The Story Room October 3rd 2023

Overview

The ancient art of storytelling comes to life on the stage when six storytellers from different walks of life share a true and deeply personal story.  

Theme for the evening

'Courage and Determination' 

About the night

 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 the Venue - Bucketty's Brewing Co, Brookvale

There is so much to learn about Bucketty's and its humble beginnings.  It's a family owned business with much blood, sweat and tears making it what it is today. 

I can't think of a better place for Story Room Aus to call home, after-all beer and stories are like peas in a pod, they just fit perfectly.  

https://www.buckettys.com.au/p... 

The Food

Check out the menu. You certainly won't starve to death while you listen to some great stories. We are however trying to learn how many people might buy meals, as Nick the owner will open the food truck especially for us. 

Check out the menu....https://www.buckettys.com.au/p...

How to get to Bucketty's

The B1 will drop you on Pittwater Road, not far from Warringah Mall.  It is a short walk down Orchard Road to number 26. 

If you drive there is loads of free parking in the surrounding streets of Brookvale. 

Meet the Storytellers (in no particular order)

Alan Stevens

Alan Stevens is an International Profiling and Communications Specialist who has worked with international clients, the likes of Disney Films and Gillette, and high-profile organisations like the Australian Federal Police to help them to understand how people tick. Alan works with business owners and executives, helping them to understand and engage their clients and prospects, enhancing their presentations and negotiation skills and increasing sales. And with parents and teachers to help them enhance the ability of their children to reach their full potential while improving the experience of the parents, teachers, and students.

His latest community initiative is The Campfire Project. The Campfire is a safe place for men and women to give themselves permission to tell their stories. To share their experiences and wisdom from around the world. This is his #WeTogether initiative.

Sarah Morse

A former (NSW) Young Australian of the Year, Sarah draws on 20 years as a nurse and humanitarian to bring a uniquely global and deeply human perspective to the way humans think, work and behave. Specialising in cancer services and palliative care, Sarah is known for her deep commitment to nursing the human spirit. Through her personal experience of burnout, Sarah believes that empowering people to thrive in the workplace is pivotal to healthy teams. Most recently, Sarah worked as a Health Advisor in a safe house in Spain for survivors of human trafficking. In her current role as Director of Unchained Solutions, Sarah inspires Australians to be leaders in making an impact on modern slavery.

Martin Stark

Two-time LinkedIn Top Voice and Entrepreneur Martin Stark is a leading inspirational speaker and trailblazer who encourages people, teams, and organisations to employ courage as a habit; and advises on how to make an impact and achieve business success on LinkedIn. 

Featured in CNN, The Guardian, BBC Sport, and ABC News, Martin is the Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit company World Gay Boxing Championships, which he set up to disrupt hatred, increase LGBTQIA+ participation, and lead change in the sport.  Martin delivered the world's first boxing competition for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in February 2023.

He has delivered keynotes for TikTok, LinkedIn, NRMA, Commonwealth Bank, and Waverley College.

Martin is also a seasoned commercial negotiator and Social Impact Expert with 15 years’ of experience as an IT Strategic Sourcing Leader. He was diagnosed with Addison’s disease in 2006 shortly after having been placed in two induced comas and living through his worst fear - a tracheotomy. Having undergone more than 70 hospital admissions and four major operations, Martin is passionate about health and well-being. His near-death experiences have driven him to lead the positive changes he wants to see in the world.

Kristyn Haywood

Kristyn Haywood runs a Leadership Consultancy Business, People for Success, that educates managers to connect with and act on their values. She a published poet, a local conservationist and runs a not-for-profit Expandnow.org which supports women to grow in confidence and stand in their power. Kristyn was the Community Independent candidate for the seat of Wahroonga in the NSW Election.

Irina Castellano

Irina and her family have fostered 80 children over a 23-year period.

Along the way, they have adopted two girls and had their biological son. For many years Irina has facilitated the workshop to become an authorized foster carer and seminars to become an adoptive parent in NSW.

Irina has created her coaching business to help other singles, couples, and empty nesters along on their journey to fill their homes with kids. When she heard that we have children stuck in motel rooms because of a shortage of foster carers, she decided to do something about it.

Over the past two years, she has collaborated with other authors to publish three different books, has done many speaking gigs and has appeared on over a dozen podcasts and radio shows.

Irina has been featured in Kidspot magazine and she has been named a finalist at this years’ Ausmumpreneur 2023 ceremony!

Jonnie Swift

Jonnie was born in England and was raised in the picturesque Orkney Islands of Scotland. After relocating to London, they came out amidst the colour, confusion, and chaos of Thatcher’s Britain. They honed their craft at Rose Bruford College, earning a BA in Theatre Arts & Theatre in Education, and then toured the UK, addressing topics ranging from the environment to bullying in schools and domestic violence.

In 1996, Jonnie delved into Stanislavski's techniques and Russian Theatre at Moscow's Russian Institute of Cinematography. Their time in Canada was marked by the honour of depicting Marlene Dietrich throughout her extraordinary life. Moving to Australia 23 years prior, Jonnie embarked on a transformative journey. Within three years, they became a Ka Huna massage expert, championed LGBTQIA+ causes, and contributed to the Yirrkala community school in Northeast Arnhem Land. Jonnie also performed in drag to support Nhulunbuy's pregnancy unit.

Their roles spanned from guiding tours between Adelaide and Darwin, leading Harbour Bridge climbs, to a decade with National Parks NSW, notably firing Fort Denison's 1 o'clock cannon. Jonnie's passion for theatre saw them perform as a possum for children and empower narratives of homelessness with Milkcrate Theatre. They’ve mentored students outdoors for the Duke of Edinburgh awards. Now, they are working with the transformative Playback Sydney Theatre Company.

Jonnie is also a celebrant and is proud to represent the LGBTQIA+ community in their ceremonies, holding space for their varied experiences from joy to grief. They have called themselves the "Suitcase Celebrant" because they believe everyone has a suitcase of stories waiting to be told.

Because Everyone has a story! 

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now...