Storytelling and Harvesting

Storytelling and capturing stories are important tools for communication, connection and progress. They connect us as humans and can take place anywhere and anytime. Storytelling connect the generations in the moment and harvesting enable stories to live on. Many believe that storytelling and harvesting is a unique skill reserved for elders, writers, artists or children. However, we can all be storytellers.

This workshop is for anyone interested in building their ability to capture and tell stories. 

During this 1-day interactive workshop, you will learn: 

• the purpose of storytelling and harvesting 

• the role storytelling and harvesting can play in your work 

• how to tell and capture stories 

• how to use storytelling for influence 

• how storytelling can be used as data 

9:30am start – begin our journey into storytelling and harvesting and who we all are 

Exploring participatory practices across the day 

Include mini breaks (10-15 mins) and a lunch break (45 mins)

Please contact one of the facilitators if cost is an issue.

Your facilitators for this workshop are:

Steph Bitter is a young and enthusiastic individual, passionate about supporting people to realise and express the most authentic version of themselves. With a background as a writer, performing musician and songwriter, they studied a Diploma of Community Services to align their passion for rights and social justice with a love of connecting with people. Steph blends Asset-Based Community Development, Participatory Community Development, and Person-Centred practices to support individuals and communities to find belonging and create authentic meaning in their lives.

Fiona Miller is a creative conduit with a diverse back ground that includes community development, creative & visual arts, early years, education, bushfire recovery, inclusion, community houses, community gardens and more. Having worked within a variety of organisations/agencies and local governments she has a broad understanding of the diversity of organisational structures.
As a facilitator, graphic harvester or community member, contributing to community for making great places and participating in community led projects that are sustainable are her focus. She loves nothing more than watching people and projects grow and uses creative arts, ABCD and strengths based practices as platforms for discovering and exploring community futures.
Supporting our young people to explore their own place within community is something she sees as particularly important. Everyone deserves to feel safe and be included and we can build relationships and have fun while we do it.

Chontelle Jannese is an experienced and passionate facilitator with a diverse background spanning 20 years in disabilities, mental health, sexuality, and supporting remote communities. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to person-centred approaches that empower individuals and build stronger, more inclusive communities. As a Project Officer under the Partners in Recovery (PIR) initiative, Chontelle demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating complex service landscapes to connect people with the supports they need.

Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector has been further enriched by her leadership in the Together Home program, where she worked to provide stable housing and wraparound supports to those experiencing homelessness across Western and Hinter NSW. Chontelle’s extensive experience also includes working within the NDIS, where she has focused on ensuring people with disabilities can exercise choice and control over their supports. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy shines through in her facilitation work. She creates safe, inclusive spaces for conversation and learning, helping participants explore new ideas and solutions that foster resilience and wellbeing.

Beyond her professional life, Chontelle is an adventurous spirit with a love of cameleering and swimming. She enjoys exploring the Australian bush, always ready for a new adventure or a quiet moment reading by a campfire. These hobbies keep her grounded and inspired, bringing a unique energy and perspective to her facilitation style.

Vic Tyler - I am an educator and trainer I established and managed a tertiary college known as “Art and Pottery School”. I established a primary and secondary school” Fern Valley Montessori School” I am a current Director of “Hamlet Place" a not for profit that manages a group home that uses self-management principles and focuses on Person Centered Practice and active support to achieve goals and outcomes.

I have completed the Masters of Health Science (Developmental Disability) with The University of Sydney with major studies in Mental Health and Disability. I have experience in preparing Behaviour Support Plans and Support Coordination and client assessment to enable a good life and to reduce restrictive practice. I have a passion for inclusion of people who are marginalized. Empowering and enabling community has been a major driver throughout my life journey.