TEDxCanberra

Speakers

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

• Canberra Harmony Chorus

  Women's choir

  Canberra Harmony Chorus is an inclusive women’s choir under the musical direction of Pam Foley, Kat Power and Kath Cobcroft. They sing four-part unaccompanied harmonies in barbershop and modern a cappella styles, and are dedicated to creating community and sharing the joy of making and experiencing music. Canberra Harmony is affiliated with Barbershop Harmony Australia.

• Dr Kate Grarock

  Environmental scientist, hiker and filmmaker

  Dr Kate Grarock is an environmental scientist, hiker and filmmaker dedicated to helping others reconnect with the natural world. As an expedition leader with Bush Blitz, she travels to remote parts of Australia in search of undiscovered species. Kate is passionate about the transformative power of nature and encourages people to step outside, slow down, and experience the physical and mental benefits of a wilder, more connected life. Kate was a participant in SBS’s ground-breaking series Alone Australia, where she survived solo in the wilderness – sourcing food and self-filming her journey of resilience, self-reliance, and the deep bond humans share with the natural world.

• Dr Sarah Stephens

  Doctor

  Dr Sarah Stephens is an Australian medical doctor with a PhD in mitochondrial biochemistry. With over 15 years of clinical experience, she now helps people take proactive steps to support brain health, with the aim of preventing and reversing early Alzheimer’s disease. Her approach incorporates the Bredesen Protocol – the only treatment shown in published clinical trials to improve outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease. Sarah enjoys working with motivated individuals who want to take an active role in maintaining their cognitive health. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, crocheting, and competing in track cycling.

• Hannah Andrevski

  Founder and CEO of Roundabout Canberra

  Hannah Andrevski is the founder and CEO of Roundabout Canberra, a charity that provides safe, essential goods to children and families in need. She launched Roundabout in 2018 while on maternity leave with her second child, filling a gap in the community for families wanting to donate and receive quality pre-loved baby items. What began as a grassroots volunteer effort has grown into a vital service supporting nearly 5,000 children each year. A proud Canberran and ANU graduate, Hannah became full-time CEO in 2022 and was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2024 for her impact and leadership.

• Sarah Patterson

  Strategic designer

  Sarah Patterson is an award-winning strategic designer on a mission to prove that change isn’t about strategy: it’s about relationships. With over 20 years’ experience spanning government policy, architecture and design, she founded The Good Cartel Consulting to help create futures we can all be excited about. Through her practice, Sarah has facilitated high-stakes collaborations tackling climate resilience, clean energy transition and social cohesion. An accredited Partnership Broker and guest lecturer, she mentors emerging leaders through programs like UNLEASH. Her research into systems change and relationships uncovers powerful blueprints for change hiding in the most unexpected places.

• Satara Uthayakumaran

  Australia’s Youth Representative to the United Nations (2025)

  Satara Uthayakumaran is an advocate – dedicated to legal and social reform. She was most recently appointed Australia’s Youth Representative to the United Nations for 2025 by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Satara serves on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Youth Advisory Council, is a National Youth Advisor for Amnesty International, and has worked with the ACT Human Rights Commission. She also served as the youngest board member of the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (ACT). Satara frequently appears on the ABC and writes for prominent outlets including SBS and the Canberra Times. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts/Law at ANU, she also worked as a Policy Advisor at PM&C.

• Tom Rogers AO

  Former Australian Electoral Commissioner

  Tom Rogers AO served as Australia’s longest-standing Electoral Commissioner, leading the AEC from 2014 to 2024 through a decade of profound global democratic disruption. Under his leadership, the AEC delivered multiple national elections and was rated Australia’s most trusted federal agency. A former Army officer, Tom also held senior executive roles at the Australian Institute of Police Management and Raytheon Australia. He pioneered the AEC’s Reputation Management System and now advises international democracy institutions – including International IDEA, the London School of Economics, and the ANU National Security College. His work focuses on electoral integrity, trust, democratic resilience, and public sector leadership.

• Victor Ni

  Student

  Victor Ni is a 17-year-old student at Canberra Grammar School who is passionate about reimagining what political engagement looks like for young people. As the founder of International Youth Model United Nations (IYMUN), a global Model United Nations simulation dedicated to accessibility and democratising education, Victor has brought together students from around the world to debate real-world issues. A dedicated UrVoice Mental Health Ambassador, Victor also advocates for youth wellbeing and policy reform.