Breaking new ground at Rural Women's Gathering

The 2026 Rural Women’s Gathering attracted more than 300 people for a weekend of inspiration, learning, connection and celebration in the Narrabri Shire.

The theme of this year’s program was ‘Breaking new ground’, encouraging women to embrace opportunities to grow their businesses, rediscover creativity, prioritise their wellbeing and explore new possibilities.

Gillian Goddard.

The event’s MC was 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year Kirsty Evans, with special guest speakers including the 2025 Archibald Prize winner Julie Fragar, a Wee Waa High School graduate who has gone on to achieve national recognition and incredible success.

Louise Tout.

Now in its 33rd year, the RWG is funded and organised by the NSW Government and Rural Women’s Network, with Narrabri Shire Council as an integral partner for 2026 and Narrabri the host town, delivering an action-packed weekend.

Engaging presentations, panel discussions and workshops were hosted by familiar faces and rural advocates, from artists to agricultural and health professionals, fashion designers, businesswomen and entrepreneurs, as well as local champions and volunteers making a lasting impact on their communities.

Jenny Mapstone.

Registration was free, and attendees could choose from 15 women-led practical workshops focusing on arts and culture, health and wellbeing, relationships, business and technology, the environment and agriculture.

The stellar line-up of speakers, attendees and activities highlighted the amazing talent and collaborations happening in rural and regional NSW, with women sharing what drives their passion to make a positive difference, how personal challenges led them to want to create change and how supporting others while doing what you love and having fun along the way can be a game-changer.

Mil Kidd, Malinda Guest and Steph Brooker.

Narrabri Shire Council’s Gillian Goddard was a key organiser of the RWG, going above and beyond in her role to help plan a memorable weekend that celebrated rural women from different fields.

“We were delighted with how the weekend unfolded and incredibly proud to welcome the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering to Narrabri Shire,” said Gillian.

Annabelle Kennedy and Lottie Rae.

“There was a wonderful atmosphere across the weekend, with so many opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate what makes our rural communities so special.

Georgie Hamblin.

“Seeing the program come to life, with the support of so many local people and organisations, was incredibly rewarding.

“It was heart-warming to hear from visitors who had attended many previous Gatherings but had never visited Narrabri Shire.

Jenny and Jess Wales with baby Celine.

“So many were blown away by our venues, the hospitality of our people, the natural beauty of the region and the incredible talent we have right here in our community.”

“Having visitors from across the state explore our national parks, local attractions and businesses, and share such positive experiences of their time here is a real win for our region.

The event’s MC was 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year Kirsty Evans.

“I hope the connections they made and the memories they took home will encourage them to return, and inspire others to discover everything Narrabri Shire has to offer.”

Milli Weaver.

A highlight was the runway feature, a 20-year capsule collection showcasing First Nations label Buluuy Mirrii, with fabulous music, fashion, and local models lifting the vibe and drawing cheers from the crowd.

Panellists for the Changing the conversation: Women’s health, advocacy and access discussion, Dr Maelle Morgan, Milli Weaver, Malinda Guest, Jen Laurie and Dr Jessica Yabsley. Photos featured with this article kindly provided by Penny Vella.

For the young students and first-time models, the experience was an opportunity to build confidence and shine in front of an audience. And they didn’t disappoint, stepping into the spotlight and describing the day as one they ‘will remember forever’.

Sienna Melton, Buluuy Mirrii creative director Miah Wright, Leilani Smith, Lilly Harvey, Isobelle Ziebell, Laycee Lawler, Ellani French, Gomeroi designer Colleen Tighe Johnson for her label Buluuy Mirrii, Savannah Lawler, Leairah Smith, Makaylie Mason, NHS Aboriginal education officer Kirren Apthorpe, Lexie Fernance, Grace Atkinson, Narrabri High School public relations and community liaison Officer David Pierce, front, Delilah Mason. Photos: Penny Vella.

Gomeroi designer Colleen Tighe Johnson received a big round of applause along with her models, who were greeted backstage by proud and excited family members.

Gunnedah Shire mayor Colleen Fuller, NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens.

“Remarkably, just 24 hours before the show, none of the students had ever walked a runway,” explained Gillian.

Championing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivered by United Way, Ellie Kiely, Leo Krikmann and Anna Ryan.

“With professional hair and makeup, along with guidance and encouragement from the modelling team, they embraced the challenge with such enthusiasm and confidence.

Tiffany Leahy from Regional AI Co.

