Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy Port Macquarie’s first festival to celebrate women on May 4 at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council.  

Werrin Medical Centre aboriginal outreach worker Latoya Smith said the positive turn out demonstrates the desire of the community for females to come together. 

“Indigenous and non indigenous all together as one,” she said. 

The festival was a fundraiser for local Aboriginal women's group the Djiyagan Dhanbaan Movement. 

Ms Smith said not enough women take time out to care for themselves. 

“This is a great day where the women can actually pamper themselves, have a yarn, meet others in the community, become friends and talk about any issues that they might have,” she said. 

Ms Smith said it was lovely to see women of all ages including mothers, babies and grandmothers enjoying the day. 

“It’s all about family and we all take each other as one to recognise and get to know each other a bit,” she said. 

Stalls were set up on the day by community groups at the festival to educate women on health and well being. There were numerous activities available for women to participate in including weaving, storytelling, painting and craft. Music groups provided entertainment. 

In future years Ms Smith hopes the festival grows as she believes it holds the key to great outcomes for the Port Macquarie-Hastings community.