Govie Wellbeing

The annual Govie (Governess) Wellbeing Dinner is a special event that brings young women together from all over the Far West of NSW to connect, recharge, and focus on their mental health and wellbeing.

RAMHP and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) have been supporting Governesses and the School of the Air for over 10 years, hosting events like this to support the wellbeing of those who live in isolated areas.

“I loved the Govie Dinner info night and the chance it gave Govies to catch up and learn about the various support networks available to us in the Far West. I think it was valuable for us to know and understand that there are options for us if we are feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, or just need a chat with someone outside of our working team. It also allows the mental health and wellbeing information shared with us to be in a safe and comfortable space where conversations can just flow, and questions are answered right there and then.”

Liv, Govie at Milpa Station, 196 km north of Broken Hill, NSW.

“The Governess Dinner has been a cherished highlight for many years, offering a warm and welcoming space where we can break the ice, share laughter, and have meaningful conversations. It’s a night where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and we support one another—whether through light-hearted games or deep discussions about mental health, staying safe, and navigating life as a governess.  

This year, I had the privilege of helping with the organization, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the incredible women who dedicated countless hours to making this event so special. Their hard work comes purely from the goodness of their hearts, and their commitment to ensuring every governess feels valued is truly inspiring. They listened to feedback from previous years, refining the event to make it even better, and most importantly, they made sure the governesses had a voice in shaping the night—allowing us to express what we wanted to get out of the experience. 

For many of us, this dinner is more than just a fun evening; it’s the foundation for the friendships and support networks that carry us through the year. It’s a chance to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of our role, making it easier to reach out for advice, encouragement, or just a friendly chat when we need it most. The impact of this event lasts far beyond the night itself, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of creating something so meaningful.”

Montana, Govie at Tom’s Lake Station, 111 km north of Hay, NSW.

Far West RAMHP Coordinator, Bronte Lee says she looks forward to continuing this collaboration in the years to come alongside RFDS, School of the Air, and Governesses to provide opportunities for social connection to support the wellbeing of this unique and valuable workforce.