Theme: Engineering Impact

After three reschedules and 3+ years of planning - we're finally back!

Join us for the most inspirational and educational day of the year! As Brisbane's premier ideas festival, TEDxBrisbane is the space where innovative, compelling and game-changing ideas collide with Brisbane's thinkers, doers and changemakers. People just like you.

Our theme for this year is Engineering Impact - and the day will be filled with inspiring ideas, stories and speakers who have taken a bold leap to impact our city, our country and the world positively.

The full one-day event will feature 15 TEDx Talks, highlighted by five incredible performances from local artists. Details of speakers and performers will be announced in the lead-up to event day.

Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre
58 Stephens Road, South Brisbane
Brisbane, Queensland, 4101
Australia

Adrienne Alexander

Educational Revolutionary

Adrienne Alexander has worked in education in New Zealand and Australia for nearly 30 years, focusing on gifted education since 2014. Much of this work has been in the private sector working for, and then running, Extension Education which provided experiential learning opportunities for gifted children in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast. Adrienne has since been snapped up by Education Queensland and is now teaching a specialised program for gifted children in Brisbane. She continues her passion for immersive experiential learning experiences in her current position as she believes that experiential learning increases student motivation and deepens student understanding of classroom concepts.

Amanda Clayton

Pyjama Designer and Social Changemaker

Our story begins in Brisbane, Australia in 2010 and is the brainchild of Amanda Clayton’s personal experience. She was inspired to create these unique pyjamas, after her 4 year old daughter experienced a stroke. She literally took matters into her own hands, when all that was available to the children were white, undignified hospital gowns. And so Hospitalpjs.com was created. Out of something scary, stressful and emotional, we have created something that could make a difference in so many other children’s lives. With her daughter now thriving back at school, Amanda had found a way of giving back to families that are experiencing difficult situations with their seriously ill children. Today, Amanda still designs and oversees production of all hospitalpjs.com clothing with her distinct signature of graphic modern, bright colour combinations and prints. All our gowns and pyjama sets are stitched with love.

Amanda Shepherd

Graphic Designer, Social Entrepreneur & Second Chance Innovator

Amanda Shepherd is breaking through prison walls with graphic design, helping prisoners to make their time count. Amanda Shepherd is a co-founder and director of Green Fox Studio, Australia’s first full-service creative agency operating not-for-profit community- and prison-based graphic design training studios to provide marginalised people with skills training and employment opportunity in and beyond the creative arts. Amanda is an experienced and well-respected designer with a passion for social justice operating an award-winning social enterprise that doesn’t just deliver good design—it’s positively impacting some of our society’s most disadvantaged communities, helping men, women, and children from all walks of life to pave a pathway out of poverty and towards more meaningful participation in safer, more inclusive communities across the country.

CJ Blumenthal

World Champion Horse Archer, Dream Chaser & Career Change Advocate

A former state and national champion, CJ Blumenthal was part of the gold medal-winning World Championship team in the dangerous and skilled sport of Horseback Archery when she was just 15 years old. CJ travelled to many countries, competing and experiencing different cultures while representing Australia. She performed in front of thousands, impressing spectators with the skill and showmanship of a sport that most people associate with a bygone era. She received a flood of opportunities and offers to travel, train with the world's best, and perform on and off the screen. However, CJ shocked many when in 2019, aged 17, she walked away from the sport and what others perceived as the opportunity of a lifetime — to follow her heart and start a career serving as a member of the Royal Australian Airforce.

Daniel Allen

Tradie, Social Entrepreneur & Mental Health Advocate

Daniel Allen is a carpenter by trade and the cofounder of the social impact workwear brand TradeMutt and counselling service TIACS. Dan met his business partner Ed Ross on a Brisbane building site in 2014 when Ed became Dan's apprentice, and the pair became best mates. Dan lost a close friend to suicide in 2015, and he realised the trades industry in Australia had two issues: first, talking about mental health was way too serious. Second, ordinary Aussies don't know where to go to seek support. In 2018 the boys launched TradeMutt — a social impact work brand for tradies by tradies. TradeMutt's funky workwear takes a fun, light-hearted, and colourful approach to normalising daily mental health conversations. In June 2020, the boys launched TIACS — a free, early-intervention mental health support service for blue-collar workers. In its first two years alone, TIACS has supported over 12,000 Aussies by providing free professional counselling services at a market value of $2m.

Danish Kazmi

Civil Engineer, Scientist & Circular Economy Advocate

Dr Danish Kazmi is a civil and geotechnical engineer, researcher and award-winning science communicator. He is a Geotechnical Engineer at GHD in Australia and holds an Adjunct Lecturer position at The University of Queensland where he is involved in leading-edge research to develop transformative civil and geotechnical engineering solutions emerging from cross-institutional and university-industry collaborations. His research focuses on developing sustainable geomaterials by recycling ever-increasing wastes as eco-friendly alternatives to depleting natural sand and aggregates in geotechnical construction, helping to reduce the over-exploitation of natural sand and supporting the transition to a circular economy. His research has been published in top-ranked scientific journals and magazines. He is an invited peer-reviewer for leading international journals, a UQ Global Change Scholar and Future Leader, certified Carbon Literate and an accredited Mental Health First Aider.

