Intereach congratulates Migay Allawah women’s gathering organisers

Intereach has congratulated organisers of the Migay Allawah event, held at Four Post Camp near Deniliquin on April 29.

Migay Allawah – which means ‘Women’s gathering’ – is an annual event where Aboriginal women from across the Riverina-Murray region gather to connect, network and renew friendships.

About 150 women attended the Deniliquin event, which had been scheduled for last year but had to be cancelled due to COVID.

The event’s planning and organisation was overseen by the Riverina Murray Regional Alliance (RMRA) with support from an organising committee, various other groups and not-for-profit organisations and Aboriginal Affairs NSW.

Intereach Aboriginal Health and Family Support Worker Jill Owen was part of the organising committee, which also included RMRA project officer Melissa Bilney, RMRA delegate Heather Bramich and local representatives Karen Mobourne, who was the MC on the day, Lorraine Parsons and Anita Mobourne.

Jill said it was a great day held in a beautiful bush setting next to the Kolety River (Edward River).

“There were a lot of women who benefited from the event, accessing service providers who were there on-site offering information, advice and support. There were speakers on health and wellbeing, legal advice, business opportunities, mental health, environment and other topics; also available were counselling and screening appointment opportunities for women which were well received on the day.

“Everybody enjoyed a wonderful lunch, and there were raffles and a spinning wheel with wonderful prizes and live music from Madi Colville-Walker who was a beautiful voice. Everyone had a good time …. there was lots of laughing and joking.

“We had women travel from Griffith, Albury, Wagga, Darlington Point, Narrandera, Leeton and many more places; the social aspect was a main focus of the event, especially after a year of COVID restrictions which were pretty isolating.

“Well done to all involved and especially Melissa Bilney who did a wonderful job bringing it together.”

Jill said Intereach is extremely grateful to be involved in Migay Allawah and is proud to have supported the event with transport arrangements and a small amount of funding.

Intereach’s Community Transport team arranged transportation from Griffith, Narrandera and Leeton and also transported Deni High students to and from the event.

Migay Allaway is held at a different town each year, and next year moves to Cootamundra, where Intereach also has an office.

Intereach supports children and families, older people, people living with disability, mental health and carers. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can contact the team at Intereach on the toll-free number 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au.

Caption: Intereach staff members (from left) Lee, Jill, Mardi, Emma and Gerry all helped with the Intereach information stand at the Migay Allawah event.