Theme: The Power of Perspective

In this event, we delve into the captivating theme of "The Power of Perspective" and unlock limitless potential hidden within our individual and collective viewpoints. Our perspectives shape the way we perceive the world, influence our choses and ultimately define the impact we have on others and ourselves. By embracing diverse perspectives, challenging our assumptions and exploring new angles, we can broaden our understanding, shatter barriers and create a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Prepare to be captivated by a lineup of student and exceptional speakers who have harnessed the power of perspective to drive positive change. They will share their awe-inspiring stories and thought provoking insights and encourage us to question our preconceptions, ignite our curiosity and transform our lives.

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

Anton Guinea

New Age Leadership Advocate

Anton Guinea is the master of perspective taking. But while he always appears energetic and engaging, he hasn’t always been that way. After suffering through a near-fatal workplace incident, terrible bosses, and an explosion on a power station, he’s learned how to turn even the most difficult experiences in learnings—by looking at them with a different perspective. In this talk, Anton shares how to overcome the challenges of work and life by upgrading your perspective with optimism. You’ll learn how to upskill your perspective taking with reframing, and how to uplift those around you with the simple formula of being there, being aware, and caring.

April Spadina

Expressive Charcoal Artist

April Spadina is a renowned visual artist, well known for charcoal animal drawings, street art, Story Bank mice and many art projects for Fraser Coast Regional Council. Her love for the Fraser Coast inspired her to start the Urban Sketchers Maryborough art group, where she welcomes people to sketch the urban landscape of the Fraser Coast. A regular contributor to the Alive Magazine and Fraser Coast Scene, April shares her admiration and appreciation of local creatives in the region with her featured articles in the publications. For years, April’s fear of public speaking prevented her from moving forward in her art career. Her fears stifled her ability to open her own exhibitions, hold workshops and speak to an audience. To overcome this fear, she was encouraged to join Toastmasters where she thrived speaking to an audience. This not only enabled her to develop communication skills to speak publicly but encouraged her to enter public speaking competitions, many of which she won.

Bryton Wishart

Co-Founder and Entrepreneur

Bryton Wishart is a co-founder of VINTI Tech, a company that provides Microsoft security solutions for various industries. He is also a co-founder of Cured Compliance, a platform that digitises compliance for the meat industry enabling butchers and regulators to work together. He is a cyber security sessional tutor at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Microsoft technology consultant at Telstra. Has completed an MBA and a Bachelor of Education from UniSC and USQ, and is skilled in Microsoft technologies. He is an entrepreneur and technology enthusiast who loves to learn and automate solutions for businesses.

Ella Looker

Passionate Oceanside Lover

Ella has a profound passion for the ocean and our precious beaches. She embraces every opportunity to immerse herself in all its wonders. Whether embarking on a swim, enjoying a meal by the shore, or engaging in volleyball practice. She also enjoys spending time outrigging on the weekends and speaking with her Burrum Heads Community. When she sees the plastic and rubbish in her beautiful surroundings, it upsets her deeply, fuelling a strong desire to raise awareness and inspire positive change. Ella firmly believes that every individual’s actions, no matter how small, can have a tremendous impact on preserving our beloved ocean paradise.

Lacey Thomas

Young Creative Soul

Lacey is a student who loves painting and art. Anxiety plays a large role in her life, but she doesn’t let this stop her from living her life, being brave and speaking out. She wants teenagers to know they are not alone; anxiety is a real thing, and it can be crippling at times. Lacey is stepping outside her comfort zone to give an insight into her life and thoughts. She hates when she can’t do something she should be able to do, she is a Pisces and loves quiche.

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!

Mathew Eyles

Founder of One Bold Step

Mathew is a professional facilitator, internationally recognised public speaker, life skills coach, continuous improvement and change management expert, and wellbeing coach. With a passion for empowering individuals to reach their full potential, Mathew specialises in various areas such as communication, financial literacy, employment, and goal setting. As a dedicated professional, Mathew works extensively with communities, schools, youth programs, and individuals facing barriers to help them live their best and resilient lives. Through his dynamic and engaging approach, he strives to equip people with the necessary tools and knowledge to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In addition to his professional pursuits, Mathew is deeply committed to promoting wellbeing and personal development. He understands the importance of building resilience and emotional intelligence to navigate life's challenges successfully.

Mia Thomas

Music Enthusiast

Mia is a passionate music enthusiast with a wide range of interests spanning sports, playing musical instruments, spending quality time with loved ones, and exploring the world of art. With a committed desire to foster understanding, Mia strives to enlighten others about the profound influence music holds over individuals, shaping their behaviours and thoughts. She will share personal stories about the transformative power of music in her own life and highlights its extensive impact on individuals in their day-to-day existence.

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. She is a young entrepreneur and is currently developing her own app. She has won several awards over the years with her innovative ideas.

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. Sophie wants people to recognise women and men as equals. She wants people to know that many women of the past have broken gender stereotypes and contributed. She has many influential women in her family who has made an impact on her life.