Ngaramura Project

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.

Dreaming Stories by Ngaramura students

Dreaming stories, known as Alcheringa, share the creation of the land, culture and laws of the Illawarra. Passed down through generations, they include teachings from the creator spirit Biamie and his son Duramulun. Coomaditchie Elders continue to pass on these stories through oral tradition and art, with the following works adapted and illustrated by young artists from the Ngaramura Project.

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