Stories that Stir - MELBOURNE - HOPE

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

At this event, six courageous storytellers will share their 10-minute raw and personal stories, linked to the theme HOPE, in all its shapes and forms.

Meet your storytellers:

Frying pans to Firing range - Adrian Keltie

Adrian was a happy go lucky 28 year old chef who had spent the early part of his working life in the Ski Slopes and Tropical Islands across Victoria and Queensland. His life changed dramatically on March 11th 1991, the day he walked through the gates of The Victoria Police Academy.
In just 7 years he was broken and lost, a shell of the person he was. Hear his story on how he got to the lowest point of his life and the challenges it took to get as close back to normality as possible.

Resilient Dreams - Mariam El Houli

From teenage motherhood to fleeing war, Mariam Elhouli's life has been a series of challenges. Yet, she persisted, returning to school, becoming an author, and founding a successful business. Now, at 35, a mother of five, she embarks on a new chapter—her dream of becoming a film director. Her inspiring journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Heartbeat of Hope - Jennifer Natale

Jennifer faced unimaginable challenges on her journey to motherhood. After four years, seven IVF transfers, and three heartbreaking miscarriages, she was told this last pregnancy was not viable—no heartbeat. Determined, she sought a second opinion that same day and then, in front of her eyes, her son's heart began to beat. Our little man was determined to be here, and here he definitely is!

Wanderlust - Rob Prugue

Wanderlust is defined as a strong impulse towards wandering, or the Anglo equivalent of “walkabout”.  But it is often during our own personal walkabouts where we recapture ourselves as we walk through different lands and challenges. Rob’s 900 km spiritual journey on the Camino de Santiago offered many challenges, all of which inspired his recapturing hope. 

A Migrant's Journey - Vinesh Balan

When Vinesh moved to Australia in 2018 with big dreams, hopes and aspirations, he was sure he’d easily ease into the challenge. He had the experience, qualifications, and confidence to start fresh.
But.. the people, culture, accent, weather... everything was different. He thought he could settle into all of it when he secured a job. Which took a long, long time! What happened in those months transformed his life forever.

Darkness to Light - Deborah Dickinson

Shattered by tragedy at a young age, Deborah climbed the wrong mountain, discovering only emptiness at the top. But in her darkest hour, she rediscovered her true self - the Feminine Warrior within. From the lush landscapes of New Zealand to the cutthroat corporate world, Deborah’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

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