Launch of TOAST – high profile morning talk series 2/10

A NEW breakfast speaker series will kick off in Byron Bay on October 2, featuring leading voices from theatre, film, literature and environmental activism.

Presented by co-working space The Corner Palm and curated by Against the Grains’ Leigh McGrane, Toast aims to bring people together across the region’s cultural, business and environmental communities.

“I’m fortunate enough to be part of what I consider to be the best co-working space in Byron Bay,” McGrane said.

“A couple of iterations ago, there used to be a talking series that brought the community into the space and the new owner and I were chatting about it, and thought we’d bring it back to life.

“It’s got a new name, a new direction, and a different aesthetic to it, but we’re bringing in some of the best people from the region and the shire, and from our co-working space.”

The series opens with award-winning theatre visionary Julian Louis from NORPA and film director and writer Poppy Walker. Bestselling author and mindset coach Turia Pitt will speak on November 12, and ocean activists Lucy Jepson and Dane Marx from Positive Change for Marine Life will feature on December 4.

“The idea is to provide a reason to get up early and start their day with a bit of positivity,” McGrane said.

“People can get so stuck on algorithms and social media, and people are actually craving genuine interactions, and the ability to go out and connect with people and have decent conversations.

“I think people are just genuinely looking for that opportunity to have a physical human connection and have a chance to have a constructive conversation that’s not online.”

Toast runs from 8 am to 8.50am, with coffee and light breakfast available for purchase. Tickets are available at humanitix.com/toast-norpa