By Margaret Maccoll
Sex, periods, domestic violence, suicide and alcohol are just some of the topics of “uncomfortable conversations” parents and teachers no longer need avoid with their children thanks to Tasha Lawton, who has devised an online education system to “normalise” them.
Called Talk Revolution, Tasha’s business creates a video-based education tool that is already being used by parents and 75 schools across Australia.
The video content comprises young people discussing the uncomfortable issues so it not only breaks the ice in communications but is more readily accepted by their peers.
“It’s by the kids for the kids – that makes it awesome,” she said.”If you’re not having the uncomfortable conversations with your kids then who is?” she asks.
Tasha was one of 15 creative entrepreneurs who refined their business ideas and projects through a 10-week program with help from an array of mentors in a program called The Refinery. The initiative of the Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance, Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore ended last Friday with the creatives pitching their business ideas at the Peregian Digital Hub. Among the diverse group of start-ups was the Wildlings Forest School. Set up by Nicki Farrell and Vicci Oliver the Wildlings runs programs to enable children of school and pre-school age to enjoy adventurous play in nature. Another inventive idea was the development of a phone App which provides audio documentaries at GPS locations such as national parks. Called Georamble the project by Shannon Sol Carroll is aimed at hikers who want to know more about their environment from various experts. Shannon’s pilot in a proposed series of documentaries is on Mt Coolum with the content delivered by University of the Sunshine Coast environmental scientist Dr Javier Leon.
For more information on The Refinery visit www.therefinerysunshinecoast.com.
