Strong Women, Shared Paths

IPSA is hosting the inaugural retreat for women with innate variations of sex characteristics (MRKH, CAIS, PAIS, CAH, Turners and others). This weekend retreat has been made possible with grant funding from Women NSW in the NSW State Government and we thank them for their support of this exciting event. It will be a weekend of connection, empowerment, and sisterhood, for women with innate variations of sex characteristics and we hope you can join us!

While Intersex Peer Support Australia holds annual retreats, these are attended by all genders. This first-ever retreat for women with innate variations of sex characteristics (IVSC) will provide a safe, welcoming and friendly space for women and non-binary individuals to gather in a supportive environment to learn, rest, connect and grow. Each innate variation is different but there are many similarities and experiences we share as we navigate this world as women or as individuals with a non-binary gender. It's time we got together in a supportive space, just for us!

This retreat is open to people with innate variations of sex characteristics who have been socially positioned as women at any point in their lives, regardless of how they identify now. The retreat is intended as a space to come together around shared experiences and connections, particularly those shaped by IVSC and by gendered social expectations. We welcome all bodies shaped by these experiences and are committed to respecting participants in their own identities, on their own terms, including labels and pronouns. This space celebrates diverse identities, and facilitators will take care to ensure that activities and language are inclusive and mindful of the diversity of participants in the space.

This will be a retreat style weekend away together on beautiful Worimi/ Wonnarua country in the beautiful Monkerai area of the Hunter Valley, NSW. Monkerai is in the foothills of World Heritage Barrington Tops. Free transport will be provided from Newcastle Airport and Newcastle Interchange leaving on Friday 6th March and returning after lunch on Sunday 8th March. The retreat includes accommodation and all meals from Friday evening until Sunday lunch. 

Weekend retreats usually cost between $600 and $1000+ per person.

With the generous support of the NSW Government, to celebrate International Women's Day, there is NO COST to attend this retreat.

There are some simple guidelines for eligibility: 

1. Attendees must have an IVSC.

2. Attendees must organise and pay for their own transport to and from the retreat or Newcastle. Free shuttle transport will be provided to and from Newcastle Airport for those travelling by plane. Free shuttle transport will be provided to and from Newcastle Interchange for those travelling by bus or train.

3. The retreat is an accepting and inclusive space for all women and non-binary people with an IVSC. Please note that trans women are women and are also welcome.

4. The retreat is a safe space and all attendees are asked to be respectful and compassionate.

5. This is an illicit drug and alcohol free event. 

If you are happy to comply with the above guidelines, here's how you join us!

To learn more and register for the Retreat:

Visit https://forms.gle/2BBjMmdPZrvNU4B29

Registrations close Sunday 1st March 2026