InterAction: Strong Women, Shared Paths: A Transformative Weekend of Connection on Wonnarua Country
Michael Barnett OAM
Strong Women, Shared Paths: A Transformative Weekend of Connection on Wonnarua Country
From 6th to 8th March 2026, something truly special unfolded on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley. InterAction for Health and Human Rights held Strong Women, Shared Paths with support from the NSW State Government as a part of Women’s Week celebrations. This was the first retreat of its kind for women and non‑binary people with innate variations of sex characteristics and participants travelled from near and far for a deeply moving, joyful, and unforgettable gathering. Over three hot days, participants created community, reclaimed identity, and found comfort in the company of others who understood their journeys in ways few ever have.
A Welcome Rooted in Culture and Care
The retreat opened with a powerful Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at dusk led by Uncle Warren Taggart from Walkabout with Warren. Standing together beneath the twinkling stars of the Hunter Valley sky, participants connected with Country, with culture, and with one another. The ceremony grounded the weekend in respect, healing, and shared purpose.
A Space Where Every Story Was Honoured
Attendees included people with MRKH, CAIS, PAIS, CAH, Turner syndrome and other innate variations in a space designed specifically for them. For some, this was the first time they felt safe enough to speak openly about their experiences and realise they were not alone.
The retreat’s intentionally inclusive, female‑forward environment created a sense of emotional safety that allowed participants to share deeply personal stories without fear of judgement. Across variations, people found common ground in themes of resilience, identity, shame, pride, and the ongoing work of redefining womanhood and personhood beyond traditional expectations.
Workshops That Inspired Creativity, Healing, and Growth
The weekend’s program offered a rich blend of creative, reflective, and restorative experiences:
- Kintsugi workshop with Bonnie Hart, where participants repaired broken ceramics with gold, reflecting on the beauty of their own cracks and resilience.
- Resin jewellery making with Allison Ockenden from Today, Tomorrow & Always, giving everyone the chance to create something meaningful to take home.
- Group sessions led by Margie McCumstie, which encouraged connection, storytelling, and shared understanding.
- A psychodrama workshop with Gwen Smith, offering a powerful closing experience that helped participants explore identity, emotion, and personal narrative in a supportive group setting.
- A Sunday morning Sound Bath led by Kristy Woods from Awaken to Wellness, which brought calm, grounding energy to the final day.
Each facilitator brought warmth, skill, and deep respect for the community, helping participants reconnect with creativity, embodiment, and joy.
Heat, Laughter, and Cooling Off Together
The weather over the weekend was extremely hot, but it didn’t dampen spirits. Instead, it became part of the experience. Participants cooled off with swims in the pool, at the river, or both, turning the heat into an opportunity for play, relaxation, and connection. It was beautiful to connect with nature and find peace.
Accessibility, Inclusion, and Care at Every Step
The fully accessible venue ensured that participants with physical disabilities could move comfortably and participate fully. Free transport from Newcastle Airport removed financial and logistical barriers, making the retreat possible for people who might otherwise have been unable to attend. Every detail, from catering to accommodation to psychosocial support, was designed to honour the diversity of bodies, needs, and experiences in the room.
A Community Once Scattered, Now Connected
For many attendees, especially those from the MRKH community who have historically felt unsure about engaging with broader intersex networks, the retreat bridged long‑standing gaps. It showed that while variations differ, the emotional landscapes are deeply shared.
Participants left with new friendships, new language, and new awareness of support networks such as Intersex Peer Support Australia and InterLink Psychosocial Support. What began as a weekend retreat quickly became a community.
A Powerful Closing on International Women’s Day
The retreat concluded on Sunday 8 March with a shared farewell lunch in honour of International Women’s Day. The room was filled with warmth- people hugging, laughing, reflecting, and expressing gratitude for the connections they had formed. Many spoke of leaving with a renewed sense of empowerment, pride, and self‑determination.
Most importantly, it affirmed something vital: Womanhood and gender diversity are expansive, valid, and worthy of celebration. Every person with an innate variation deserves a space where their story is honoured.We acknowledge the vulnerability and power of each individual who attended and we have deep gratitude for the support of the NSW State Government in helping make this possible. Strong Women, Shared Paths was a powerful event and true celebration of community, courage and strength.
