Whispers from the Grieving Heart is a gentle gathering to honour love, loss, and connection. Photo: Stella Stead.
Illawarra business leader Stella Stead was meant to be treading the boards in her first one-woman show in August. Instead, she is inviting the community to connect at a free event this Saturday in Corrimal, for people who have lost loved ones.
Whispers from the Grieving Heart is “a gentle gathering to honour love, loss, and connection”, organised by Stella after the loss of her father to a fast and aggressive cancer in early June.
“He was diagnosed on the 6th of May and gone one month later,” she says.
Stella put everything on hold in the wake of her father’s diagnosis, including her much-anticipated debut performance. Originally due to take place earlier this month, The Chaos, Comedy and Heart of Growing Up Calabrese was an autobiographical production focusing on Stella’s story as a first-generation Australian raised in a traditional Calabrian family, unveiling stories of laughter, conflict and triumph.
“That show could never come to fruition, because it was so much about him,” she says.
Instead, the business leader and management consultant will tap into her greatest skill — bringing people together — to stage the low-pressure get-together.
“My experience left me feeling lost, but also deeply aware that I wouldn’t be the only one in our community carrying this kind of weight,” Stella says.
“I organised this event because I knew others must also be seeking connection in their grief.
“Bringing people together has always been something I’ve done naturally and this gathering is simply about offering a space of understanding and gentleness.
“It will be a space for honesty, connection, and love — where your story matters, and where our community can hold one another with care.”
The event is open to any and everyone moving through the grief of loss, no matter what stage they are in the journey.
“Grief isn’t linear — there’s no timeframe. It doesn’t matter if you lost someone this week, this year or 10 years ago,” Stella says.
Attendees are welcome (but in no way required) to bring along a photo or written reflection of someone they’ve lost for a shared table of remembrance.
It’s not a therapeutic session, it is all about connection. Over a cuppa and a piece of cake, people can meet others able to understand and honour the loved ones they’ve lost together.
“What I hope people will take away is that grief isn’t a competition — there’s no wrong way to feel,” Stella says.
“My wish is that people leave this gathering feeling a little lighter, more connected and reassured that they don’t walk this journey alone, but alongside others who understand.”
Whispers from the Grieving Heart will be held at Corrimal RSL on Saturday 30 August from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Tea and coffee will be available from the café downstairs and light afternoon tea will be provided. To RSVP email Stella Stead at [email protected]