Flamingo Blonde

Performer

Brisbane’s baby, Flamingo Blonde is quickly becoming one of 2022's ones to watch, making a name for themselves as they bring hot hooks and running guitars back to the table. Flamingo Blonde is the project of James Bartlett, supported by the best band this side of the brown snake, The Brunettes. In only a short time, The Flamingo Blonde live show has become synonymous with the spirit of Brisbane: warm and untamed. An unpredictable experience that has to be seen up close; Flamingo Blonde has supported the likes of Last Dinosaurs, Hope D, Jaguar Jonze and Beddy Rays. On top of that, they've proven that their sunny sounds can pull a major crowd, selling out hometown shows at The Zoo and The Brightside just last year.

Geoff Smith

Social Entrepreneur

Geoff is a social entrepreneur committed to increasing tech skills for autistic people. A data analyst by trade, Geoff is the CEO of Australian Spatial Analytics and puts into action the idea that people with diverse backgrounds can be the rockstars of the new digital economy. Geoff advocates for social enterprise to be the vehicle to unlock neurodiverse talent pools for large corporations. He holds Bachelor Degrees in Business Management and Arts, and a Masters of International and Economic Development. Geoff is a 2022 Westpac Social Change Fellow, Snow Foundation Social Entrepreneur Fellow and AMP Tomorrow Maker.

George Blair-West

Psychiatrist, Author & Relationship Therapist

An award-winning author, Dr George Blair-West, a medical doctor and psychiatrist, has worked in couple therapy for 25 years. His writing and speaking career began with scientific publications on suicide and depression when a Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland, resulting in his admission to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1998. Lay articles and five books followed. His book on the psychology of weight loss led to recognition as one of the top 20 international obesity experts in the field. ‘The Way of the Quest’, which explores his deep interest in how to find one’s meaning & purpose in life, garnered several awards in the inspirational fiction genre. 'How to make the biggest decision of your life - Unlocking the secrets to a healthy lasting relationship', builds on his 2017 TED.com talk on avoiding divorce by choosing a partner in a more informed way. He, and his psychologist wife of 35 years, Penny, live in Brisbane and have two adult children.

Jenny Wynter

Improv Performer, Comedian & Cabaret Artist

Jenny is an internationally award-winning comedian, cabaret performer, writer and mental health advocate. She credits every good thing she does onstage to her passion for improvisation, and her great fortune to have trained and performed with some of the world’s most renowned improvised comedy teachers, including Second City (USA), Loose Moose Theatre (Canada), Gary Austin (founder of The Groundlings in LA) and more. Honing her funny bone through a grief-riddled childhood, Jenny’s career in comedy (including a near half decade stint as a Clown Doctor) have set her on a mission to demonstrate the power of laughter to relieve pain and stress, and to improve mental wellness even, and especially, during dark times. Jenny is also the founder of Funny Mummies™ — an online community and producer of live comedy shows — which aims to improve mothers’ mental health through laughter.

Katrina Marson

Criminal Lawyer & Sex Education Champion

Katrina Marson practiced as a criminal lawyer for a decade, particularly in family violence and sexual offences. She has been researching the protective power of sex-ed to prevent sexual violence and safeguard sexual wellbeing since 2012. On a two-year secondment, she led the implementation of the Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission’s criminal justice recommendations in the Australia Capital Territory (ACT) before returning to the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions as a senior prosecutor in the Sexual Offences Unit. Katrina undertook a Churchill Fellowship in 2019 to research the implementation of relationships and sexuality education overseas; her findings were published in the report, ‘Ignorance is not Innocence’. She is the lead researcher of primary prevention at Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy, and is completing a PhD in human rights and sex education. Her first book, ‘Legitimate Sexpectations: the power of sex-ed’, was published in 2022.

Libby Trickett

Olympian, Entrepreneur & Social Changemaker

Former Australian Swimmer Libby Trickett collected 24 gold medals on the international stage across Olympic, Commonwealth Games and World Championships events. This included eight long course and seven short course world titles, five Commonwealth Games and four Olympic gold medals which were won at three consecutive Olympic Games. Since retiring from swimming, she has lived many lives, but she is currently studying a Bachelor of Counselling, is the host of the podcast All That Glitters, where she interviews retired athletes on their transition into life after sport, and co-host of The Sport Social podcast which talks about the joy, humanity and heartbreak from the past week in sport. She has also, recently co-founded a business called Unlocking her potential, where the aim is to inspire and empower ALL women to unlock their greatest potential, as well as running after her three young daughters, Poppy, Edwina and Bronte.

