General News
23 August, 2026
Stories of courage take centre stage in Horsham
SIX Wimmera storytellers will share deeply personal stories of courage, overcoming adversity, and resilience at an upcoming Stories that Stir event in Horsham next month.
Event organiser Sally Pymer said the event would give local people an opportunity to share stories that might otherwise go untold or unheard.
“There are so many stories from local community members waiting to be told, but not so many opportunities to do so,” she said.
“Often we tend to hear the same speakers in our community, not aware of others who have stories to share.”
Stories that Stir was founded by Monica Rosenfeld and Joram van der Starre in February of 2022, with events designed to break down barriers, encourage conversation, and inspire positive change.
More than 80 events have been held since its launch, attracting more than 4500 audience members and featuring in excess of 450 unique storytellers.
Ms Pymer said hearing people’s stories directly from them could help audiences feel less isolated and challenge assumptions.
“I think often we can feel alone and that no one truly understands us, and hearing other stories can help,” she said.
Among the six storytellers is Leigh-Anne Sharland, who will share The Choice, about redefining courage after a neurological collapse took away abilities she never imagined losing.
Ms Pymer will share Breathless, recounting how she was told at 19 that she had permanent lung obstruction and would have emphysema by the age of 40.
Rather than allowing the prediction to determine her future, she pushed her physical limits, completing the 87-kilometre Comrades Ultramarathon and even qualifying for the World 70.3 Championships.
Stacey Ellis will share Shattered Pieces, about completely rebuilding her life after going from an active working mother to struggling to function day to day.
Teisha Rose will present Life Interrupted, detailing her experiences with multiple sclerosis, stage four breast cancer, and a near-critical health crisis.
Shania James will share Still Here, reflecting on her story of adversity, motherhood, abuse, and rebuilding her life following severe postpartum mental illness.
French-born Meduline will share Becoming Unsinkable, recounting her journey from coming to Australia to enhance her English to escaping an abusive relationship and completely rebuilding her life.
Ms Pymer said storytelling was particularly valuable in regional communities, where people may know one another but not always recognise the experiences and challenges behind their lives.
“We might see the same people at the shops, school, sporting clubs, or community events, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we know their stories,” she said.
The event will provide an evening of personal, authentic stories designed to make local audiences laugh, cry, and see the world from a completely different perspective.
The event is open to the public and is restricted to people aged 18 and over due to sensitive topics including suicide, death, and trauma.
Tickets are available for purchase at: www.storiesthatstir.com/event-details-registration/stories-that-stir-r-horsham.
For anyone experiencing mental health challenges, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14, while young people can contact headspace Horsham on (03) 5381 1543 for youth mental health support.