Two weeks ago, the stage at Inaburra was transformed into a hub of innovation and inspiration. The inaugural TEDxSutherland brought together a diverse community of thinkers, creators, and leaders for a day dedicated to a singular, powerful idea: THRIVE.
To thrive is more than just to survive; it’s about pushing beyond limitations, embracing change, and finding strength and purpose through challenge. From the first standing ovation to the final “seed” planted for action, the event was a celebration of human potential.
Voices of Change: The Speaker Lineup
Fifteen speakers took the stage, each offering a unique lens on what it means to flourish in the modern world. The diversity of perspectives ensured that every guest found a story that resonated.
Resilience and Wellbeing
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Kate Gladdin: International speaker and author who shared her “3R Strategy,” teaching us that thriving comes from using our problems to create purpose.
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Matthew Elliott: Former NRL Head Coach who detailed how high-performance sports techniques helped him overcome a serious autoimmune disease.
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Tom Carroll: Two-time World Champion surfer and meditation teacher who discussed the intersection of physical excellence and mental stillness.
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Sarah Costello: CEO of Skillz4me, who spoke passionately about building inclusive communities for children with disabilities.
Innovation and Science
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Dr. Frank Iorfino: Exploring how AI and digital tools can transform youth mental health.
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Prof. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick: A leading climate scientist who broke down the reality of heatwaves and the urgency of climate action.
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Meow-Ludo Meow-Meow: A bio-artist and geneticist who challenged our perceptions of “human” by discussing cyborg rights and biotechnology.
Community and Culture
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Brooke Prentis: A proud Wakka Wakka woman who invited us to envision a future built on truth, justice, and the practice of “deep listening.”
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Kal Glanznig: Ocean advocate and the youngest Councillor in the Sutherland Shire, proving that youth leadership is vital for environmental survival.
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Kristy Guo: Global logistics expert who reframed the shipping industry as a “shared language of interdependence.”
Creativity and Connection
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Gen Muir: Parent educator and author who provided a roadmap for families to thrive amid the chaos of modern parenting.
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Jackson Aces: Master illusionist who used sleight-of-hand to explore the psychology of perception and rediscover wonder.
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Daniel Delby: Comedian and freestyle rapper who brought the house down while sharing the power of heartfelt storytelling.
More Than Just a Stage
The atmosphere was kept electric by our co-hosts from the ABC show The Assembly, who brought a level of energy and authenticity that perfectly complemented the day’s themes.
The experience extended beyond the red circle. Between sessions, guests explored interactive and immersive installations, enjoying treats from our event sponsors and connecting with fellow attendees to discuss the ideas just shared.
A Community Effort
This landmark event was made possible by the vision of Katrina Harte, event organiser and Inaburra teacher, and her dedicated team of staff and student volunteers.
We were also incredibly proud to see our own community members shine on the TEDx stage: Danielle Karis (Inaburra Academic Dean), whose songwriting and teaching philosophy bridge the creative and analytical, and Kai Taylor (Class of 2023 alumnus), who represented the next generation of Sutherland Shire voices.
What’s Next?
We hope everyone left feeling challenged, inspired, and empowered. The inaugural TEDxSutherland wasn’t just a one-day event; it was the start of a conversation.
How will you choose to thrive this year?