Stories and Conversations

In 2019 Cultural Connexions will be hosting five conversation events.

Saturday February 8:  Chinese New Year Yum Cha and Conversation with Chinese Australian Dr Julie Wen

Where: Lawson Bowling Club
When: 11.30 – 1.30
Cost: $35/$30 Seniors and children under 15

To book, see details click on the Eventbrite link on the Homepage.

Stories of Courage, Resilience and Survival – In conversation with Phil Voysey

Sunday March 22: Esmat Ullah

Esmat fled the Taliban in 2012 after they attacked his home.  In fear of his life he fled to Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia before being selected as a refugee by the UNHCR and coming to Australia.

Where: Katoomba Cultural Centre, 2-3pm
Cost: $20

Sunday May 24: Ana Ruiz

Ana had a severe lung condition which restricted her to 16 percent lung capacity. This affected every aspect of her life but particularly when she went back to her home country Colombia to adopt a child. Flying presented the risk of death and so she had to be escorted by a doctor in case of emergency. Ana would have died from the disease if not for a dramatic lung transplant that saved her life.

Where: Katoomba Cultural Centre, 2-3pm
Cost: $20

Sunday September 27: Sarah Jane Staszak

Sarah Jane woke up from surgery on her injured back to find herself a quadriplegic.  She has had to overcome initial anger and bitterness to find the resilience and determination to keep going, even indulging her favourite pastime of snow skiing.

Where: Katoomba Cultural Centre, 2-3pm,
Cost: $20

Sunday November 29: Vicki McCauley

In February 2007 Vicki’s husband Andrew McCauley died within sight of New Zealand attempting to be the first person to cross the Tasman Sea in a kayak. He left behind Vicki and son Finlay. This is the story of grieving a terrible loss. It is also the story of how Vicki and Finlay have found the resilience to carry on and continue to lead an adventurous life inspired by Andrew.  

Where: Katoomba Cultural Centre, 2-3pm
Cost: $20

Search for Meaning Conversations 2019

In 2019 Cultural Connexions hosted six conversations with Blue Mountains residence exploring the theme ‘What is a meaningful life and how do you create one?’.  These are available on YouTube under the following links: