Stories that Stir® is delighted to be joining forces with Cuppa Co-Lab to bring you a special event designed to break down barriers, stir conversation and inspire positive change.
Come and listen to six Cuppa Collective storytellers as they each share 10-minute raw and personal stories linked to the theme BELONGING, in all its shapes and forms.
When: 26 Mar 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Cuppa Co-Lab
International Towers community offer:
Enjoy 10% off your ticket by entering the code International Towers at checkout. The discount will be applied instantly when booking.
Hosted at Cuppa Co-Lab, Cuppa TV’s purpose-built home in Barangaroo, this space was created to bring people together for meaningful conversation and genuine collaboration — where leaders, creators and teams don’t just meet, but connect and reflect.
Tickets include a delicious grazing table before the storytelling begins.
Food allergies are catered for.
Meet your storytellers
Bearing Witness – Peter Baines
After the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Baines led international operations identifying 5,395 victims. During this time in Thailand, a pivotal moment led him to found Hands Across the Water, a charity supporting children who lost their parents in the disaster.
Pho-Real – Naomi Cao
Arriving in Australia as a four-year-old Vietnamese refugee, Naomi quickly learned to adapt in a culture where even her name was difficult for others to pronounce. Years later she changed it to fit in — only to discover belonging isn’t that simple.
Lost Belonging – Adam Axford
Adam shares the story of a Southeast Asian village where he once felt more at home than anywhere else. Through storytelling and spoken word, he reflects on consequence, exile and identity when a place you love no longer welcomes you back.
Spared – Alfred Chidembo
Born during Zimbabwe’s liberation war after his mother risked everything on a dangerous journey, Alfred would later walk barefoot to school, earn a PhD in Australia and return hope to his village through education.
Home Within – Nerissa Trindade
Born in India and shaped by the silence surrounding difference, Nerissa’s search for belonging across cultures and identities ultimately led to the discovery of something deeper — a home within.
Shedding Labels – Hawanatu Bangura
From Sierra Leone to Australia, Hawanatu reflects on the labels placed on her throughout life — and the powerful realisation that belonging isn’t something you earn, but something you choose.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Stories may include sensitive topics such as trauma, suicide or death.
🔞 This is an 18+ event.