Events

"Spotlight on Sexual Violence" panel at ANROWS Conference 2025, with Prof Ben Mathews and Prof Michael Salter, moderated by Karen Bevan
This panel will explore the latest evidence on young people’s experiences of sexual violence within and outside relationships, including peer-based sexual violence, the use of technology and the need for alternative justice system responses.

Tell Your Story - Memoir writing intensive
One-day (10am-4pm) memoir-writing intensive with award-winning writer and creative writing teacher Sonia Orchard, author of memoir "Groomed". Venue is a private room at the grand old Mount Macedon pub.
Participants will learn the basics of memoir writing and why it is such a powerful writing form. Exercises will be focused on helping participants find their own 'story', their voice and their style. They will also learn tips on scene setting, story-telling, and how to shape their narrative into a manuscript. Sonia excels at creating a safe space for writers (from beginners to experienced), and helping them build the confidence and create the plan they need to continue with their memoir writing beyond the classes. No writing experience necessary, just a pen and lots of paper and a willingness to get started.
Tea and coffee is provided, and the pub kindly asks that you buy lunch. Tickets are $210 (includes all booking fees).

“Can we stop the violence?” panel with Jess Hill and Shannon Molloy, moderated by Ginger Gorman, at Words on the Waves Writers Festival, Umina
In this hard-hitting session, we grapple with violence against women and children in Australia and the failures of our legal system. Jess Hill expands on her groundbreaking Quarterly Essay and Australia’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. Sonia Orchard and Shannon Molloy share works that are part-memoir, part-investigation; adding a crucial personal reflection to the conversation. What is working? And what needs to change for a brighter future?

Can we stop the violence? Panel Appearance at Words on the Waves Writers Festival, Umina
Jess Hill, Sonia Orchard, Shannon Molloy. Moderator: Ginger Gorman
In this hard-hitting session, we grapple with violence against women and children in Australia and the failures of our legal system. Jess Hill expands on her groundbreaking Quarterly Essay and Australia’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. Sonia Orchard and Shannon Molloy share works that are part-memoir, part-investigation; adding a crucial personal reflection to the conversation. What is working? And what needs to change for a brighter future?
** Content Warning: This session contains reference to acts of grooming and family and sexual violence.

In Print: Read about Groomed in Good Weekend
Pick up a copy of Good Weekend (The Age/Sydney Morning Herald) for a detailed article on Sonia’s new book Groomed.

Book Launch: Groomed
Join Mary Gearin and Martin Hughes to celebrate the launch of Sonia Orchard's Groomed.
Sonia was in her forties when she told a therapist about the boyfriend she had when she was fifteen. Sure, he had been a decade older than her, but it was consensual ... wasn't it? To her surprise, Sonia broke down in tears, then began to shake uncontrollably - an unmistakable expression of trauma that lasted for days. She was clearly not okay, but could the relationship she'd thought was loving really have been abuse? Had she been groomed?
Free, but bookings are essential.
Please Book Here.

Tune in: ABC TV Weekend Breakfast Interview
Tune in live to ABC RN Breakfast at 8am this Saturday 8 Feb 2025 to hear Sally Sara and Sonia Orchard chat about the release of Sonia’s new memoir Groomed.