TEDxMalopSt
The Matter of Being
24 October
5PM - 8.30PM
239 Malop Street
Geelong, VIC, 3220
THE MATTER OF BEING
Our theme "The Matter of Being" delves into the core of human existence, examining what it truly means to be alive and self-aware. It encourages a deeper reflection on personal identity, life’s purpose, and the fundamental nature of simply "being" in the universe.
TEDxMalopSt brings together working professionals, students, academics, community leaders, and lifelong learners across communities in Geelong. The event will present inspirational speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and life experiences to the stage.
TEDxMalopSt
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TEDxMalopSt -
Our Speakers
Roxie Bennett
Roxie is well-known for her career as a Life Coach and the Director at Plan.it.Roxie. Roxie is currently finalising her Master Coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) certification through the Life Coaching Academy at Griffith University, Queensland.
To formalise her life coaching, Roxie also holds an Advanced Diploma in Business (PR) and a Diploma of Management along with a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE) and a Certificate IV in Business (Governance).
Dr Evan Center
Dr. Evan B. Center is the Senior Manager of Environment and Climate Change at the UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA). Evan’s career has been driven by a passion for environment, climate change and other sustainability initiatives.
Prior to joining the UNGCNA, he utilised his research expertise to develop cutting-edge programmes and partnerships within university, corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors.
Rhiannon Tracey
After a spinal cord injury from a diving accident in Bali, Rhiannon has made an incredible recovery and founded The Next Step, a nonprofit organization committed to offering top-notch recovery and rehabilitation services in Australia.
In 2012, Rhiannon won the Young Australian of the Year award, and was named Cosmopolitan’s ‘Game Changer’ Woman of the Year in 2016 and was the first-ever female in a wheelchair on the Melbourne Fashion Week Runway in 2019. With a host of other awards and achievements, Rhiannon is an inspiration to so many, proving the impossible is possible.
Assoc. Prof. Sophie Goldingay
Sophie Goldingay currently holds the position of Associate Professor and Course Director for the Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University's School of Health and Social Development. She is a social work academic who has previously worked as a social worker in mental health and prison settings. She pioneered alternative social development programs for neurodivergent young people based on the principles of Pretend Play.
She has been at the forefront of technological developments for social good, including partnering with local First Nations groups for creation of digital storytelling. 
Lina Chau Le
Lina Chau Le is a distinguished lawyer with a UK law degree, qualified to practise in both Australia and Vietnam. Over the past 16 years, she has lived and worked across three continents for both international and local law firms.
With comprehensive expertise in the laws of the UK, Australia, and Vietnam, Lina specialises in providing efficient legal solutions, structures, and strategies for business operations.
Our MC and Performers
Phillipa Challis OAM
MC - The Queen of Laughter
As the CEO of Live Life Laughing, a specialist boutique consultancy providing resilience training and support, Phillipa helps organisations and individuals create positive environments that raises productivity and unleashes great performance.
Phillipa Challis OAM is an action-oriented, high energy, results focused speaker and a fun loving MC extraordinaire. She is like a dose of sparkling mineral water which will bring a bubbling, burst of healthy, sustainable energy to our event.
Jacqui Dreessens & Wild Moves International
Performer
Jacqui has been running Wild Moves on the Surf Coast since 2004 and Wild Moves International since 1991.
She is inspired by Indigenous World Dance cultures and their expression of deep ecology, connection to Ancestral spirit and the Land. She has extensively studied traditional dance styles of the African Diaspora including Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian, Brakka, Soukous, Highlife, Hip-Life and Sabar as well as Irish Sean Nos dance and various European folkloric styles.
Event Agenda
Tickets will cover a networking function with light refreshments and drinks.
