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 GRATITUDE, 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:

Eric Em – Eternal Gratitude

Escaping war-torn Vietnam as a refugee, Eric Em discovered that gratitude isn’t just about saying thanks – it’s about recognizing how strangers choosing hope over fear transform lives. After a treacherous boat voyage, pirate attacks, and a refugee camp, his family found community in Australia. Kind people who saw potential, not burden. Through life challenges, Eric learned deep gratitude means asking: “Who can I help today?” Now he inspires others to build bridges, understanding that gratitude transforms recipients into givers and creates belonging.

Eternal Gratitude – Eric Em

Escaping war-torn Vietnam as a refugee, Eric discovered gratitude isn’t just saying thanks-it’s recognising how choosing hope over fear transforms lives. After a treacherous boat voyage, pirate attacks and a refugee camp, his family found community in Australia. Eric learned that gratitude means asking: “Who can I help today?” Now he inspires others to understand that gratitude transforms recipients into givers, creating belonging.

The Voice – Elizabeth Kassab

“You would never make it. Your eyes well up.” That’s what he said. Sixteen years she’d given to that place. Built it from the first classroom. Now, a man who’d just arrived was telling her she was too emotional to lead. He tried to sabotage her. He failed. Elizabeth’s story is about the voice they tried to silence, the woman who used it, and the gratitude she found in both.

Light & Dark – ;Leon Purton

Light & Dark is a true story about growing up on a small Tasmanian farm, losing a puppy in the middle of a firewood run, and watching a brother endure more than four hundred surgeries with humour and heart. It explores how the hardest moments of life sharpen our perspective, reveal unexpected light, and teach us the kind of gratitude that only comes from facing the dark.

The Gift of Becoming – Winitha Bonney

Winitha’s story is about the unexpected places gratitude can live even in hardship, survival, and the moments that break us open. Growing up as a Sri Lankan Tamil woman, raised by migrant parents who arrived with $50 and a suitcase, gratitude wasn’t an idea; it fuelled ambition in a world where success wasn’t optional – it was survival. Today, Winitha shares how choosing gratitude shaped her identity, leadership, and the woman she became.

Grounding Gratitude – Krish Ravipati

Gratitude doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet, consistent presence of the people who help you rise. From arriving in Australia with nothing but a suitcase and a few strong friendships, to building a life filled with unexpected generosity, love, and support, this is a story about being lifted by others, kindness, and a heart full of thanks.

The Unchosen – Susanne Ridolfi

Susanne’s son started life unchosen. When Susanne chose adoption, she didn’t realise how much of his early trauma would shape their years ahead. The unchosen showed up in behaviour, addiction, fear, and heartbreak. Susanne’s story is about finding strength, connection, love, and gratitude in places she never expected and about becoming the mother her son needed.

*18+ event

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