Theme: CTRL >> SHIFT

Coming of age in a world with so much change and uncertainty, the next generation are redefining the future.

As the ground shifts beneath our feet — what will our future look like when we hand over control to the next generation of leaders, change makers and visionaries? What technologies, challenges, cultures and innovations will define our lives in the future?

Faced with many new challenges and questions that the grown-ups of today don’t seem to have the solutions for — from the spiralling cost of living to the existential threat posed by climate change — how does the next generation envision a future for themselves once they’re in control?

As the next generation primes itself to take the reins, it’s time to see the world through their eyes. Come to TEDxSydney Youth 2024 to hear from the leaders, the visionaries, the voices of the future.

〉The theme of TEDxSydney Youth 2024 is CTRL > SHIFT

Young people will be in control — and shift the world as we know it.
THERE’S A CONTROL SHIFT COMING

Riverside Theatres
Corner Market &, Church St
Parramatta, New South Wales, 2150
Australia

Alinta Furnell

Alinta Furnell is an Australian biotechnologist and CEO of Synbiote. Inspired by the way that natural systems have been harnessed to solve problems in our daily lives, Alinta is dedicated to her mission of using biotechnology for the improved welfare of both people and planet. In recognition of her impact, Alinta has been honoured as a 776 Foundation Fellow, awarded as a 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian, and instated as an Adjunct Academic in the UNSW School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences.

Chloé Hayden

Chloé Hayden is an award-winning actress, bestselling author, and disability rights advocate, best known for her groundbreaking role as Quinni in Netflix’s Heartbreak High. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 13, she has become a powerful voice for neurodiversity, using her platform to inspire change, celebrate differences, and push for a more inclusive world. Chloé's work spans from acting and public speaking to launching sensory-friendly clothing and writing her bestselling book Different Not Less.

Gabbi Bolt

Gabbi is a musical comedian who kickstarted her professional career making short skits and songs on TikTok in 2020 at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. She quickly gained an audience of over 200,000 followers for her 1 minute Australian political musicals and media skits. She then shot to worldwide fame for her composing involvement in the New York Times featured “”Ratatouille; the TikTok Musical””, a Broadway fundraiser for The Actor’s Fund, where her song “”Trash is our Treasure”” was performed by Whose Line is it Anyway and Musical Theatre star, Wayne Brady. Gabbi’s debut solo musical comedy show, I Hope My Keyboard Doesn’t Break received rave reviews, sold out Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney festival seasons, and won her the 2022 Sydney Comedy Festival Best Newcomer award.

Hannah Ferguson

Hannah Ferguson is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of independent news commentary platform, Cheek Media Co., and the co-host of news and culture podcast, Big Small Talk. In 2023 Hannah released her bestselling debut book, Bite Back. Hannah has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing from The University of Queensland. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, the Sydney Morning Herald, Crikey and more.

James Parr

James Parr is an award-winning model, speaker, and advocate for visibility, known for his work challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusion. After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2019, which led to the amputation of his lower right leg, James has used his personal journey to drive change in how disabilities are represented in mainstream fashion and media. His mission is to shift the narrative from one of pity to one where people with disabilities are seen as empowered and valuable members of society.

Jordan Gogos

Jordan Gogos is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans textiles, design, and runway shows, deeply influenced by his queer and Greek-Australian heritage. His creative practice explores materiality through a sustainable lens, allowing form to evolve spontaneously, with outcomes dictated by chance. Defying convention, Jordan's work thrives on the fortuitous interplay of repurposed, recycled, and dead stock textiles, utilizing techniques like layering, compressing, felting, and embroidering. His art is held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Australia.

Nivaaz Sehmbh

Nivaaz, a first-generation Australian Punjabi, exemplifies a startup unicorn with expertise in design, marketing, data, and engineering across diverse industries, including trading, education, and web3. Initially aiming to be a quantum engineer, she pivoted from university to self-taught software engineering, quickly becoming a key player in startups like Canva, Eucalyptus, and Immutable. As the founder of Sukara Tech and Beyond Besties, Nivaaz is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity in tech. Beyond her professional achievements, she mentors, inspires, and works to close gender gaps with initiatives like Beyond Besties.

Sarah Williams

Sarah Williams is 22y/o Awabakal woman,and the founder/CEO of What Were You Wearing Australia (WWYW). WWYW is a non for profit organisation providing education, awareness and advocacy on sexual violence. Sarah successfully made legislative change to the NSW RSA, mandating drink spiking prevention training for bar and security staff. She did this by collecting over 20,000 signatures and triggering a parliamentary debate, where she received cross party support from the government. In April 2024, Sarah led 17 national rallies which saw over 100,000 come to the streets to rally against men’s violence. She has become a instrumental advocate in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector. Since beginning her advocacy journey she was awarded 2023 Newcastle Woman of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year NSW/ACT 2023 and NSW Volunteer of the Year 2022.

Sharath Mahendran

Sharath Mahendran is a civil engineering student best known for his Sydney-based YouTube channel “Building Beautifully”. Having amassed over 41,000 subscribers and almost 5 million total views, his channel has quickly become Sydney’s go-to channel for content on transport, planning, housing and more. Sharath is a prominent champion for better public transport, having covered the strengths and weaknesses of Sydney’s public transport network on his channel. He has spoken at several NSW parliamentary inquiries, advocating for better public transport in Sydney.

Tataku from the Australian Taiko Academy

Tataku is a taiko ensemble made up entirely of school-aged musicians, with members ranging in age from 14-18. An offshoot of Taikoz’ Australian Taiko Academy, the group is led by professional Taiko player and long-term Taikoz member Ryuji Hamada, who grew up in Yokohama, Japan, and has been playing Taiko since he was a kid himself. The ensemble learns traditional Japanese music and contemporary repertoire for Taiko, and is regularly invited to perform at community festivals and events in Sydney and regional NSW. Recent collaborations include performances with Lane Cove Youth Orchestra, and the dance group Twisting Tornados. Appropriately, Tataku derives its name from the Japanese word to “hit” or “play” drums.

The Pioneers

The Pioneers MC (PNRS) is a Sydney based dance collective that’s comprised of street trained and professionally trained performers and artists, with members of various ages, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. The Pioneers were formed by performer and artist Eliam Royalness and since their inception in 2013, have achieved multiple winning medals and titles, and have taken their unique performance style across Australia. They’ve also represented Australia twice at Hip-Hop International in Las Vegas & San Diego. The Pioneers provide high energy entertainment which includes the various street dance styles they explore including Hip-Hop moves and grooves, Dancehall, Waacking, Vogue, and mix these styles to create unique and entertaining choreography.

Ugly Esther

Ugly Esther, a 21-year-old artist from Western Sydney, creates music characterized by its heartfelt, delicate, and whimsical qualities. Her work often explores themes of feminism, young womanhood, family and a deep appreciation for Australian nature. Starting with violin lessons at age 5, she was involved in ensembles and choirs before shifting to songwriting and recording in 2020 during her HSC. She has produced and recorded her three albums solo, using just an iPhone in her bedroom. Her latest album, ‘purgatory’, has earned her recognition as FBi Radio’s Independent Artist of the Week and features in VICE Australia’s music highlights of July.