Jack Brown from Talk2MeBro was one of the speakers at this year’s TEDxWollongong. Photo: Aaron Crotty.
After selling out its inaugural event, TEDxWollongong is returning on a bigger stage in 2027 with the search now on for the Illawarra voices with ideas worth spreading.
The event will move to the University of Wollongong’s UniHall on 1 May, allowing a larger audience to hear speakers tackle the theme ‘current’.
TEDxWollongong director Fairlie Hamilton said the theme was inspired by the forces that moved Wollongong, from the ocean currents along the coastline to the currents of energy, industry, people, ideas and culture shaping its future.
Ms Hamilton said current reflected a city and community in constant motion.
“Current is about the things that move us, and we’re looking for ideas that have the power to move others,” she said.
“If you see something differently, or have an idea, experience or perspective worth spreading that could make someone see the world in a new way, we want to hear from you.”
The announcement was made at an exclusive launch event this month, where guests were given a taste of the calibre of talent and ideas from the Illawarra through talks from 2026 speakers Jack Brown and Kylee Dennis.
Mr Brown’s talk shared his personal story of losing his cousin to suicide and how that spurred on the formation of his charity, while Ms Dennis’ talk provided personal insights on how “your next great love story could be a crime scene”.
“It was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done,” Ms Dennis said.
“I walked off that stage and felt like I’d won an Oscar.”
Her talk has reached nearly 650,000 views on the official TEDx YouTube channel.
Other speakers this year included Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Carlie Schofield, John Pabon, Nuwangi Cooray, Isobel Bee, Kylie Moffitt, Dr Greg Ryder, Dr Meghan Dares, Dr Emanuela Brusadelli, Project Bucephalus, and Jo Burston.
Applications to speak for next year’s event are open and will close at midnight on 29 January, while tickets to the event for the community will go on sale in early 2027.
No licence restriction on audience size will allow for a larger crowd for the event.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for organisations wanting to support TEDxWollongong and its program of local and global ideas.
“TEDxWollongong creates a space for people to connect, exchange ideas and see what’s possible for our region, and we’re looking for partners who want to help give local voices a platform while bringing the wider community into new conversations,” Ms Hamilton said.
“Supporting TEDx is an investment in the ideas and people shaping Wollongong’s future.”
Speaker applications, sponsorship enquiries and further details on TEDxWollongong 2027 are available via the TEDxWollongong website and Instagram.
The TEDxWollongong 2027 event will be held at the University of Wollongong’s UniHall from 1 pm on Saturday 1 May. Tickets will go on sale in early 2027.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can contact Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call triple zero.
