Our Purpose
a central part of life at coomaditchie
Our Art
Our artists create works that reflect the stories, colours, and knowledge of the East Coast Saltwater People. These artworks are displayed in public spaces across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, including schools, hospitals, parks, and galleries. Through murals, mosaics, and collaborative projects, our art brings people together and shares the richness of Aboriginal culture with the wider community.
We work closely with local councils, schools, universities, and community organisations to create art that speaks to place and history. Each piece is a way of teaching, connecting, and building understanding. Our art also supports our goal of becoming a self-sufficient community. Every artwork sold helps fund employment, training, and cultural programs.
your purchase empowers our community
Social Enterprise
Coomaditchie’s social enterprise is grounded in art, culture and community. All proceeds from the sale of our original artworks and products including prints, textiles and homewares, are reinvested into employment, training, and cultural programs. These works are more than just objects; they carry stories, knowledge and identity. By supporting our social enterprise, you’re not only purchasing a meaningful piece of culture, you’re directly contributing to the growth of our artists, the wellbeing of our community, and the continuation of Aboriginal cultural practice.
Empowering Aboriginal youth through culture and education
Advocacy
The Ngaramura Project, delivered by Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation and funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through culturally meaningful pathways in education.
The project was developed to support students at risk of suspension, expulsion, or school disengagement. Ngaramura works with each young person, their family, and their school to build personalised plans that support a return to education, further study, or employment. At the centre of the program is a framework that brings together helping young people build a stronger connection to their identity and heritage, providing learning in core school subjects in a supportive environment, and building confidence and everyday skills that help in school and beyond.
The program has had strong results. Around 85% of referred students have re-engaged with school, improved attendance, and shown better academic outcomes. Students report fewer behavioural issues and a stronger sense of belonging. Some have gone on to further education or employment with greater confidence in themselves and their future.
The Ngaramura Project brings together culture, education, and community to create meaningful change for young people.
connection to land and country
Caring for Country
Just outside our hall is Coomaditchie Lagoon, a place of cultural and ecological importance. It is one of the last perched freshwater lagoons on the east coast of Australia and is home to endangered species such as the Green and Gold Bell Frog and the Eastern Long-Necked Turtle. Our connection to this land is ongoing. We care for the lagoon through bush regeneration and environmental work, continuing the practices of our ancestors. The lagoon is not only a place of natural beauty—it is part of who we are and how we live.
Since 2003, we have also maintained a thriving community garden. This garden has brought people together, attracted volunteers, and provided fresh, healthy food to our community. When there is surplus, we share produce with local organisations. The garden has supported better health outcomes for our community and is another way we care for each other and our environment.
More than a place, it's a hub for culture, care and connection.
Our Community
Visitors are welcomed into a space shaped by the commitment of our staff and the leadership of senior artists Aunty Lorraine Brown and Aunty Narelle Thomas. Their vision has helped make Coomaditchie a place where culture is lived every day, where stories are shared, and where community is strong.
We build relationships with the broader community through cultural awareness programs based on art, community-building activities, local Aboriginal culture and heritage, and bush regeneration. These programs reflect our deep commitment to cultural education as a way of breaking down barriers between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. This cultural focus makes Coomaditchie a unique and valuable resource for the region.
We work to ensure a more positive future for young people by supporting their success in education, helping them access employment opportunities, and encouraging healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives and relationships.
As a vital community hub, Coomaditchie also provides everyday support to the local Koori community. We offer early intervention and assistance for young mothers and their children, help with housing, health, and legal issues, support in education and employment, and general welfare services and referrals.
We invite you to explore our space, learn from our stories, and be part of the ongoing journey of Coomaditchie.
We invite you to explore our space, learn from our stories, and be part of the ongoing journey of Coomaditchie.
Our Charter - Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation:
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Plays a pivotal role in the Illawarra and South Coast NSW serving as a key centre for Aboriginal artistic expression, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
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As an Aboriginal-owned and managed social enterprise, CUAC supports local artists from the Illawarra region and beyond, providing a platform for Aboriginal creatives to showcase their stories and traditions through visual art, cultural projects, and community initiatives.
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Works to improve the social well-being of Aboriginal people, particularly those in crisis, by assisting with the relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution and helplessness through the provision of appropriate welfare services to members of the Aboriginal community
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Raises the self-esteem, pride, motivation and dignity of Aboriginal people through culturally appropriate programs that strengthen Aboriginal identity and culture and encourage self-determination
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Creates awareness and support in the broader community of local Aboriginal culture and heritage issues; establishing a multi-purpose cultural centre at Coomaditchie
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Maintains an Aboriginal bush tucker trail and information bay at Coomaditchie Lagoon
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Provides opportunities for the local Aboriginal community to participate in a range of social, cultural, education and employment programs and activities to assist them to improve their life circumstances
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Operates and maintains a gift fund to be known as “The Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation Gift Fund”, in accordance with the requirements of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
