Young people from across Hepburn Shire will step onto the global stage this July in the region’s first TEDx Daylesford Youth event. Around ten students, selected for their passion, ideas and commitment to making a difference, will deliver short talks on issues that matter to them and their communities.
The inaugural event—supported by Hepburn Shire Council and Daylesford Secondary College—is part of the internationally recognised TEDx program, which invites communities around the world to host locally organised events inspired by the globally renowned TED Talks.
Mayor Don Henderson welcomed the initiative, highlighting the value of empowering young people to speak up.
“This inspirational group of young leaders are developing ideas and coming up with solutions to change the world,” he said. “I am really looking forward to hearing what they have to say.”
Topics to be explored by the student speakers range across social, environmental and personal themes, reflecting the concerns and hopes of a new generation. While attendance at the event will be by invitation only, the talks will be published online in August, allowing the wider community—and potentially an international audience—to hear what these local youth have to offer.
TEDx Daylesford Youth gives students not just a platform, but also training and mentoring to help them craft their message and build the confidence to share it. The program is designed to inspire both speakers and audiences to think differently and act boldly.
TEDx events are independently organised local versions of TED—a non-profit devoted to spreading ideas through short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference bringing together Technology, Entertainment and Design. Today, it covers a vast range of topics including science, education, climate change, and global justice.
TEDx events, such as Daylesford’s youth-focused version, follow the TED format but are organised independently, subject to TED’s guidelines. These community-led initiatives aim to spark deep discussion and connection, often featuring a mix of live speakers and TED Talk videos.
Since its launch, TEDx has grown into a global movement. Thousands of events are held each year in cities, towns and schools around the world, giving people from all backgrounds the chance to share ideas and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
While the TEDx Daylesford Youth event will be intimate, the potential reach of the talks is global. Many TED and TEDx talks have gone viral online, amassing millions of views and sparking conversations across borders and generations.
Organisers hope this event will not only shine a spotlight on local talent but also encourage broader community engagement with the ideas and perspectives of young people.
More information about the event, including links to the talks once they are released, will be available at TEDx Daylesford Youth
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
