Quarterly 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 linked to the theme of SERENDIPITY, 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 Stephanie Rother, Arnaum Walkley, and Marie Bampton (your Sunshine Coast Stories that Stir™ dream team)

If you plan to eat dinner at the venue, please arrive by 5pm to give yourself plenty of time. Otherwise, arrive by 6 pm to enjoy a drink and mingle. The storytelling will commence at 6.30 pm sharp.

Meet your Storytellers:

Through Adversity - Desiree Taylor

At the young age of 26, Desiree found herself lying in a hospital bed saying goodbye to her family. She had gone from being an elite athlete to a drug addict, back to playing hockey for NSW, to not being able to walk or talk, then temporarily losing her eyesight. Now at almost 40 years old, Desiree is thriving and has found balance, freedom, meaning, and strength through her adversity.

Walking Free - Jesse Esguerra

Over ten years ago, a devastating accident nearly shattered Jesse’s world. Struck by a truck while cycling, he sustained severe injuries that left him partially paralyzed. Last year, he embarked on a solo adventure in Central America to walk across Costa Rica—a challenge to redefine his limits. Along the way, he experienced the kindness of strangers, unexpected inner strength, and the unplanned moments that set him up for new challenges ahead.

Growing forward - Charlotte Hillenbrand

When the world closed during the pandemic it wasn’t long before international airline pilot Charlotte Hillenbrand lost her job. But she would soon experience that losing a job is nothing compared to losing a whole career. As serendipity would have it, she found she was well prepared for the change.

Beautiful Destruction - Jaryd Cooper

From the thundering rush of racing motorcycles to the silent depths of a coma, Jaryd's adrenaline junkie's journey takes an explosive turn when a 200km/h collision rewrites his story. Emerging from the wreckage, he discovers that life's greatest thrill isn't in the speed of the race, but in helping others find their path to recovery. A raw testament to the power of reinvention and the healing force of purpose.

Meant to Me - Bhavna Megh

One life-altering event might have been enough to change anyone’s path, but Bhavna chose one, then another, and then more—each more powerful than the last. Are these challenges the creation of her own making, or have they been guiding forces, aligning her with her true purpose? This is the story of resilience, transformation, and the power of choosing your destiny.

Ultimately Feminine - Monique Jeremiah

Monique Jeremiah is the highly feminine Growing up, Monique always dreamed of being like all the other girls - wearing makeup, pretty dresses, doing dance lessons, and being girlish. However, her childhood was the complete opposite. A chance hair appointment at 35 led her to change fate to become ultimately feminine and the leading lady behind Diversity Models modelling agency and Mon Cheri Design Inclusive Fashion.

* 18+ event

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