TEDx comes to Katoomba

Since 1984, TED has been a globally recognised platform for ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility, and catalyse impact. TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.”

It allows local communities around the globe to organise TEDx events and uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas that encourage conversations in their communities. TEDx events are independently organised but adhere to TED’s format and guidelines: short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances that are idea-focused, and cover a wide range of subjects to foster inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter - all under 18 minutes.

On 30 June 2023, the inaugural TEDxKatoomba was held at Katoomba Community Hall in the Blue Mountains. Eighteen speakers took to the stage, presenting their unique ideas and perspectives to inspire and get audiences thinking. Twelve of the TEDxKatoomba speakers hailed from the local Blue Mountains area and included two musicians and a visual artist – Darug musical educator Jacinta Tobin, singer-songwriter Amy Nelson (Little Green) and painter Corinne Loxton.

It was a long but fulfilling day, with many highlights. Topics ranged from tilling the earth to the stars, mental health in schools to cardiac health in workplaces, from refugee camps abroad to our wild places here at home. Every speaker produced their best work and the buzz in the room was incredible. Audience members discussed, analysed and digested information in an energetic and collaborative fashion all day.

"It was interesting to hear such a range of speakers - some excellent communicators and some with wonderful things to say. The main thing for me was, the excellent ones were truly inspiring.”

"The speakers surpassed anything I could imagine. Taking the day off was soul enriching.”

"A reminder that TED events are global and one ripple will make a difference."

TEDxKatoomba speakers’ talks are now showcased on the global TEDx platform, freely available on TEDx YouTube to be shared more broadly with the rest of the world.

MTNS MADE is proud to have been TEDxKatoomba Partner. As the creative industries cluster of the Blue Mountains, it stands by TED’s belief that brave and original ideas should be fostered and shared widely and that the innate qualities of communication, collaboration and innovation are what allows creativity to thrive in our community.