The Story Room August 5th 2025

Theme for this month

The Unexpected Teacher

Teachers don't always come in classrooms or carry titles. The best lessons often arrive when and where you least expect them.

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. 

Meet the Storytellers (in no particular order)

Dr Jennifer Hamer

Dr. Jennifer Hamer (BSc, MSc, PhD) is an award-winning researcher, practitioner, speaker, and advocate whose work sits at the intersection of sport, mental health, and eating disorder prevention. A former elite athlete, Jennifer brings a powerful lived experience of navigating an eating disorder in high-performance sport—an experience that almost took her life but one that shaped her passion for systemic change and athlete wellbeing.

Jennifer is the lead author of several nationally and internationally recognised research publications, and national workshops including “What’s a Coach to Do?”, a national initiative by Swimming Australia, and the Australian Institute of Sport-supported project “Physique Considerations in Specific Sports.” Her research and advocacy have helped shape national education programs, policy, and sector-wide change.

She has presented at major events including the ANZAED conference on Eating Disorders (ICED), the Women in Sport Conference, and Parliament House in NSW, where she recently briefed MPs on improving early intervention and support for eating disorders.

Jennifer’s story has been featured across platforms including ABC News,  Sydney Morning Herals, and InsideOut Institute, where she is a collaborator in driving research translation. She is currently a high performance consultant at the Australian Sports Commission and also serves as an athlete wellbeing manager for National Sporting Organisations.

Today, Jennifer combines her academic and professional expertise with her powerful personal narrative to help sporting organisations, professionals, and communities better understand the risks and realities of eating disorders in sport—and what can be done to prevent them.

Craig Stevens

Craig is the CEO of LocalKind, an organisation dedicated to providing support and compassion to those who have fallen through the cracks of society—marginalised individuals who are often overlooked and left to suffer. With over 16 years of experience in mental health, social services, and leadership,

A survivor of chronic sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, Craig carries the weight of intergenerational trauma, with four generations of domestic violence and child abuse on his maternal side. This difficult history, combined with experiences of spiritual abuse and rejection from the church, has shaped his unyielding commitment to kindness and forgiveness. Despite personal challenges—including caring for family members with severe mental health issues and facing his own struggles with self-sabotage, mental health challenges & PTSD —Craig remains a fierce advocate for kindness, redemption and healing.

Proud of his journey and the lessons learned through hardship. Craig is unapologetically human, acknowledging mistakes while striving for growth. Believing deeply in the power of kindness, he strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, offering not just support but a sense of belonging for those who feel invisible. Through LocalKind, Craig and his team are working to create a world where compassion and kindness are not a luxury but a necessity for everyone. He believes in the innate goodness of every human being and that by being kind and believing in redemption, lives can be changed for the better, as he is being changed. The journey is not complete.

Jessica Baird Walsh

Jess Baird Walsh is an Australian entrepreneur and innovator who has founded and led multiple ventures and initiatives across tech, innovation, and social impact.

She has lived and worked around the world, bringing a global perspective to her work. Outside of her nine to five, Jess’ work focuses on startup collaboration, female founder support, and purpose-driven initiatives.

Jess is a mother of three, and dedicated runner, having maintained a daily running streak since 2022. Through The 1000 Challenge, she’s raising funds for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation to support Indigenous leadership through sport.

Nelson Boars

Nelson is a freelance videographer operating out of the shack he lives in in Surry Hills (aptly named “The Sanctuary”). He strives to live wholly within the world he resides, expressing what he sees, thinks, and feels through the medium of poetry. He self-published his debut poetry collection “Drink Driving” in 2023, and plans to publish many, many more books throughout his (hopefully long and prosperous J) lifetime. You’ll find him on two wheels, walking slowly, or talking to strangers

Sherrie Laryse

Struggling with unexplained health challenges and searching for answers beyond traditional medicine, Sherrie Laryse turned inward. Her vivid meditations revealed complex emotional landscapes, guiding her to confront and befriend parts of herself she never knew existed. Through patient presence and deep listening, she uncovered new ways of understanding emotions and healing.

On 5th August, Sherrie Laryse will be sharing one of the most profound insights that she wrote about in her memoir, ‘The Body Talks Back’. Sherrie will be offering a fresh perspective on self-awareness and emotional wellbeing—that may ask you to rethink everything you thought you knew about emotions.

Michelle McGrath

Originally from Ireland I have lived in Australia for over 30 years. I have been working in Indigenous education for the past 8 years and have recently published my book "YELLAMUNDIE, Voices & Faces of First Nations People in Sydney". I have done numerous Author Talks at schools and corporate events and am passionate about sharing Indigenous stories to raise awareness of Indigenous culture and history.

Because Everyone has a story! 

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now.