Theme: Meaningful Connections

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).

Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre
5 Walker Street
Maryborough, Queensland, 4650
Australia

Ava Wilchek

Awareness Advocate

Ava is a travel enthusiast who enjoys writing and public speaking. She wants to start conversations on issues that have the potential to impact us all. Her speech is about what compels a bystander either to help or neglect those in need. She will make the listener ponder whether the Bystander Effect will have a direct impact on them or someone they know.

Laura Davies

Social Justice Advocate

Laura's hobbies include hockey, sewing, cooking and reading. She believes it is important to help others and wants to reframe social injustices at school and in the community. Her speech is about how all people you meet in life have an impact on you, whether it be positive or negative. She asks the question "Who will you decide who influences you and how? She does this by using everyone's favourite childhood toy- Lego!

Mackenzie Hawken

Artistic Dreamer

Mackenzie loves soccer, photography, equestrian and her family. She is passionate about ensuring people spend time with their family before it is too late. She has recently lost some family members close to her and wants others to realise that we don’t live forever, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Megan Savill

Founder

Megan Savill, Founder of Lioness Business Development, was once a high performing, goal kicking, respected executive manager; a career that she developed over 20 years in regional Queensland & New South Wales. Megan balanced her career with caring for her 10 year old, disabled daughter and being a wife of a FIFO worker. Megan ignored the warning signs and experienced burnout in early 2021. But she has emerged thriving and now directs her enthusiasm and skill for nurturing talent as a leadership coach. Megan is passionate about empowering community, corporate, and business leaders. Empowering them to take inspired, decisive action to live a lighter, brighter life. Megan is living, breathing proof that your “job” does not need to be hard work; your job should light you up.

Mia Thomas

The Compassionate Artist

Mia is an artist and sportsperson who loves reading and music. She wants to be a positive role model to others and wants to be the best version of herself that she can be. Social connections are important in Mia’s life, and she will talk about the social and emotional connections you have with different people in your life. She will discuss the modern concept of what a family is and how these “families” have impacted her life.

Rosie-May Proudlove

Young Advocate

Rosie-May is an Ambassador for the charity Canteen and is extremely passionate about raising awareness for childhood cancer research. She has personally felt the effects that the lack of funding for paediatric cancer can have on a family’s life. She wants to advocate for more research into childhood cancer to help those impacted by this terrible disease. Rosie-May enjoys signing and song writing, playing the piano, equestrian and hanging out with her little sister.

Skyla Birch

Future Change Maker

Skyla is a previous TEDx Youth Speaker and is passionate about making a difference in the world and believes that the way to reach your goals is by hard work and determination. She loves netball, gold, Stand Up Paddle boarding, cooking and hanging with her friends. Being a teenager herself, she is very concerned about the rate of teen suicide and wants to raise awareness of this issue.

Sophie Roder

Young Multi-talented Student

Sophie is a young lady with many interests including singing, writing, playing violin and piano, dancing, chess and swimming. She wants to stop discrimination that stems from racism, stereotypes and gender. She loves her family and learning about her ancestry. She will talk about embracing your background and culture and to be more sensitive to others who have a different background to you.