“It was a significant milestone for Buluuy Mirrii, as it was the first time high school students had been involved in a runway show.

“The students also received certificates from Miyaay Mirrii recognising their participation in the Buluuy Mirrii Black Star – Miyaay Mirrii Young Women’s Model Development Program, establishing foundations for future collaborations with local school students.

The panel ‘breaking new ground in agriculture’ brought together University of Sydney Plant Breeding Institute research scientist Dr Rebecca Shephard, Cotton Seed Distributors agronomist Natalie Aquilina and Bellevue Pastoral Company’s Julia and Leeanne Eather to discuss innovation, sustainability and the future of farming. The panel was hosted by MC Kirsty Evans.

“We are grateful for the support of Narrabri High School and parents of students for making this possible.

“Seeing those young women step out of their comfort zones, support one another and discover what they were capable of was incredibly moving.

The rural women building labels with purpose panel, featured Gomeroi designer Colleen Tighe Johnson of Buluuy Mirrii, MOMO the label co-founders Kristelle English and Lillie Hamblin, Kennedy The Label founder Annabelle Kennedy and Grace & May founder Martina Valks. Photo: Penny Vella.

“It was a wonderful example of what can happen when our community creates opportunities for young people to try something new.”

It’s hoped some of the local students will head to Tamworth next month to model in another event, Buluuy Mirrii – Return to Country, after their impressive runway debuts in Narrabri at the RWG.

Model Grace Atkinson in the runway show feature, a 20-year capsule collection showcasing label Buluuy Mirrii. Photo: Penny Vella.

“It never ceases to amaze me. I’m still very emotional, goosebumps and teary eyes,” designer Colleen Tighe Johnson told The Courier/Wee Waa News after the Narrabri runway show.

Sarah Wheeler.

“David (Pierce) Miah (Wright) and Grace (Atkinson), they’ve done a magnificent job getting them ready for the show today.

“These young girls … they’ll always remember this day and where it takes them.

NSC general manager Eloise Chaplain.

“What we did today was giving back to country, giving back to community and giving the girls an experience and memories for a lifetime.”

Carmel Harvey, Kim Capp and Jenny Laird.

“There’s so much more to this than just doing a fashion show: there’s confidence, the pride … and you’ve got to remember that a lot of these students are in Year 7, so I think in itself that’s amazing,” added Narrabri High School public relations and community liaison officer David Pierce, who also has more than 35 years’ experience in the fashion industry.

Pictured right, Julie Fragar raising her arms in the air as members of the crowd cheered when ‘Wee Waa’ was mentioned in her introduction. Julie Fragar is an acclaimed artist and 2025 Archibald Prize winner, but she is also a celebrated Wee Waa High School graduate and speaks fondly about her hometown of Wee Waa. Julie is pictured with Wee Waa News/The Courier journalist Ali Smith and Australian artist and entrepreneur Lottie Rae at the Rural Women’s Gathering. The panel discussion was called ‘Creativity from regional roots to national recognition’ and involved two rockstars of the art world – Julie and Lottie – discussing their different creative journeys, artistic processes, the power of social media and how their rural upbringings helped shape them and forge successful careers. Photo: Penny Vella.

David said the students embraced the new experience and he urged them to “never miss an opportunity, you never know where it might take you”.

“It’s not their everyday. One hundred per cent… to have your hair and your makeup done, the clothes, to feel that great sense of pride and to have a day where you are more than ‘just a school kid’.

Year 12 student Sienna Melton from Wee Waa with her mum Bernadette Melton. Sienna was one of the young models who rocked the runway at the Rural Women’s Gathering, held in Narrabri on October 17. Photos: Penny Vella.

David said seeing the smiles on the students’ faces and the overwhelmingly positive reaction from their families backstage after the runway show “was extremely special”.

Emily Ellwood.

“For me, that’s what it’s all about. I am so proud; they listened to everything.

Ingrid and Guy Roth.

“They not only represented their school and their culture but the community as well.

Kylie Finlay, Joan Griffiths, Janet Pope and Trish Mackereth.

“These opportunities don’t come up every day and to work with someone like Colleen, who’s been at Australian Fashion Week, New York, she’s just come back from Hong Kong – it’s incredible.”

Geraldine Hall.

David said designer Colleen Tighe Johnson and the team with her from Buluuy Mirrii sat down with the girls before the runway show and offered them some words of wisdom: “Just because you’re from a small country town doesn’t mean you can’t do these things.”