Who Are We?

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Yaam darruy ngiina gaduyaygu - It's good to meet you

We are Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr

We help drive change through innovative, arts and culture based programs designed for the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi Aboriginal communities across the Mid North Coast of NSW

"Projects like these directly, positively and quite profoundly enable the school to lift levels of participation and retention"

"Aboriginal boys who are experiencing problems need to be able to practice their culture, spend time with Elders and take part in cultural practices that are fun"

"I reckon dancing can get you places and can get you out of trouble. You learn more about your culture from dancing and what your culture is about"

We are 100% Aboriginal-owned and run

Incorporated in June 2010, Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation governed by a board representing ten Local Aboriginal Land Councils on the Mid North Coast of NSW. They include Karuah, Forster, Purfleet Taree, Bunyah (Wauchope), Birpai (Port Macquarie), Kempsey, Thungutti (Bellbrook), Unkya (Macksville), Bowraville and Coffs Harbour. Our board ensures effective community engagement and representation across the region. The communities in our region cover the four language areas of the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr.

Our Values

We value Aboriginal culture as central to sustainability

Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance approaches community development from a positive perspective and focuses on what gives Aboriginal people an advantage: their culture. The Alliance aims to position culture as the foundation for the long-term sustainability of the region’s 12,000 Aboriginal people. Culture is linked to the building of pride and self-esteem as well as providing a viable career path.

Reviving Culture

We revive culture within our community

Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance strengthens culture by creating culturally based training and employment opportunities for the Aboriginal communities on the Mid North Coast. We provide a year-round program of activities grounded in arts and skills development across a range of different art forms in our ten communities, many of them aimed at the next generation. These projects are showcased to the public at Saltwater Freshwater Festival, held annually on Australia Day.

Learn About What We Do