After a successful launch event in May that received rave reviews, Brisbane Stories that Stir™ is back!
Produced by fabulous local host Willow Pryor, it will be an incredible evening leaving you feeling inspired, uplifted, and stirred.

Join us on 18th August, where you'll hear from six courageous people, who'll be sharing their 10-minute raw and personal story, linked to the theme RESILIENCE, in all its shapes and forms.

The Stories that Stir™ event series was designed to break down barriers, stir conversation, and inspire positive change.

Audience members rave about how good it feels to spend a lovely evening, listening to other people's funny, moving, and inspiring stories and how connected to humanity the event makes them feel.

Please join us for an afternoon of extraordinary stories that will make you laugh, cry, and view the world in a different light.

Meet your storytellers:

Refugee Resilience – Eric Em

Eric recounts his family's harrowing escape from war-torn Vietnam, a journey confronted with unimaginable dangers. From cramped fishing boats to ruthless pirates, from desolate refugee camps to the promise of a new life in Australia, this gripping tale explores the depths of human resilience. Eric's extraordinary story of survival offers a raw, unflinching look at the refugee experience and the indomitable spirit that propels us forward in the darkest times.

"I Do" to "I Won't" – Martin Brooker

Martin’s dream wedding was called off, with only ten weeks to go. w A complete shock - and the right decision. This powerful story chronicles a journey of being pushed abruptly into standing in truth, confronting harsh realities, and looking beyond the mirror. It explores the profound strength found in honesty, the courage to face reality head-on, and the transformative process of changing course to rediscover one's true self, with no expectations of reconciliation.

A Cow's Life - Robert Pekin

Robert lives on the land with his heart well and truly out on his sleeve. He describes his warts and all passage of a sometimes flawed character stumbling through to an eventual epiphany that he must live his dairy farm through his cows' eyes to really understand what's going on.

The Void - Jasmine Watson

From an early age, Jasmine was a prisoner inside her mind. She delves into the complexity of mental struggles, especially as a teenager striving to find her place in the world. Through her profound battles, she weaves a narrative of resilience and growth, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for others on similar paths.

Big Little Steps - Alison Maclean

Living with multiple disabilities and painful medical conditions makes ordinary life challenging for Alison. Every day she asks herself what steps she can take today to keep going. Her steps can be big or tiny and she is proud of all her achievements from speaking up at Parliamentary House to managing her pain.

Resilient Heart – Judy King

Seven cities. Five reinventions. Four chances to rise from the ashes. Judy's journey of unwavering resilience is a captivating story of love, loss, and relentless grit. Get swept away by her whirlwind life as she tackles career upheavals, embraces motherhood, and relocates across countries.

*Event is 18+

*Trigger warning: Story content may include sensitive topics such as trauma, suicide, death etc

About Food Connect Shed and WAU Kitchen (who will be catering the event)

Owned by the community for the community, The Food Connect Shed is a place for connection, creation and change.

WAU Kitchen is a culinary haven where the heart and soul of African flavours, meet the art of modern cooking.

Vegetarian Option includes:
2 Vege samosas
Egglplant salad
Sukuma
1 Baklava

Non-Vegetarian Option includes:
2 Veg samosas
Eggplant salad
Peanut butter chicken stew
1 Baklava