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Welcoming guests and networking
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TED Talks:
Assoc. Prof. Sophie Goldingay, Course Director, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University
Dr. Evan Center, Senior Manager, Environment and Climate Change, UN Global Compact Network Australia
Rhiannon Tracey, Founder, The Next Step
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Light refreshments and drinks provided by our catering partners
Networking session
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Drum performance by Wild Moves International
TEDx Talks:
Lina Chau Le, Founder & Managing Lawyer, LN & Associates Law Firm
Roxie Bennett, Director, Plan.It.Roxie
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Closing remarks and group photos session
Our Partners
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GOLD PARTNER
Snap Print Solutions Geelong is an Australian owned and operated business, where, for more than 24 years, we've been proud to support a wide variety of local businesses, from all industries and sizes with their printing, marketing signage and design needs.
We understand the importance of supporting events such as TEDxMalopSt.
We believe it enriches our community, by providing enjoyable and inspiring talks where people from different ages can benefit from.
At Snap Print Solutions Geelong we produce business stationery, marketing materials, promotional materials, stickers, signage (corflutes, flags A - frames), wedding stationery, and lots more. Our Graphics and Design team can help you with your logo, flyers, business cards layouts or simple updates of information at a competitive price
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COMMUNITY PARTNER
For 170 years the Geelong Chamber has been a driving force behind the growth of our region and today we are one of the largest and most active organisations of our type in Australia.
By connecting people, celebrating success and supporting businesses, the Chamber has become an integral part of the Geelong community and a tireless advocate for a whole range of businesses.
Belong to a local business community.
Connect with other professionals.
Grow your business – with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce.
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![Carlon and Co]()
PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER
Carlon and Co is a Geelong disabled-run and owned business founded by Amy Carlon. Their main service is photography and videography offerings. Focused on making life easier for their clients and providing accessible services.With a value-driven approach capturing a variety of businesses and events throughout Victoria. Working with Carlon and Co and their team is like working with your best mate. Helping businesses and individuals to elevate their imagery authentically and naturally.
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CATERING PARTNER
Welcome to My Bellarine Kitchen, your local cake shop in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula. We specialize in creating custom cakes that add a special touch to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or just a treat for yourself, our cakes are made with care, using quality ingredients to ensure they taste as good as they look.At My Bellarine Kitchen, we understand that every event is unique, and so is every cake. We take the time to work with you to design a cake that fits your vision and brings a smile to your face.
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CATERING PARTNER
Welcome to Chaiverse, your passport to the vibrant and flavorful world of Indian chai and street food. We are more than just a cafe; we are a culinary journey that brings the heart of India to your palate. Our story is one of passion, authenticity, and a commitment to serving the finest chai and street food in Geelong.Our Chai: A Sip of Tradition
At Chaiverse, we believe in preserving the timeless tradition of Indian chai. Our expert tea masters carefully select the finest tea leaves and spices to create a symphony of flavors in every cup.
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![The Lounge venue partner]()
VENUE PARTNER
The Lounge International Student Centre, the first international student hub in regional Victoria, is dedicated to fostering the health and wellbeing of international students in Geelong. It provides a welcoming and supportive environment where students can access resources, connect with peers, and participate in programs that enhance their university experience and personal growth.The Lounge also plays a vital role in building a sense of community among students from diverse cultural backgrounds, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive international student population in the region.
TEDxMalopSt is an independently organised extension of TED, designed to bring the spirit of “Ideas worth sharing” to local communities in the Greater Geelong area. Organised by dedicated volunteers who are young professionals and university students, TEDxMalopSt aims to create an engaging platform that fosters meaningful dialogues, introduces new perspectives, and ignites curiosity.
About TEDxMalopSt
TEDx is an independently organised extension of TED, designed to bring the spirit of "Ideas Worth Sharing" to local communities. The purpose of a TEDx event is to spark meaningful conversations, introduce new perspectives, and ignite curiosity. By bringing together creative minds and enthusiastic individuals, TEDx aims to create an engaging platform for dialogue and connection.
Our goal with this TEDx event is to present a lineup of inspirational speakers who will share their experiences, stories, and insights. Our TEDx event will offer a unique opportunity to explore the world of ideas while inspiring our amazing community.