Schooners & Stories
Schooners & Stories is all about sharing great stories in local venues and community spaces – bringing people together in a relaxed, social setting.
In 2026, Schooners & Stories took to Jandowae, Tara and Miles, with Ben Hannant – the ‘Polar Bear’ – bringing his stories on the road for a series of unforgettable nights. Guests were invited to grab a schooner, pull up a seat, and settle in for a cracking yarn, with plenty of laughs, insight and memorable moments shared along the way.
It was a great reminder of what Schooners & Stories is all about, creating relaxed, social spaces where stories are shared face-to-face and community comes together.
📸 The photos from our 2026 Jandowae Schooners & Stories are being uploaded shortly to our gallery — jump in and relive the night!
Got a venue you’d love to see Schooners & Stories come to? Submit an Expression of Interest and start the conversation.
Keep an eye on this page for updates on future events, because the best stories are still to come!
About our 2026 guest speaker
Ben Hannant, also known by the nickname of “Polar Bear”, is an Australian rugby league footballer and a proud father of eight children.
A Queensland State of Origin and Australian representative prop-forward, he played in the NRL for the North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos, Canterbury-Brankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.
Hannant is a two-time premiership winner, with the Broncos in 2006 and the Cowboys in 2015. Ben also received Dally M of the year 2009.
Having made his mark on the sporting field, Ben found a new career in the radio studio, hosting the Breakfast shift on 90.9 Sea FM from 2017 to 2023.
2024 and 2025 saw Ben in the studio with his own show on Triple M – Dead Set Legends.
