InterSpace Retreat 2025: A Collective Exhale

From Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November, Intersex Peer Support Australia (IPSA) hosted the InterSpace Retreat at King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre, nestled in the spectacular Pennyroyal Valley of the Otway Ranges near the Great Ocean Road and Lorne. Surrounded by nature, the retreat offered a nurturing environment for reflection, connection, and celebration.

A Sacred Space for Community

InterSpace- A Collective Exhale was designed as a sacred space for intersex people to reconnect with themselves, build meaningful connections, and embrace the essence of who they truly are.

In a world full of noise and distractions, InterSpace provided a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and reflect. Participants were invited to share their stories, explore their identities, and engage in workshops that promoted healing and personal growth. Whether seeking learning, connection, or quiet time, everyone was welcomed into a supportive and affirming community.

Friday: Opening the Retreat

The retreat began on Friday afternoon with afternoon tea and a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Richard Callopy, a respected artist and cultural educator, and proud member of the Kirrae Whurrung, Gadubanud, and Gulidjan Traditional Owner groups.

Participants were then welcomed by IPSA Peer Coordinator and Retreat Organiser Kylie Bond, before Bonnie Hart and Gwen Smith led a session titled “What is Peer Support?”, setting the tone for a weekend of shared wisdom and collective empowerment.

After dinner, the evening offered time for relaxation and fun, with games in the retreat’s recreation room including table tennis, air hockey, and foosball.

Saturday: Sharing, Healing, and Creativity

Saturday began with a powerful Sharing Circle, where participants gathered in small groups to reflect and connect.

After morning tea, Bonnie Hart and Steph Lum facilitated an Unspoken writing session, inviting participants to write letters to their past or future selves, parents, friends, lovers, doctors, or anyone significant in their intersex journey. This built on the legacy of Unspoken, a published collection of anonymous writings and drawings from IPSA retreats in 2017, with participants invited to contribute to a future publication.

Following lunch, Stacey Micallef, a certified sexologist and counsellor, led a session on sexology. Stacey’s trauma‑informed, inclusive approach created a safe space for discussion and learning.

The afternoon continued with a Somatic Yoga Movements session led by Kathy Taylor, a trauma‑informed yoga and movement facilitator. Afterward, participants enjoyed free time. Some chose the infrared sauna, others visited Lorne Beach or trekked to Erskine Falls, while some simply rested and enjoyed the property’s natural beauty.

After dinner, creativity took centre stage with a songwriting workshop led by Nyx Nightmaker, resulting in enthusiastic renditions and even a music video!

Sunday: Reflection and Farewell

Sunday morning began with a gentle Qigong session led by Peter Low, combining movement, breath, and intention to cultivate balance and wellbeing.

After breakfast, Bron O’Callaghan, a Youth Worker and Accredited Creative Arts Therapist, facilitated an Art Therapy session. Participants explored drawing, painting, and collage to express what they had discovered, released, or reclaimed during the retreat.

The group then nominated IPSA State representatives and gathered for a group photo. After lunch, hugs and fond goodbyes were shared as participants returned to their lives, carrying with them the spirit of InterSpace.

A Collective Exhale

The InterSpace Retreat was more than a weekend away; it was a celebration of healing, freedom and community. By carving out time to pause and breathe together, participants strengthened bonds and reaffirmed the importance of intersex peer support in Australia. A big thanks to Kylie Bond, Mira Bouchmouny and our beloved weekend cook Charlie for your work to create such a special retreat.