Speakers

2024  Beyond Boundaries

Embracing a central theme of Beyond Boundaries the 2024 event delivered a lineup of world-class speakers, presenters and performers that embody pushing conventional boundaries and creating meaningful change, in our local community and beyond.

Craig Smith

Craig Smith is an educator and researcher. For twenty years he has worked as an autism and neurodivergent education specialist, contributing to the development of kinder and more inclusive communities at home and abroad. Craig is deeply passionate about the role that emerging technologies can play in providing accessible solutions for all.

Dan Ballard

Dan Ballard is a communication expert and devoted father with over 13 years of global experience. His dynamic mentorship helps individuals and organisations tap into their authentic voice, creating greater impact. He’s passionate about building inner confidence and specific skills for personal and business success.

Dave Nixon

Dave Nixon is a health professional, business person and author. He has worked with over 10 thousand people throughout his 20 years in the health and wellness industry. Dave is deeply passionate about making life changing information accessible and approachable and continues to drive real long term change in the way we approach mental, social and physical health.

David Sivyer

David Sivyer is passionate about using food systems as a powerful tool to foster community, sustainability, and innovation. With roots in farming and experience leading urban agriculture initiatives, he’s dedicated to transforming how cities approach food waste and sustainability. In his upcoming TED Talk, David will explore how food can be the foundation for collaboration and growth, helping cities become more connected and resilient. His work is about reimagining urban life through the lens of food, creativity, and shared purpose.

Declan Edwards

Declan Edwards is a happiness researcher, keynote speaker and author. He is an avid believer in the potential of people and has devoted his time, effort and business to equipping people with the strategies to manage their emotions and master their mindset. A well known Newcastle local, Declan was our first Novocastrian speaker to be announced.

Heston Russell

Heston Russell is a veteran, a physical and mental health advocate, and a voice for change. He has spent his life constantly pushing past his own perceived limitations and the labels that society has tried to apply.

Magdalena Hoeller

Magdalena Hoeller is an academic director and works with international students. With a passion for linguistics, she has researched how and why communication succeeds and fails across different cultures and language backgrounds. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections in diversity in academic, social and personal settings.

Mariam Mohammed

Mariam Mohammed is a speaker, facilitator, entrepreneur and coach. Passionate about delivering financial literacy to young women, she speaks at events and to organisations about the importance of intersectionality (Diversity and Inclusion) in organisational strategy, strength-based community building and stakeholder engagement. Mariam has been recognised by the Financial Review as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence.

Dr. Tim Stewart

Dr. Tim Stewart is an emergency physician, medical leader and innovator. He has travelled the world both learning and sharing his expertise. With a passion for education and training, Tim has developed award winning training for junior doctors practicing complex and high stake medical cases. Now a local to Newcastle and the Hunter, over the years you might have met him working in the emergency departments of the busiest hospitals in the region.

Stefanie Costi

Meet Stefanie Costi, lawyer, speaker and writer. Stef is also an advocate for the safe and inclusive future of work. Presenting to law, corporate and university audiences all over the country, her expertise and opinion have become sought after both in her industry and the wider community.

Trudi Boatwright

Trudi Boatwright is a playful experience designer, theatre maker, and global leader in organisational play. She’s helped countless organisations and individuals unlock the science of purposeful play through research and practice, and she’s on a mission to change the world — one playful moment at a time.

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The team at TEDx Cooks Hill live and work on the lands of the Awabakal and Darkinjung people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

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