Sorcha Tormey Email & Phone Number

Lismore, New South Wales, Australia

I currently work in the Eastern New South Wales (ENSW) Coordination Team and support the Regional Manager and wider regional Engagement Teams with ministerial and executive correspondence and reporting. I am also leading the development of systems approaches to the work of ENSW through CRM and Project Central, as well as the development of regional strategies to support staff in future natural disasters.

Lismore, New South Wales, Australia

This was a short maternity leave cover contract working as an Engagement Officer in the Lismore office. Duties included:* Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders* Contract management including site visits* A research project that focused on the NIAA's response to recent natural disasters. This research involved taking a trauma-informed approach in consultation with staff who experienced the catastrophic floods in Lismore in 2022 and the Black Summer bushfires on the NSW… Show more This was a short maternity leave cover contract working as an Engagement Officer in the Lismore office. Duties included:* Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders* Contract management including site visits* A research project that focused on the NIAA's response to recent natural disasters. This research involved taking a trauma-informed approach in consultation with staff who experienced the catastrophic floods in Lismore in 2022 and the Black Summer bushfires on the NSW south coast in 2019/20. Show less

Brisbane, Australia

Teaching - Australian Catholic University(July 2016 - ongoing)At ACU I teach subjects focused on political science, social justice and academic skills in both face-to-face and online formats. These have included:POLS309: World Politics and JusticeSOCS301: Social Justice and the Economy UNCC100: The Common Good & the Anatomy of Modern SocietyUNCC300: Understanding Self and Society – Contemporary PerspectivesResearch Assistant - Southern Cross University |… Show more Teaching - Australian Catholic University(July 2016 - ongoing)At ACU I teach subjects focused on political science, social justice and academic skills in both face-to-face and online formats. These have included:POLS309: World Politics and JusticeSOCS301: Social Justice and the Economy UNCC100: The Common Good & the Anatomy of Modern SocietyUNCC300: Understanding Self and Society – Contemporary PerspectivesResearch Assistant - Southern Cross University | Department of Social Work(February - June 2020)This project involved undertaking a literature review of the social services sector and approaches to child protection and domestic violence. In particular, identifying community-led grassroots initiatives. Teaching - Southern Cross University(July - October 2019) WEL91005 Social Work Direct Practice IIManaaki Whenua - Landcare Research(April - June 2019)This project involved a partnership between Manaaki Whenua (Landcare New Zealand) and the Department of Conservation in New Zealand. to undertake a thorough literature review of how novel technologies and scientific issues (e.g., synthetic biology, genetic tools, nanotechnology, climate change, vaccines) are framed. Doctorate of Philosophy - The University of Queensland(March 2011 - October 2015)This thesis explores the political imaginaries of non-Indigenous people in Indigenous solidarity movements in Australia and Canada. Completion of the thesis involved: *32 interviews and 2 focus groups conducted with non-Indigenous solidarity activists in Australia and Canada*Engaging with a wide range of external stakeholders from academics, to community workers, to First Nations 'Elders in Australia, Elders within First Nation communities in Canada.*Awarded the Graduate School International Travel Grant to develop links with academic institutions in Canada*Presenting papers at the Australian Critical Race and Whiteness Studies Association (ACRAWSA) conference Show less

Lismore, New South Wales, Australia

In this role I developed the research, monitoring, evaluation and strategic learning strategies for the YWCA Communities for Children program.This involved working closely with our team, our community partners, as well as children, young people and families in Goonellabah and Murwillumbah to address complex social challenges using trauma-informed approaches.I also participated in the YWCA Research and Evaluation Core Action Team and contributed to the development of the organisation's… Show more In this role I developed the research, monitoring, evaluation and strategic learning strategies for the YWCA Communities for Children program.This involved working closely with our team, our community partners, as well as children, young people and families in Goonellabah and Murwillumbah to address complex social challenges using trauma-informed approaches.I also participated in the YWCA Research and Evaluation Core Action Team and contributed to the development of the organisation's national research and evaluation strategy. I was interested in bringing the YWCA flavour to this work, established by women working at the grassroots for over 140 years, especially an understanding and application of intersectionality to contribute to the work of dismantling systems of privilege and power. Show less

Goonellabah, New South Wales, Australia

This role involved supporting the Our Happy Women group, a yarning circle and creative arts initiative for First Nations women. The role involved organising logistics for the group who met weekly at the YWCA, as well as off site excursions to extend their knowledge and skills and learn from local artists in the region. Through this work I had the opportunity to develop relationships with the women, to learn from them and continue to develop a decolonising trauma-informed… Show more This role involved supporting the Our Happy Women group, a yarning circle and creative arts initiative for First Nations women. The role involved organising logistics for the group who met weekly at the YWCA, as well as off site excursions to extend their knowledge and skills and learn from local artists in the region. Through this work I had the opportunity to develop relationships with the women, to learn from them and continue to develop a decolonising trauma-informed practice.Due to changes in funding requirements and a shift in the strategic direction of the YWCA , I supported the successful transition of the group to another community service to ensure its sustainability and continuity. Show less

Northland, New Zealand

My role involved reporting directly to the Regional Commissioner. It included:* senior regional leadership; * development and oversight of the Ministry’s regional plan; * supporting cross-sector initiatives; strategic collaboration with grassroots community development projects, including Maori initiatives such as the development of the Open Arms homelessness shelter and Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei; * research and analysis of key development issues impacting the region; *… Show more My role involved reporting directly to the Regional Commissioner. It included:* senior regional leadership; * development and oversight of the Ministry’s regional plan; * supporting cross-sector initiatives; strategic collaboration with grassroots community development projects, including Maori initiatives such as the development of the Open Arms homelessness shelter and Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei; * research and analysis of key development issues impacting the region; * and, communications/media support. I also supported the Labour Market team strategy through the development of workplans, reports and marketing communications. Show less

