More than 1.8 million people with roots in over 100 different countries call Western Sydney home, making it one of the most culturally diverse communities in the world. The inaugural TEDxParramatta will shed an international spotlight on the creative work and ideas that are being generated in such a vibrant and growing region where new and unique voices and narratives are continually emerging.

 The chosen theme, Beginning Becoming Beyond, represents a story in progress and the aim for TEDxParramatta is to expose the big ideas from Western Sydney that highlight the constant evolution of the region as one of the most culturally diverse in the world.

Our talented Curators and Talks Team have sought to develop a program that emphasizes the community-led processes, consultation and critical reflection that exists in creative work across the Western Sydney region.

 "Each presenter will share an idea that offers insight into the deeper currents encountered in their everyday lives and this program is designed to inspire audiences and create sparks of alchemy. We are immensely proud to be presenting such an explosive program of locally generated ideas on a global stage.” Lisa Torrance, Organising Partner & ICE Executive Director
 
Programmed Speakers:
Syed Safdar Ahmed will use examples of his work with the ‘The Refugee Art Project’, which reminds us of the power to ignite moral feeling of art and initiate social change.

L-Fresh the Lion unveils how he used Hip Hop to discover his own identity and inner humanity, and how he shares his lessons with others.

Heather Chaffey will share ideas of place and identity, culture and social justice, participation and renewal discovered through the Penrith Neighbourhood Program.

Christian Tancred will explore how digital arts can provide the opportunity for sharing stories to achieve narcissism for positive effect.

Paula Abood will discuss the importance storytelling in developing confidence empathy and building communities.

Gilbert Mane’s idea is to immerse children in the best and finest ideas from a range of different traditions and cultures to show them pathways to making their ideas live, and make their own contribution to this rich human archive.

 Thelma Thomas (MC Trey) and Leo Tanoi will share their idea that there’s ‘room for all of us’. In Western Sydney there’s a thriving exploration and celebration of Pacific Island culture both as a link to cultural identity within our multicultural landscape and also as a tool for assisting young people, communities and artists in forging their own identities and practices.
 
Ali Khadim reveals how he teaches self-belief through Parkour, the urban artform built on theories such as ‘The Obstacle is the Path’ and ‘Our Failures are our Success’.

The TEDxParramatta team includes:

Licensee – Jonathan Champ

Curators – Ben Hoh, Ross Gibson & Kon Gouriotis

From Information and Cultural Exchange – Lisa Torrance, Indu Balachandran, Donita Hulme, Michael Chin, Kate Taylor, Jerome Pearce, lina Kastoumis, Christian Tancred, Ben Rose, Kristy Mayhew. Plus Jackie Leewai, Yu Ye Wu, Ash Berd and Leighanna Webb.