Ted Shares His Story at the Festival of Ideas

Yesterday, author Ted Setnikar shared the story of his harrowing childhood and journey to a happier life as part of the Adelaide Festival of Ideas (AFoI).

Ted joined social entrepreneur Georgia Heath and ACH Group Head of Service Design and Product Innovation Ivy Diegmann to present his ideas on ‘Reinvent, rediscover and have a voice.’

Born in Slovenia in 1948, Ted was sold to a farmer at the age of four and endured years of physical and mental abuse before being placed in an orphanage and escaping the country in 1967. He faced further challenges when he migrated at a time when homosexuality was illegal.

At the age of 58, Ted has found peace and happiness, working as a volunteer for two organisations, living with his partner and practicing a Japanese form of Buddhism. Ted shared his story in his recent book The Lacemaker’s Son. He donates all proceeds from the book to The Hutt Street Centre in Adelaide.

ACH Group’s membership network The Exchange unveiled a brand new look at the festival. Ivy says this network, which is open to anyone aged 50 plus, provides opportunity for reinvention, from film-making and creative writing to e-learning and breaking habits.

“The Baby Boomer generation is moving into the next stage of life and getting older is being disrupted,” she says. “Retirement is out, and people over 60 running for president, creating new enterprises and taking on leading roles is in. This network is a great way for people to get involved, expand their horizons and try something new.” 

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