Camille Blyth
Imagine being sequestered for 12 hours in one of the world’s iconic buildings, with nothing to do except watch 16 of Australia’s most passionate and articulate people speak, perform and create.
The fourth TEDxSydney event started with a sunrise that was well documented on social media by bright eyed early risers as they made their way to the Opera House – determined not to miss a minute of the day or the bulb of garlic hidden at the bottom of the gift bag.
Speakers ranged from author Marcus Zusak talking about failure, Adam Adler about how we are a multitude in one person, and the very entertaining Linsey Pollak demonstrated how to make musical instruments out of a carrot, garden hose and a feather duster.
There was stunning musical performances by The Black Arm Band, a young chap from New Zeland called Marlon Williams who may be responsible for putting cool back into country music and Tjupurru and the Bullawadda woke a sleeping language, singing it into our consciousness. Megan Washington shared the challenges she faces with her speaking life and her singing life.
Stella Young introduced the concept of ‘inspiration porn’, patiently explained that disability is not a Bad Thing, and zoomed off-stage on possibly the only mobile phone charger in the venue.
Jake Coppinger, a young man in year 11 explained how, in year 10, he taught himself trigonometry so he could program in 3D space in order to create a nifty glove that can control electronic devices. The only person at the event who was not completely baffled by his ability was mathematician Clio Cresswell who has created the mathematical equations for oestrogen and testosterone – it appears that in some areas men are much more complicated than women.
While there was no tissue warning on the programme, the day was not without its emotional moments. When Jidhad Dib, the principal of Punchbowl Boys High School – a man who has created an oasis in an urban jungle – almost breaks down on stage, you start to understand the sheer depth of passion that is involved in these speakers lives. Judy Sharp and her talented son Tim told such a beautiful and honest story that there were very few dry eyes left in the house – they received a heartfelt standing ovation.
But the day was not all about the speakers – it was about talking as well. With over 2400 people in the audience, the breaks between sessions were as rich as the main events themselves. A cross between a giant game of Chinese Whispers and a great sweeping conversation that wove around the venue as the TEDies queued for coffee and shared great pots of delicious food.
Watch the full programme www.tedxsydney.com/LIVE/
TEDxSydney is supporting TEDxMogadishu www.tedxmogadishu.com
Camille Blyth is a writer, author and general good idea girl and author of
The Wilderness Years – a parents’ survival guide www.thefamilybeast.com/TheWildernessYears
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