Conversations at Blackbird profiles outstanding people in Maitland and the Hunter

Conversations at Blackbird has been organised by The Umbrella Foundation, a Hunter Valley based charity who support Umbrella Nepal in the rescue, care and reintegration of trafficked children.

The Conversations event was inspired by the ABC Radio show Conversations with Richard Fidler, which tells the story of magnificent people and their achievements.

Umbrella Foundation president Linda Harwood said she thought it would be great to hold a similar event in the Hunter Valley, as there were many deserving people in the area.

“We’ve got people in our local community doing amazing things,” she said.

Tickets are $55, with half of the proceeds from each event going to the Umbrella Foundation and half going to a cause of the guest speaker’s choosing.

The first speaker for Conversations at Blackbird will be Farley geologist Marianne Harvey.

Ms Harvey has been selected as part of a 77 women only group of global scientists who are venturing to Antarctica in December.  

The project, Homeward Bound, and is a state of the art leadership, strategic and science journey.

Ms Harvey said she was stunned to be given the opportunity to speak and is really excited to be a part of the first event.

The funds for this event will go towards assisting Ms Harvey with her trip.

Speakers for future events have already been lined up.

Following Ms Harvey, the second event will involve Little Mel Lee of Little Mel & Co.

Little Mel & Co assists Balinese people in numerous small projects from school items for local schools, medical supplies for remote villages and children’s foundations, financial support for medical treatment, bed linen for those in need and a range of other good deeds.

In six years, Little Mel Lee has developed her organisation to involve more than 80 people.

The first event will run on July 24 from 3.00pm – 5.30pm. Tickets are available through Sticky Tickets or Linda on 0402 816 061.