Mercedes College Makes History as Western Australia’s First School to Host a TEDx Event
In April 2026, Mercedes College Perth made history as the first school in Western Australia to host an official TEDx Youth event, bringing the internationally recognised platform for “ideas worth spreading” to the heart of Perth’s CBD.
Held in the College’s Performing Arts Centre, TEDx Mercedes College Youth brought students together under the theme Illuminate, encouraging them to shine a light on the ideas, experiences and issues that matter to them.
Sixteen student speakers took to the TEDx stage, sharing their perspectives on a diverse range of topics, from personal reflections and lived experiences to broader social and global issues. Each presentation reflected the thoughtfulness, creativity and courage of the students, as they challenged themselves to communicate their ideas with confidence and purpose.
For Mercedes College, the event represented much more than an opportunity to take to the stage. It was a celebration of student voice and the importance of empowering young people to think deeply, engage with the world around them and contribute meaningfully to conversations that can inspire positive change.
As a Mercy school, Mercedes College is committed to nurturing young people who are compassionate, courageous and willing to use their gifts in service of others. TEDx Mercedes College Youth provided a unique opportunity for students to live out these values, giving them a platform to share their voices and explore ideas that have the potential to influence their communities and the world beyond the College gates.
Hosting an official TEDx Youth event was also a significant undertaking for the College community. The success of the event reflected the enthusiasm and dedication of the students and staff involved in bringing the TEDx experience to life and creating an occasion worthy of this significant milestone.
The event marked an exciting chapter for Mercedes College and demonstrated what is possible when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement and platform to share their ideas.
The College is incredibly proud of the 16 students who stepped forward to share their voices and of the broader community who supported this landmark event.
We invite the Mercy community to explore the collection of TEDx Mercedes College Youth talks and hear the ideas, stories and perspectives of these inspiring young people.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze $6.6 billion in funding for projects that support bold solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges — working to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.
