Local women are warmly invited to attend Western NSW Local Health District’s first ever Gook-int-ji-Nhunngku Gathering, which means women’s gathering in Barkindji language next month.
The gathering is being held in Bourke over two days, 8-9 August, and will feature storytelling and presentations by several local Aboriginal women in senior leadership positions as well as other strong female leaders from across the health system, including NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service’s Chief Executive Officer, Christine Corby OAM.
WNSWLHD Senior Aboriginal Health Leader, Pat Canty, said the main purpose of hosting and organising the gathering this year is to provide opportunities for empowerment and leadership to all women in our community .
“The gathering will be an opportunity to come together and talk about matters affecting us, in a culturally supportive environment,” Ms Canty said.
“We will also have the opportunity to hear from some amazing leaders across the health sector. These are all strong women who have paved the way for our current and future women in leadership roles - by sharing stories, failures and successes we can all learn,’ Ms Canty said.
WNSWLHD Executive Director Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, Tony Martin, said the gathering was an important opportunity for the District to acknowledge and honour Aboriginal women’s insight, traditions, and ways of life in a way that helps the community become more connected, vibrant, and resilient.
“As a District, we are committed to expanding and supporting our Aboriginal workforce, especially opening up and providing opportunities for Aboriginal women to pursue their career aspirations and ensure they are supported as they progress,” Mr Martin said.
“Events like these are important to not only show our support to our Aboriginal women, but also to share and celebrate our stories, language, music, achievements and culture with our colleagues, our friends and our neighbours,” Mr Martin said.
The gathering is open to all women but is limited to 100 spots.
Anyone who would like to attend is encouraged to register their interest by no later than 20 July with Pat Canty via email: Patricia.Canty@health.nsw.gov.au.