Blonde Roots book launch

Blonde Roots book launch

 
 

Today I have the pleasurable duty to speak at the launch of a book by a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The book, Blonde Roots by Narelle Warcon, tells a searing tale of repeated sexual assaults, domestic violence, mistakes made in following life’s journey, but with a sense of candid honesty and surprisingly a sense of humour.

One of the first sections of the book which surprised me was that growing up in Gympie that she had been subjected to gang rape, and that this was seen in those circles as being entirely normal. Having had family in Gympie and been there plenty of times, I had never thought of Gympie in that light- until now.

Now Narelle is blessed by her children and a realisation that she does not have to be a victim, but can stand on her own two feet. Powerful stuff!

When and where:

The launch is at Brisbane club Cloudland, 2pm -4.30pm today, with an auction to help victims of domestic violence. For more details: http://narellewarcon.com/book-launch-event/

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

How to Obtain a NSW Parentage Order for a Child Born Overseas

Starting July 1, 2025, groundbreaking changes to New South Wales law will significantly affect families involved in overseas surrogacy arrangements. These changes empower the NSW Supreme Court to issue parentage orders for children born through commercial surrogacy overseas—a legal pathway previously unavailable.

Monash IVF Mixup Prompts Health Ministers Rapid Review of IVF Regulation

In recent months, Australia’s fertility sector has been shaken by two unprecedented embryo mixups at Monash IVF clinics. These incidents have not only caused distress and confusion for affected families but have also exposed critical weaknesses in the country’s IVF regulatory framework.

Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Human Tissue Review

Explore the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review on human tissue laws and what it means for IVF, surrogacy, and reproductive medicine. Learn about key legal changes and their implications for families and practitioners.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board