• Charles Sturt University is a founding partner of the inaugural TEDx Wagga Wagga event

Charles Sturt University academics will lend their voices to the inaugural TEDx Wagga Wagga event to inspire the community and discuss important global topics.

Inspired by the Wiradjuri translation of Wagga Wagga, the event: ‘a dance of ideas’, is being held at the Charles Sturt Riverina Playhouse on Saturday 18 November and will bring the community together to listen to local innovators inspire and educate.

The guest speakers will discuss a range of topics that will spark debate and create connections.

Six of the eight speakers are from Charles Sturt and include:

• Taxonomist leading the parasitology teaching and research team in the Charles Sturt  School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences in Wagga Wagga, Professor Shokoofeh Shamsi
• Director of Charles Sturt’s Global Digital Farm, Mr Jon Medway
• Speech pathologist and early childhood researcher, Charles Sturt Associate Professor in Speech and Language Pathology Sarah Verdon
• Senior Lecturer in the Charles Sturt School of Information and Communication Studies at Charles Sturt Dr Yazdan Mansourian
• Psychology academic and researcher, Dr Rachel Hogg
• Filmmaker and author, Mr Bernard Higgins
• Comedian Mr Dane Simpson
• Forensic Medical Practitioner and Mental Health Drug and Alcohol GP, Dr Jonathan Ho

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement for Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga Mr David Bardos said the University is committed to innovation and ideas.

Mr Bardos said TEDx Wagga Wagga will showcase the strength of regional communities and empowers them to share their ideas globally.

“Charles Sturt University takes immense pride in being a foundation sponsor of TEDx Wagga Wagga,” he said.

“Our commitment to regional communities aligns perfectly with the event’s core values.

“The University’s strategic presence in regional areas fosters education, skill development, and community engagement.

“We believe in nurturing innovation tailored to regional needs, ultimately promoting growth and sustainability.

“This event fosters cross-disciplinary engagement, leaving a local and global impact, all while contributing to community building.”

The TEDx event will be held on Saturday 18 November at the Charles Sturt Riverina Playhouse from 5pm for a 6pm start. Tickets are sold-out but the event will be livestreamed on Facebook.