Taku Scrutton is a Zimbabwe-born writer, comedian and podcaster based in Melbourne. Taku's stories inspire people to celebrate their uniqueness and dream boldly.
Current Work
Her podcast Two Words with Taku, won the Writing + Podcast prize in frankie magazine's 2018 Good Stuff Awards.
With over 10 years’ experience speaking to young people in schools and at youth leadership events, Taku has worked with organisations such as Halogen Foundation Australia, the Australia Day Council of WA, The Smith Family Foundation, Mission Australia, Mueller College and several schools and local government councils.
She is also producing a kids' television series based on her picture book Multicultural Me, published in 2015. In 2017, Taku produced a radio play of her short story JoYOLO, which aired on Melbourne community radio station PBS FM.
Previous Experience
Speaking:In 2016, Taku was a guest speaker at the Youth Affairs Council of WA’s inaugural Catalyst Youth Summit in Perth and facilitated their first ‘Shout Out’ program, teaching public speaking skills to young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. In July 2018, Taku was announced as a host of The Moth StorySlam competition in Melbourne.
Talking Points
Celebrate, Share, Maximise
An inspirational talk designed to encourage audiences to celebrate themselves, their culture and heritage; share their differences, stories, and talents with others; and maximise their differences for personal and career success.
Celebrate, Share, Maximise
African Girl Sings John Farnham to get onto Australian TV
How a one-minute audition video singing John Farnham's 'You're the Voice' gave Taku the chance to interview Australia's Prime Minister on national television.
African Girl Sings John Farnham to get onto Australian TV
Rags to Almost-Riches
The story of Taku's journey to Australia from Zimbabwe, her founding Ribbon of Africa, and how she left Richard Branson lost for words.
Rags to Almost-Riches
Yearn to Learn
Taku speaks inspiringly about her education in the classroom, the workplace and life.
Yearn to Learn
Ms Scrutton spoke of her determination to complete her studies and build a strong future for herself and her family in a most inspirational way, and students, staff, industry partners and pa ... keep reading Liz Harris, CEO, Challenger Institute of Technology, and Telstra Business Women's Award Winner 2009
Your presentation gave attendees a great insight into your business activities and the significant contribution you are making to the Western Australian community.
Taku supports charities and initiatives to promote multiculturalism in Australia, and I believe she embodies the best traits of what it means to be Australian, while still holding true to the traditions of her original culture.
The fabric of our community has been enriched by the contributions of people such as yourself.
Thank you for attending our celebration of cultural diversity. I appreciate the time and support that you have given to Multicultural Day.
