Stories that Stir - NORTHERN RIVERS - CHOICES

After two magical events in Kingscliff, Stories that Stir™, local host Bettina Deda, has found a gorgeous new venue in Tyalgum, which is going to take this event to the next level.

Join us on 5th May where you'll hear from six wonderful people, who will be sharing their 10-minute raw and personal story, linked to the theme CHOICES, 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.

You will have the choice between two ticket options:

• Lunch package (1:30 - 5pm) or
• Storytelling only (3 - 5pm)

Lunch will be served at Flutterbies before the storytelling, including an appetiser and main dish, pre-booked. All guests will enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival.

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:

James Francis - Another Day

James had a comfortable and successful middle-class life. That was until, within a month, he left his marriage, lost his health, sanity, and nearly his life. And so began an unimaginable transition to rebuild a life of resilience and self-discovery, choosing to turn the worst moment of his life into the best and draw on the incredible strength shown by others along the way.

Leanne McPherson -  Manic Daze

A humorous take on one woman’s journey, navigating the highs and lows of Bipolar Affective Disorder 1, and the choices she made that shaped her life. Despite many challenges Leanne had to overcome, she managed to go through life with a smile on her face. 

Solar Chapel - Embracing Nature

Though raised in a renowned Australian ballroom dancing family, Solar Chapel's path diverged. At 20, he fled to London to pursue acting. Years later, a friend's invitation changed everything. Visiting Tyalgum, Solar found himself spellbound by the region's untamed beauty and creative energy. Abandoning city life, he embraced his newfound muse - nature's boundless inspiration - trading footlights for authenticity's revelations.

Jessica Dahlberg -  Unyielding Love

Jess tells her journey as a carer, bearing witness to her teenage daughter’s battle through suicide attempts. Facing daily uncertainty, Jess makes choices that tell of the strength and potential of our human spirit. From hospital beds to the tranquillity of the Northern Rivers to the tactics she used to navigate events that were out of her control.

Matt Nemes - Athlete’s Evolution

Starting out as a very determined young athlete in the Hills District of Sydney to travelling the world as a football goalkeeper, Matt shares his choices on his journey from athlete to business owner.  He is now living on the beautiful Gold Coast with his wife, 3 sons, 2 businesses and a full-time job. He is fascinated by the way people think, the way people interact as part of a team to achieve a common goal, and what it takes to be successful. 

Vanessa Barrington - Book Birthing

Vanessa always knew the power of stories. What she didn't realise until 2022 was how the stories we hide or ignore can lead us to make difficult choices. This story explores the intersection between creativity, entrepreneurship, spirituality and personal growth. It questions the role of fear when it comes to personal choice and will encourage you to consider your own soul’s purpose.

*Event is 18+

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