Stories that Stir Northern Rivers

Stories that Stir® events are designed to break down barriers, stir conversation, and inspire positive change.

Come and listen to six ordinary yet extraordinary people share their raw, personal stories on the topic of COURAGE, in all its shapes and forms.

Please join us for an afternoon of extraordinary stories that will make you laugh, cry, and view the world in a different light.

xxx Bettina – Your local Northern Rivers Stories that Stir Host

Meet your Storytellers:

The Way you Walk – Adam Kellermann

A soccer player as a boy, Adam’s dreams of playing for the Socceroos came to an abrupt halt when he received a diagnosis of bone cancer. Treatment included surgery to remove the bones of his right hip, he had to learn how to walk again. Facing adversity, persistent pain and depression, Adam embraced his challenges and turned his life around as he became a professional wheelchair tennis player and 2- time Australian Paralympian.

Invisible Violence – Susan Schlinker

Australia is in a domestic violence epidemic – 1 in 3 women will experience it.  Susan never thought she’d be one of them.  She believed abuse looked like bruises, not the slow erosion of self through emotional and psychological harm.  Leaving didn’t help – letting go was even harder until she recognised the trauma bond.  Once she did, everything shifted.  Now she speaks to the signs of invisible abuse, the pull of trauma bonds, and how courage helped her rebuild.

Between Borders – Richard Crowle

As the world reeled after 9/11, Rich was already on the road, cycling toward the Middle East. With warnings intensifying and uncertainty growing, he faced a decision: turn back or keep going. Choosing to go on meant stepping beyond fear and into the unknown, where what he encountered would challenge not just his courage, but what he believed to be true.

Unseen – Caroline Bellenger

From the outside, Caroline’s life looks strong, successful, even inspiring. But the most defining moments didn’t happen on a stage, a mountain, or in victory. They happened alone, in the quiet, facing a voice that told her she wasn’t enough. In this raw and honest story, Caroline reveals the unseen battles where real courage is built and the only enemy lives within.

Into the pit – Tom Scantlebury

 It may look like violent chaos, but much more is at play than meets the eye. Tom unpacks the lore and lessons of the mosh pit to share some interesting insights from a place where the courage to enter has some unexpected payoffs.

Radical Reclamation – Eliza Kendall

Eliza grew up believing loyalty meant enduring, until she realised true courage was choosing her own life. By trusting her inner compass over inherited expectations, she discovered her purpose and found belonging beyond blood. This is a story of reclaiming autonomy, finding authentic connection, and creating a life shaped by truth rather than obligation.

*18+ event

• Trigger warning – event may include sensitive topics such as abuse, suicidal thoughts etc.