Community

Welcome, and thank you for being here.

This gathering is a space for kind conversation, curiosity, and shared humanity. Everyone arrives with different life experiences, and each person's story deserves respect.

The invitation is to listen generously, speak honestly, and allow others to do the same. There is no pressure to share more than feels comfortable.

Please help make this a space where people feel safe, included, and heard. Small acts of care — listening well, being present, and responding with empathy — shape the tone of the whole room. Thank you for being part of this community.

What this is about

Stories and Stanza has always been about one thing — giving people small, practical takeaways they can apply at their own level to look after their wellbeing. It's about helping people recognise when they need support, know where to find it, and understand how to show up for others going through a difficult period.

That means conversations that span both sides of the show — creativity, books, and performing arts through Between the Lines, and wellbeing, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, mental health, and personal growth through Fail With Me. Different doors, same purpose.

This is not a sales pitch. There is no expensive program behind it. That purpose hasn't changed, and it won't.

See what it looks like

Our first ever in-person episode — recorded live at Sam Merrifield Library in Moonee Ponds with the Moonee Valley Writing Group. Four writers, one mic, no script.

Frances, Claire, Katherine, and John share why they keep showing up to the same table every second Monday — and what honest conversation does for the writing.

Live events, Melbourne

Based in Melbourne, and that's where this community will gather too. Live events will carry the same spirit as the show itself — conversations and gatherings around creativity, books, and performing arts, alongside wellbeing, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, mental health, and personal growth. Expect small, in-person get-togethers with guests who share similar interests and believe in the cause — a space to be part of the room, not just the audience.

Purpose

These gatherings are designed to offer a kind, curious, and respectful space where people can connect, share experiences, and feel heard. The aim is to create a calm environment that supports empathy, thoughtful conversation, and genuine local community connection.

Guidelines

• Speak from personal experience and use "I" statements
• Listen to understand, not to interrupt or debate
• Respect each person's story, perspective, and pace
• Stay curious, especially when someone's experience is different from your own
• Give everyone space to contribute, and be mindful of how much time is taken
• Keep personal stories confidential unless clear permission is given to share them
• Avoid unsolicited advice; ask first whether support or feedback is wanted
• Use respectful, inclusive language and honour names, pronouns, identities, and backgrounds
• Respect personal and emotional boundaries at all times
• Help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the room

Care for the space

This is a safer space, not a perfect one. Everyone shares responsibility for helping the group feel respectful, grounded, and inclusive. If something feels uncomfortable, participants are welcome to pause, step outside, or speak with the facilitator. Harmful, aggressive, discriminatory, or shaming behaviour is not acceptable.