The Story Room March 4th 2025

Theme  

"The Fork In The Road"

Life is full of moments when we stand at a crossroads, faced with a choice that changes everything. Stories about The Fork in the Road explore these pivotal moments—decisions big or small, deliberate or unexpected—that altered the course of your life.

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 Jodi Edwards

Jodi Edwards is a proud Yuin woman, with Dharawal kinship ties and has been raised on Dharawal Country. Jodi has been involved in learning from the environment through Mother Earth and Elders for the last 35years. Jodi has learnt from knowledge holders the value of story sharing, to help reawaken our Dharawal languages and sharing this within her landscapes, through song and dance. I have been sharing Country knowledges with all people as my reciprocity and gratitude for the lessons from Elders and Country. This has been done through story, creative writing, song, and artistic movements utilising Wayapa Wuurrk which translates to “Connect to the Earth". Jodi uses story sharing as a way to inform and Builds Cultural capacity for independence for healing and strength.
Throughout this time Jodi has advocated the use of Story Sharing, song, music, and dance as an ancient way in modern times to share Cultural knowledges. Jodi incorporates her theories supported by ancient pedogogies to strengthen Aboriginal knowledges from young people to adults. Her stories reconnect the disconnected thus building a culturally resilient, responsible, respectful, community whether you are Aboriginal or Non- Aboriginal. Through her stories Jodi links the ancient practices of reciprocity to allow all listeners to continue the journey of harmony within communities.

Ben Stammer

Ben Stammer is a former banker passionate about social entrepreneurship and a Co-Founder of ReLove. ReLove provides free, high-quality furniture and household goods to women and children affected by domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness. Clients choose what they need from the ReLove “Free Store” warehouse, and ReLove delivers and sets up their new home within days, making the transition out of crisis stress-free.

Partnering with over 75 charities across Sydney, ReLove has furnished homes for 780 families, including 1,200 children, in the past year. ReLove sources its furniture from office and hotels, suppliers and the community providing a significant environmental impact by saving over 2000T of furniture from landfill annually.

Before starting ReLove in 2020 with Ren Fernando, Ben was a banker with Deutsche Bank/Bankers Trust for 25 years and advised Indigenous-run businesses about access to loan capital. Ben is a non-executive director, a running coach and was a 2025 Australian of the Year Local Hero NSW nominee.

John Zavaglia

John Zavaglia is a Mental Health Therapist, Writer, Philosopher & creator of Mind Life.

As a therapist, John provides services in Psychotherapy & Counselling focusing on building our emotional intelligence & bolstering resilience. Its core areas of practice focus on anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma as well as alleviating phobias. John also is an advocate on Men’s Mental Health serving many males in the community. Since being in practice from February 2023, John has provided hope, insight & support to many demonstrating how we as individuals can make a difference to our own lives by re-shaping our thoughts, no matter the situation. John is also active in the community providing Grief support on behalf of the National Association for Loss & Grief (NALAG) & is a Mental Health advocate within the North Sydney & Mosman Chambers of Commerce. There is also a speaking event in planning within the North Sydney chamber in 2025. John is the President of North Sydney’s Dynamic North Shore Toastmasters branch, providing leadership & guidance in the field of Public Speaking & has been a member of this association for over 3 years.

As a philosopher & writer, John is a columnist for Sydney’s North Shore “The Post” Community Newspaper & writes a Monthly article focusing on mental health. Some of his notable articles include, “The Vulnerability of Man”, & “Understanding Guilt”. John is also the author of several articles detailing aspects of mental health including Phobias, Ambivalence, Guilt & Grief among others. Mind Life also has a YouTube Channel providing weekly videos focusing on mental health, discussing all aspects of our thinking & how we engage with each other. The uniqueness of John’s articles & videos is how it is articulated through a philosophical vacuum, using concepts in Philosophy, Psychology & Neuroscience promoting positive mental health & a deeper level of reflective thought.

In essence, Mind life Untangles Minds. It is a dissection of life that provides clarity, finding a way through our challenges & hardships.

Connie Mastroianni

Connie Mastroianni is a highly accomplished Buyer’s Agent, Vendor Advocate, and Designer, dedicated to providing expert property advisory services. As the Principal at connie|m Property Advisory, Connie brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to clients navigating the property market.
Beyond professional practice, Connie plays a key role in the business community, serving as Vice-President of the Eastern Sydney Regional Advisory Council (ESRAC) and actively contributing as a member of the CBD, North Sydney, and Mosman Business Chambers of Commerce.
Committed to social impact, Connie is a Board Member of the Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Foundation and a volunteer for Business with a Heart, Community Connections Mosman Champions, and the Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout for the Homeless.
A recognized industry leader, Connie is a Regional Finalist of the 2024 Business Awards for Business NSW and has received the 2024 Australian Achiever Award for Australia’s Real Estate Services, earning a ‘Highly Recommended’ distinction for excellence in customer relations. Connie is also a member of ArchiPro, further demonstrating a commitment to architectural and design excellence.

Rayni Bonne

Rayni Bonne is a dynamic business owner, artist, teacher, writer, mother, stand-up comedian, traveller, and storyteller. She is the creator of Hens Night Life Drawing Parties, blending art and entertainment to create unforgettable experiences.

A captivating story teller, Rayni has taken the stage in several countries, sharing her insights on art, entrepreneurship, passion, and connection at events such as Stories That Stir and Pip Talks.

Fluent in French, she is an accredited interpreter, adding another layer to her diverse skill set. Known for her bold and playful approach to life, she has been spotted on nude beaches handing out business cards.

Adam Axford

Adam Axford is a true wordsmith, masterfully fusing illusion & language to create real magic. A magician, author, and prize winning poet - Adam’s skills landed him in the Grand Slam finals at the Opera House, while his feature show “Magic Words” was nominated Best in Spoken Word & Storytelling at Sydney Fringe. 

Because Everyone has a story! 

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now.