Embracing the awkwardness of human conversation, Awkward Conversations offers a unique opportunity for intimate one-on-one conversations in experimental formats, tackling anxieties, debilitating habits and hard-to-talk-about subjects like mental health. Awkward Conversations expand the idea of how conversation may work. Conversations can be difficult, so how can we make them easier, different and explore our conversational mode to encourage diverse approaches to meaningful exchange.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience Parragirls Past, Present: Unlocking memories of institutional ‘care.’ This is a 3D immersive narrative experience offering a unique perspective on Parramatta Girls Home, a former state-controlled child welfare institution situated adjacent to the convict-era Parramatta Female Factory in western Sydney, Australia. Up until the early 1980s, ‘children at risk’ were held in this place and subjected to unwarranted punishment, neglect and abuse.

Meet the Awkward Conversationalists //

DEBRA KEENAHAN
Take a walk with Debra and see what it’s like for to walk down the street. Hear about her experience and have a chat eye-to-eye.
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JANDAMARRA CADD
Share a dialogue with Jandamarra A Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Warung man about the effects that colonisation has and is continuing to have on our First Nations people in Australia. And how the hidden truth of what has really gone on in this country is a major reason why the healing process to walk forward together as a nation may never actually happen.. He also opens up about how the rippling effects intergenerational trauma almost took his life a few times and is a reality within his family and so many from the community nationally.. 
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TRISTAN MEECHAM
With harrowing reports from the recent Aged Care Commission, join Tristan Meecham in a frank design discussion around ageing, care, community and inclusion. How would you design ‘The Nursing Home of the Future’ in order to create an ageing utopia?
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