After a successful launch in February, Stories that Stir™ is thrilled to announce its second event in Melbourne, where you can expect another evening of life-affirming and inspiring local stories. Fabulous Melbourne local, Michelle Cogley will host the event.

The Stories that Stir™ event concept was created 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.

Now you have the opportunity to experience the magic for yourself.

At Melbourne's inaugural event, you'll hear from the following six inspiring people, who will share their 10-minute raw and personal stories, linked to the theme COURAGE, in all its shapes and forms.

Courage Unstripped - Kabinga Mazaba

From the vibrant heart of Zambia, Kabinga's journey unfolds in a tale woven with threads of pain and resilience. As an only child embraced by a large family, she faced early betrayal and profound loss, navigating a world where cultural silence overshadowed her suffering. This is her courageous story of breaking free from the shadows of her past, discovering self-worth, and forging a path of healing and empowerment.

Daughters - Russell Pearson

Parenting can be hard and seems to get more complex every day. As a parent, Russell proudly embraced the role of father and protector to his three energetic daughters. That was until a brave decision caused him to redraw the contours of his own identity and reshape everything he thought to be true.

Defy the odds! - Deborah Stathis

Following a near-fatal car accident and having sustained devastating injuries, the outlook for Deborah’s future was bleak. Amongst the trauma, pain, and shock she made a courageous decision that empowered her to defy the medical odds changing the trajectory of her life, health, happiness, and success.

Dream on mate – Isabella Londero Whyte

A charming middle-aged Italian bachelor meets a spunky young Australian lady in an Italian café in Melbourne. Romance danced them back to Milano and ultimately led to Isabella. Italy was her birthplace, though Bella’s soul never felt fulfilled -- a deep longing for Australia sat in her bones. Navigating through loss and troubled relationships, this is her story of how she came home.

The first step - Chris Nemeth

Chris Nemeth was a fit healthy husband, father, professional, and community volunteer until he was injured by the Covid-19 vaccination. Left with a lifelong neurological condition, he became paralysed from the waist down. After multiple hospital admissions and some extensive time in rehab, he learned how to walk again. For Chris, courage was all about taking the first step.

Nice people take drugs - Baden Hicks

Baden’s life had been one of struggle for as long as he could remember. He battled with mental health issues from a young age and found himself on the road of problematic drug use, homelessness and locked up in prison. He searched for answers to get his life back on track and finally found it in the ground… in the form of a special magic mushroom.

Delicious food is available if you'd like to dine beforehand. If you're not planning to eat dinner at the venue,
please arrive by 7pm to enjoy a drink and mingle. Everyone will be seated by 7.20pm with the storytelling commencing at 7.30pm sharp.

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

*18+ event