"All good women do great things," according to Patricia Canty, Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) Senior Aboriginal Health Leader. "And we want to provide these women an opportunity for them to get together and talk."

Gook-int-ji-Nhunngku translates from the Barkindji language as "Aboriginal Women's Gathering" and that's exactly what is on the calendar at Bourke on August 8th and 9th.

The free event will showcase local Aboriginal women who are in senior leadership positions with an aim to provide empowerment and leadership to all women.

"It's hard being a regional woman and trying to access a conference or get together," Ms Canty said. "Besides the travel, there are costs of staying overnight somewhere and the general disruption to routine."

The upcoming gathering in Bourke negates all those issues and provides an opportunity for local women to come together and talk about issues that affect them.

"It's the first time we are running this and it's very exciting," Ms Canty said.

The gathering is being held in Bourke over two days 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.

“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.

The objectives of the gathering include empowerment, promotion and recognition of women.

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 free of charge and includes catering. There is a limit of 100 participants and though the enrolments have closed, Ms Canty said there are a few places left.

"In reality, women take on many challenging and complex roles - and this gathering aims to celebrate that. If anyone is keen to come along, please get in touch."

Ms Canty's contact number is 0409 246 712