Theme for this month

Dare To Begin

A night of true stories capturing the moment someone finally dared to begin, the hurdles that shaped the journey, and the spark that reminds us why starting is everything.

About:The Story Room at Bucketty’s Brewery

The ancient art of storytelling comes to life as six storytellers from diverse walks of life take the stage to share true, deeply personal stories. Set in the warm and friendly atmosphere of Bucketty’s Brewing Co. Brookvale, this unique event invites you to relax with a beer, enjoy a meal, and connect with your community. Expect laughter, drama, and maybe even a few tears as you experience an evening of real stories that entertain, inspire, and bring people together here on the Northern Beaches.
Check out the Bucketty's and the menu

https://www.buckettys.com.au/p...
Please Note: Venue will be open from 5.15pm allowing time for you to order a meal and have a drink before the entertainment commences at 7pm sharp.

About Furry Friends

While Bucketty’s is proudly dog-friendly, we kindly ask that you leave your furry friends at home for The Story Room nights. As this is a private event, the space can get quite full, and in respect to our storytellers and the intimate nature of the evening, we appreciate your understanding. Thanks so much for helping us create the best possible environment for everyone involved.

Meet the Storytellers (in no particular order)

Kal Glanznig, Anne McKeown, Sonny Bui, Dr Caroline West, Christo Hall, Simone Allan
Bio's and Story Golden Threads below

Kal Glanznig

Kal Glanznig is one of Australia’s leading youth ocean and climate champions, dedicated to building a generation of hopeful, action-driven environmental leaders. In the past year, he has inspired over 20,000 people in person through keynote talks, school programs, and Q&A film screenings of his documentary Rising Up. Elected in 2024 as the youngest independent Councillor in the Sutherland Shire, one of Sydney’s largest coastal communities, he is driving local climate action through transformative sustainability strategies. Creator of the acclaimed documentary Rising Up, Kal first made headlines in high school after delivering a $100,000, 100 kW solar panel project that inspired over 20 schools to follow suit. He later co-founded Plastic Free Cronulla, a community movement that helped secure New South Wales’ legislative ban on single-use plastics, and co-founded Blue Minds, a national program empowering young Australians to tackle eco-anxiety and lead ocean action. A multiple TEDx and United Nations Climate Change speaker (COP27, COP28 & COP30), Kal was named Sutherland Shire Young Australian of the Year (2020) and Environmental Citizen of the Year (2023). He served on the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council and is an ambassador for Take 3 for the Sea, Ocean Lovers Festival and Better Futures Australia. A passionate aquatic athlete, Kal has also represented Australia in water polo at the Youth World Championships.

Anne McKeown

Anne's Story Golden Thread - "To Be or Not To Be an Author"

Anne McKeown is a multi-award-winning business owner and coach. Her company, 2Mpower Coaching, has received accolades for its impact in women’s leadership, personal development and social contribution. Anne is a dynamic and deeply authentic voice in the world of self-empowerment and personal transformation. With over 25 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, philanthropy and life coaching, Anne guides others to “step up, speak up and show up” to reclaim their confidence, purpose and power. Anne is also a professional speaker and celebrated author whose recent book Confident Communication brings together two of her best-selling titles: Public Speaking: From Stage Fright to Spotlight and How to Talk to Anyone: From Small Talk to Big Impact. This powerful compilation is designed to help readers overcome fear, build lasting confidence, and express themselves calmy and clearly in any situation: on stage, at work, or in everyday relationships. Her writing is known for being practical, encouraging and transformative, reflecting the same energy she brings to her life coaching and speaking engagements.

Sonny Bui

Sonny's Story Golden Thread "I won’t let the knowledge and wisdom be lost with time"

After 25 years working in corporate, Sonny pivoted to Chinese Medicine. At 50 years old, most of the time his mind is on Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Tai Chi. Sonny's journey that "dared to begin again", has allowed him to help other people to change their health-story. Sonny thinks he has another 50-70 more years to offer this world.

Dr Caroline West

Dr Caroline is one of Australia's best known media doctors specialising in preventative health. Caroline has been the host of many TV shows including Beyond 2000, Good Medicine , Ask the Doctor, and Catalyst. She moved to the Manly area about 5 years ago and is a keen bold and beautiful swimmer. But her secret passion is music. Acclaimed as a songwriter , she has written songs for a couple of Golden Guitar winners, TV documentaries and has recently released a new EP of songs . The Little Things, West & Young EP is available on itunes, apple music and spotify.

Christo Hall

*Christo's Golden Thread-"Lessons from professional surfing applied to business"***

From Professional Surfer to Renowned Entrepreneur Christo was a professional surfer for 9 years competing on the international circuit and won the Australian Masters National Surfing title in 2025 and 2022. He has unique experience from professional surfing, to launching and running many businesses and is the co-founder of Basic Bananas, Australia’s leading marketing mentoring organization for business owners. Christo has developed a reputation for being a highly sought after presenter, business mentor and peak performance strategist having assisted to add millions in additional revenue to his client’s bottom line. He is described as having a sixth sense for business and a true innovator when it comes to his mindset strategies. Christo is regularly featured in the media for his innovative thinking including: The Today Show (Channel Nine live TV), a regular on radio, was the host of the BankWest Business Insights Podcast, Virgin Inflight Entertainment, TEDx and many more. He is the author of 3 bestselling books ‘Beyond the Break’, ‘Perception’ and ‘Bananas About Marketing’.

Simone Allan

Simone's "Golden Thread" for her story"

That’s all it takes to start a life changing chapter — one sentence said out loud, written down, spoken to yourself in a mirror, whispered in the dark when no one is watching.

Simone Allan is a respected Australian social impact leader, entrepreneur, and founder of the Women’s Resilience Centre (WRC). With more than 30 years in executive search and leadership development, founding Mondo Search and Mondo Mentor, organisations dedicated to building capable, connected, and future-ready leaders. Simone’s early life experiences shaped her deep commitment to community, trauma-informed recovery, and the power of belonging. After beginning her career in psychology, human resources, and corporate leadership, she established Mondo Search at just 31. Since then, she has interviewed over 25,000 executives and placed more than 2,800 leaders across Australia, giving her rare insight into culture, resilience, and human potential. Her own journey through burnout and recovery prompted a decade of advocacy in the mental health sector, including board roles with Lived Experience Australia and ongoing service with South Pacific Private Hospital. This work and the loss of her brother during the pandemic sparked the creation of the Women’s Resilience Centre, a national initiative providing long-term trauma recovery programs, women’s health support, financial resilience pathways, and community-based mentoring. Simone is also the co-host of Grit Diaries on NB Radio and the Kintsugi Heroes podcast, sharing stories of everyday courage and transformation. She recently completed 200 hours of yoga teacher training, integrating body-based healing practices into her work. Grounded by family, the ocean, and a lifelong belief in the strength of community, Simone champions a simple truth: “If we do not repair, we will repeat.” Her keynote message for Story Room Global is an invitation to every individual: Dare to Begin. Just one sentence. Just one mind map. Paint the picture. Let your pain guide you to your purpose. Trumpet to your trusted tribe. Listen to those who ignite. Be careful who you let near your mind. And begin—before you feel ready.

Because Everyone has a story!

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now.

Contact the host of Story Room Global February 3rd 2026