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

Come and listen to six storytellers, who will each share their 10-minute raw and personal story on the topic of GROWTH, in all its shapes and forms.

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

xxx Monica

Meet your storytellers:

Pleasure Power – Freya Wolf

This story follows the intimate life of a young woman who is blind and deeply sensual. As she comes of age, she grapples with her identity as a disabled woman, exploring worth, power, and belonging while insidious forces permeate her sensuality.

It’s the story of a dance between one woman’s desire under the weight of patriarchy and ableism, and the embodied reclamation of innate sexual power.

Community Made– Rugare Gomo

Rugare Gomo is the first gay, Black, African-Australian to write and publish his memoir. He came to Australia by himself aged 16, with one suitcase, a backpack, and $300. In his story, he shares his journey of thriving and loving himself and others despite facing discrimination and racism in every facet of society.

Tara Sadeghian Grief to Grace

Tara's journey unfolds as she navigates the shadow of loss after her mother’s death on her birthday. For nearly 20 years, she wrestled with grief, until a transformative milestone at the age of 50 opens her heart to love. Tara comes to realise that life didn’t end that heart-breaking day; instead, it began anew. As she surrenders to the grief, she learns to embrace joy and love amidst the chaos of sorrow. "

Tragedy to Triumph – Matt Ireland

After a brain injury during a New Zealand backpacking trip, Matt’s life was shattered—24 hours in a coma, a week in ICU, and a month in rehab. At 27, Matt's journey of resilience is a powerful testament to the human spirit. His story reminds us that even when life breaks us, we have the strength to rebuild and emerge stronger than before.

Woman Rising - Maedeh Najafi

Maedeh, a devout Muslim woman, has lived her life strictly adhering to religious rules and societal expectations. However, everything changes when she makes the unexpected decision to remove her headscarf. This choice sets off a chain reaction, with her family turning against her and pushing her to the verge of a breakdown. Her world collapses under a cascade of life. Despite the turmoil, one thing remains clear: her three-year-old son needs her.

Brit Force - Roger Vertannes

Growing-up in London as the youngest of 10 children, Roger had to rid himself of being the anxious people pleaser and take responsibility for what he wanted in life. After running and growing his family-owned businesses, then Roger faced the daunting risks of moving his own family to Australia at the age of forty with no plan, no visa, no job and no network. Roger shares his inner battles with his loss of identity, self-confidence and shattering rejections, through to now, in living his best life.

Please arrive by 7pm to enjoy a drink and mingling. Seating at 7.20pm with the storytelling commencing at 7.30pm sharp.

* If you'd like to have dinner beforehand, the bistro downstairs serves delicious meals.

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

*18+ event

Contact the host of Stories that Stir - SYDNEY - GROWTH