Past TEDx event

TEDxCooks Hill

Reframe

Took placeOctober 26, 2025
LocationNewcastle, New South Wales, Australia
FormatStandard
On October 26, 2025, TEDxCooksHill returns with a bold theme: Reframe. In a world shaped by rapid change, entrenched challenges, and shifting perspectives, how can we look again at the stories, systems, and assumptions that define our lives? At TEDxCooksHill 2025, we invite Newcastle and the Hunter to explore ideas that challenge old lenses and offer new ways forward. Across an inspiring day at the Conservatorium of Music, you’ll hear from ten diverse speakers and performers — innovators, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders — each offering a fresh angle on what it means to reframe the way we live, work, and connect. Expect thought-provoking talks, live performances, and immersive experiences that will spark conversation long after the event ends. As part of the global TEDx community, all talks will be shared online to a worldwide audience, amplifying Newcastle voices on the TED stage. Join us as we uncover ideas worth spreading, right here in the heart of Newcastle.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Benjie Williams

    Rhythm Facilitator

    Benjie has trained in West African drumming, percussion and dance for more than 25 years. His dynamic rhythmical repertoire brings the vibrancy of music to life. Benjie teaches between 3000-5000 students each year. His teaching style provides participants with a dynamic, uplifting and engaging experience that encourages freedom of expression, inclusivity and connection!

  • Brittney Saunders

    Entrepreneur

    Novocastrian Brittney Saunders is a creative entrepreneur, known for building meaningful brands that empower women and celebrate authenticity. From content creator to fashion founder, Brittney brings a refreshing take on entrepreneurship.

  • Cameron Lee

    Filmmaker

    Cameron is a filmmaker and storyteller whose quiet visuals meet raw, emotional reflection. His work isn’t about chasing trends - it’s about telling the truth, even when uncomfortable. Cameron’s films act as a mirror, capturing who he was, who he’s becoming, and everything shaping him.

  • Charanya Ramakrishnan

    Tertiary Tech-Educator

    Charanya is reimagining education - shifting the focus from forcing students to fit in, to reshaping how we teach. She champions inclusive, tech-enabled learning that meets students where they are.

  • Daniel Beard

    Neurovascular Researcher

    Dr Daniel Beard is a neurovascular trailblazer with over 15 years of experience investigating innovative treatments for stroke - one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Daniel is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, leads its Neurovascular Research Laboratory, and co-founded the university spinout company ShearFlow, which he developed in collaboration with researches at Harvard University. His groundbreaking work on shear stress and cerebral blood flow resulted in a patented therapy that selectively boosts brain perfusion during stroke, saving brain tissue and improving patient outcomes.

  • Ennia Jones

    Entrepreneur

    Ennia Jones is the founder of A Splash of Colour Swimming, a social enterprise reframing who belongs in the water. By championing trauma-informed, community-led swim programs, Ennia empowers CALD adults to build confidence and wellbeing in inclusive, culturally responsive spaces—proving that true water safety starts with belonging, dignity, and a new way of seeing ourselves.

  • Frank Greeff

    Entrepreneur

    Frank Greeff is an Australian former chef-turned tech founder, keynote speaker, author of cookbook 'Eat with Purpose', who is most well known for co-founding real estate platform Realbase and selling it to Domain Group in 2022.

  • Harry Garside

    Olympic Boxer

    Harry Garside is an Olympic bronze medalist, professional boxer, and passionate mental health advocate. Known just as much for his authenticity as his athleticism, Harry has broken stereotypes both in and outside the ring. Whether it’s speaking up about men’s mental health, challenging gender norms, or sharing the ups and downs of his personal journey, Harry continues to inspire Australians with his message of resilience, vulnerability, and strength. His story is one of grit, grace, and a deep belief in the power of self-discovery.

  • Kate Cashman

    Entrepreneur

    Dr. Kate Cashman teaches police and law by day, runs a yoga studio by night, and is endlessly curious about what happens when we trust our gut as much as the evidence.

  • Tristan McLindon

    Magician

    Tristan McLindon is a Melbourne-based entertainer who believes real magic is about connection, not just tricks. More than a magician, Tristan reads the room, using sleight of hand and mentalism to spark curiosity, laughter, and genuine moments between people. Whether on stage or off, he’s out to prove that the most powerful illusions are the ones that bring us together.

Organizing team