerships Forum, the All Abilities Advocacy South West Network in addition to the Find Your Voice Choir. Together, two life-long friends have facilitated a number of inclusive projects across South-West Victoria & beyond. Internationally, Tom and Kylie have collaborated to develop and deliver adaptive surfing and skating opportunities for people living with disabilities. They have worked in partnership nurturing their shared capacity for creative community activism via internships with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Life Rolls On (USA), JAWS and Ocean Healing Group International Adaptive Surfing Program in Costa Rica.

Paul Watkins

Pharmacist

Paul Watkins is probably best described as a cross between Harry Potter and Bear Grylls. Starting out as a local pharmacist, he has spent time as a builder, property developer, entrepreneur, public speaker and trail runner. He has climbed, trekked and adventured in Tanzania, Argentina, Alaska, the Arctic, Antarctica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, India, Jordan and Nepal to name a few. He has also managed to race in some of Australia and the world’s toughest ultra-marathons - including being one of only six people to ever finish and win the 614km 6633 Arctic Ultra. His training for these expeditions also led him to become an avid student of the nuanced art of endurance training and a regular speaker on the topics of mental toughness, emotional resilience and personal discipline. Paul describes himself as the only forklift driving, ultra-racing Pharmacist who has an MBA but is also handy with an ice-axe.

Sharon Horwood

Psychology Lecturer Deakin University

Dr Sharon Horwood is a senior lecturer in the School of Psychology and the Chair of personality psychology at Deakin University. She is a researcher in the Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development where her research is primarily based in personality psychology, with a specific focus on human-computer interaction. Along with overseeing the design and delivery of a core undergraduate subject in psychology, she leads a research team that investigates the impact of technology on health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and has published leading studies investigating problematic smartphone use in adults. Her current research is focused on the developmental impacts of screen use by toddlers and pre-schoolers, and the effects of social media use on adolescent wellbeing. In 2020, Sharon was commissioned by SBS Australia to conduct a large-scale study of smartphone use in Australia for their recently released world-first interactive documentary Are You Addicted To Technology.

Tom Richardson

Musician

A multi-award winning singer/songwriter, international touring artist turned chaotic choir director, Tom Richardson has performed in over 15 different countries with his passport showing memories of musical collaborations with Native American poets, Indian Kirtan masters, Fijian highland village choirs & indigenous Australian icons. Together, two life-long friends have facilitated a number of inclusive projects across South-West Victoria & beyond. Internationally, Tom and Kylie have collaborated to develop and deliver adaptive surfing and skating opportunities for people living with disabilities. They have worked in partnership nurturing their shared capacity for creative community activism via internships with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Life Rolls On (USA), JAWS and Ocean Healing Group International Adaptive Surfing Program in Mal Pais (Costa Rica).