Louisa reflects on the moments her Mother spent with Tori - Lindt Cafe's Manager - and the special bond they shared with each other through the intense hours within the Lindt Cafe. We hear the testimony from Tori's parents - Rosie and Ken - and from his partner Thomas as spoken at the Coronial Inquest into the Lindt cafe siege.

Louisa, her Mum and the other hostages inside the Lindt Cafe continue to contact the media as per the gunman's demands. Some of the hostages begin to tire as they maintain their positions standing facing the windows with their arms outstretched and above their heads. Some of the hostages become ill and lie on the floor. The gunman orders Louisa and three others to appear in recorded videos where they must present a list of his demands to camera and publish on YouTube. 

Then, the first three hostages escape!

Louisa describes how thew gunman takes control of the Lindt cafe and starts ordering the hostages to do exactly as he instructs. He wants to be called "brother ISIS" and tells Louisa that she is to call 000 and ABC radio. Meanwhile, the hostages start to get to know each other and share details about their lives. 

It's been 6 years since the Lindt Cafe was taken by siege in Sydney, Australia, and yet to many of us, it seems like it was only a few months ago.

2020 has been a year unlike any other, and as we approach the date of December 15, Louisa pauses to remember the people who were with her that day when the gunman took over the cafe. 

It's been a while since Louisa and her crew could come together for a podcast session so here is a bonus ep of Hope Matters to say "hello again" and a huge shout out to the Angels who take care of us when we're in need - our wonderful nurses! Where would we be without our nurses! They are the gentle and steady light in times when things get a bit dark.

Since the Lindt cafe siege, Louisa has developed close relationships with Doctors, Surgeons and many hospital staff members, but the bond Louisa shares with our Nurses is the deepest in her heart.

Louisa talks about the extra special care she has received when her Nurses went above and beyond and she shares some of joyful, humorous, beautiful times that still make her giggle when she recalls them. 

If you have a story about a Nurse that you would like Louisa to acknowledge or perhaps a shout out for a Nurse who is special in your heart, please email Louisa directly: louisamayhope@gmail.com Louisa will read out your emails on Hope Matters. 

And a very special invitation to any of our Nurses; please email Louisa with any of your stories or moments that you'd like to share with our audience. Perhaps there is a patient you have cared for, or you're caring for at the moment, who is in your heart and you would like to share your story, Louisa would love to read out your email on the podcast. 

Hope to hear from you all soon. 

Stay safe!

xx

Louisa Hope's Christmas message - as 2019 closes out and we 'take 5' to reflect on what this year means for each of us. Just a short break though as 2020 is sliding right on in and it feels as though theres a powerful positive energy that comes with it! Blessings. 

Louisa Hope introduces the Hope Matters podcast - episode one. 5 years have passed since the shocking tragedy of the Lindt Cafe Siege in Sydney Australia, yet for Louisa, it seems like it was only yesterday when Louisa, her Mother, Robin and sixteen others had their lives changed forever.

Louisa speaks openly about her reasons for creating the Hope Matters podcast and why we as a society need to come together to start a conversation about what we have learnt since that day, the changes that have been made as a result - and what still needs to be actioned so we can move forward together as a community and as a Nation.

Trailer for Hope Matters with Louisa Hope.