Lisa Cox

Media Professional & Creative Changemaker

Lisa Cox is an internationally-respected disability advocate and an accomplished, award-winning advertising expert. In 2005 Lisa acquired multiple disabilities that inform much of her work today. By combining her professional background and lived experience, Lisa brings a unique perspective, professional expertise and personal experience to her work in the disability, equity and inclusion (DEI) advertising space. She is a powerful voice for disability rights and strategic inclusive advertising, and her leadership and contributions to these fields have been recognised internationally. In addition to her advocacy work, Lisa is a writer, strategic consultant, and professional development educator. She is a leading solutions architect for organisations that want to embrace DEI but need help figuring out where or how to start.

Owen Ung

Surgeon, Breast Cancer Researcher & Innovator

Professor Owen Ung is a surgeon, breast cancer researcher and innovator. He has been committed to his profession and the community for more than 30 years of specialist surgical practice, with extensive teaching and research credentials. His research is centred on innovations that improve the treatment pathways for patients affected by breast cancer. His ground-breaking translational study involves the first in human use of 3D printed bioabsorbable breast scaffolds for reconstruction. Owen is the Director of the MNHHS Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute, a Professor of Surgery University of Queensland School of Medicine, President of Breast Surgery International (BSI) and Vice President Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and has board appointments to the AMA, RACS, MIGA and Specialist Services Medical Group.

PEPTALK

Performer

PEPTALK are your wholesome friends giving unsolicited advice. Boasting two thirds queer, two thirds POC and all three thirds female, PEPTALK is determined to be the positive representation they longed for growing up. Made up of Jay-Lee Kwan(keys/vocals), Lara Frew (bass/vocals), and Phoebe Sinclair (vocals/production) PEPTALK’s presence has a comfort and confidence that only time and genuine friendship can bring. Formed on a mutual adoration for songwriting and iconic woman in the music industry, PEPTALK’s influenced by the likes of Julia Michaels, MUNA and HAIM. PEPTALK bring their infectious energy along with a fierce desire to befriend literally everyone.

Ruby Gilbert

Performer

Singer/songwriter Ruby Gilbert is nothing short of a sonic enchantress. Weaving a musical alchemy of Americana style meets present-day experience. Irresistibly nostalgic, her voice evokes an old-time feel, while her lyrics are both charismatic and endearing. Since the release of her debut EP ‘Dearly Beloved’ in 2018, Ruby Gilbert has been turning heads with her musical prowess. She has received multiple Queensland Music Award nominations, has played multiple prominent festivals around Australia including BIGSOUND and has opened for the likes of C.W. Stoneking, Justin Townes Earle and The Teskey Brothers.

Sam Penny

Cheesemonger & Small Producer Champion

Sam is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for making micro changes that have compounding benefits to individuals and communities. By day, Sam is the co-founder of Cheese Therapy, Australia’s largest artisan cheese retailer and champion of small producers. Cheese Therapy directly supports small artisan cheesemakers across Australia and sends cheese straight to your home. He is also a modern-day explorer. Before the sun comes up, he is usually preparing for his next epic adventure. Recently, Sam was the first person in the world to attempt to swim the English Channel in winter. Naturally, that ended with hyperthermia and a greater determination to see if this feat is possible. Sam holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and a Masters of Business Administration.

Waveney Yasso

Performer

Waveney is a Brisbane based singer/songwriter & a proud South Sea & Yuwi Burra descendant. Her achievements include performing with world renowned Pub Choir (2016-2022), Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project (Brisfest 2018) , Songs That Made Me (QPAC 2018) TEDxBrisbane 2017/18; touring her original musical with Queensland Music Festival; Have You Ever Heard A Wombat Sing? (2014/15); singing her original music to an internationally televised audience for the 2012 NRL Allstars game; Performing at Island Vibe Festival 2017/18; Performing/ writing in her duo Black Salt; Working as a mentor with Creative Tracks 2016-18. Each piece woven together forming a storybook of song that explores sisterhood, energy, and love. With the simple recipe of melody and a six string Waveney will transport you to a new place. You’re invited on this journey through song.

Yas Grigaliunas

Entrepreneur & Circular Economy Champion

Yas is a Director and Founder of the award winning circular economy enterprise, Circonomy (formerly: World’s Biggest Garage Sale). An entrepreneur of impact and a circular economy pioneer in Australia, Yas recently closed a $4M equity capital raise to expand nationally, with Officeworks as a key investor and shareholder. Together, through expansion of reuse, repair, resource recovery and recommerce initiatives, Yas is thrilled to work with partners and investors to bring the next phase of growth, seeing her Circonomy vision come to life. It is positively polarising to experience the essence & energy of a truth teller human living whole. Yas is completely comfortable sharing the gritty, shitty and unpretty, evoking emotions to help others navigate their own natural flow state. Traversing transitions and championing change is where Yas is most fearless…..with a friendly and fanatical fortitude to encourage and empower others to find fullness & flow.