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (March - June 2017)This role was located in the Child and Family Reform Unit, which has oversight of reforms being undertaken in the areas of Child Protection and Family and Domestic Violence as recommended by the Carmody and Bryce Reports. It involved:* Creating a new risk management system, including new risk registers and reporting procedures to fill gaps and capture more complex risks. * In-depth research… Show more Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (March - June 2017)This role was located in the Child and Family Reform Unit, which has oversight of reforms being undertaken in the areas of Child Protection and Family and Domestic Violence as recommended by the Carmody and Bryce Reports. It involved:* Creating a new risk management system, including new risk registers and reporting procedures to fill gaps and capture more complex risks. * In-depth research into Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) policies in other jurisdictions in Australia and international contexts including Aotearoa New Zealand. This research increased knowledge and understanding of effective investment in current approaches to DFV prevention and intervention.World Vision Australia(March 2016 - January 2017)While working with World Vision Australia I co-authored two policy reports designed to inform WVA’s approach to working with First Nations' peoples: o Education for Life Landscape Analysis o Reconciliation Landscape Analysis*Undertook a comprehensive review of First Nation education policies of state, territory and federal governments, including COAG, in Australia; review of similar policies in Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada; review of academic literature and current practice standards. * Conducted face-to-face and online interviews conducted with key internal and external stakeholders as well as regular face-to-face and online workshops and meetings to ensure the research remained within scope and met the requirements of WVA.* Delivered in-depth analysis of media to gain greater understanding of current messaging and arguments for and against constitutional recognition.* Developed a new practice framework for WVA incorporating 3 key elements: Reconciliation, Solidarity and Strong Spirit work. Show less

Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland

Based in Ireland, Coexist was a peacebuilding organisation involved in peace education and community development initiatives in cross-community, cross-border and international contexts. • Established Coexist as an active contributor to the peace process in Ireland and Northern Ireland and assisted in the development of its policies, strategy and vision. • Successfully bid for 7 tenders for funding through local and district councils as part of EU Peace III• Coordinated 8… Show more Based in Ireland, Coexist was a peacebuilding organisation involved in peace education and community development initiatives in cross-community, cross-border and international contexts. • Established Coexist as an active contributor to the peace process in Ireland and Northern Ireland and assisted in the development of its policies, strategy and vision. • Successfully bid for 7 tenders for funding through local and district councils as part of EU Peace III• Coordinated 8 projects involving schools, youth, community workers, government bodies, refugees and Irish Travellers on a cross-border and cross-community basis.• Facilitated a large number of workshops dealing with very sensitive issues relating to violence and conflict, many with people who were directly affected by the issues themselves.• Managed the research, marketing and communications strategies for the company, which included website and social media updates and the development of marketing materials such as brochures, posters and educational resource packs. Show less

County Wicklow, Ireland

The Glencree Women's Programme brings together women from both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland - Catholic/Protestant, Nationalist/Unionist, Loyalist/Republican - over 6 weekends to dialogue, learn from each other and move beyond seeing each other as enemies to seeing each other as part of a shared struggle that is steeped in identity politics and entrenched ways of thinking. Workshops delivered over the course of these weekends included: self esteem, well-being and healing… Show more The Glencree Women's Programme brings together women from both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland - Catholic/Protestant, Nationalist/Unionist, Loyalist/Republican - over 6 weekends to dialogue, learn from each other and move beyond seeing each other as enemies to seeing each other as part of a shared struggle that is steeped in identity politics and entrenched ways of thinking. Workshops delivered over the course of these weekends included: self esteem, well-being and healing, leadership, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. As a co-facilitator of these workshops I supported the women through these processes of dialogue and learning by leading small and large group activities. Show less

County Wicklow, Ireland

Glencree is a peacebuilding organisation in Ireland that facilitates conflict resolution strategies and political dialogue workshops on a cross-border, cross-community and international basis. Peace Education Coordinator(July 2005 - June 2008)Working as Peace Education Programme Coordinator at Glencree involved:• Coordinating the peace education programme which worked with over 1000 students per year from schools around Ireland• Managing a facilitator panel of… Show more Glencree is a peacebuilding organisation in Ireland that facilitates conflict resolution strategies and political dialogue workshops on a cross-border, cross-community and international basis. Peace Education Coordinator(July 2005 - June 2008)Working as Peace Education Programme Coordinator at Glencree involved:• Coordinating the peace education programme which worked with over 1000 students per year from schools around Ireland• Managing a facilitator panel of twenty facilitators as well as interns working on the programme• Recruiting of schools and oversight of the schools database• Coordinating and facilitating cross-border and cross-community schools programmes involving students directly affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland• Developing curriculum for interactive peace education workshops on the themes of conflict resolution, nonviolence, social justice, leadership, communication skills and teambuilding • Travelling to Afghanistan with the Glencree International Programme to share learnings from the Irish peace process with local NGOs and teaching staff developing a peace education module at a university based in Kabul Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Political Science & Peacebuilding

This thesis explores the political imaginaries of non-Indigenous people in Indigenous solidarity movements in Australia and Canada. It.

Ma, International Relations (Peace And Conflict Resolution)

Ba, Journalism