Coolamon Community
It takes a community to raise a child
Artwork by Nickolla Clark
The Stolen Generation Still Continues Today
It is deeply concerning that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children today are being removed from their families at 10.8 times the rate of non-Indigenous children*, pointing to a ‘new stolen generation’. Increasing early support to Indigenous Australian families, especially those who are struggling is essential.
Working in collaboration with Aboriginal Health Services & community
Traditionally when First Nations babies were born, everything was provided by the earth & family unit - that is no longer the case in Australia today where traditional supports have been eroded and new Aboriginal mums are at a serious disadvantage.
Coolamon Community’s purpose is to assist Aboriginal Health Services and communities to provide ongoing support to families. It takes a community to raise a child and we want to help give Aboriginal mums and babies the best start in life.
Our Purpose
“The Coolamon” is delivered to the mum preterm or just after birth, by those trusted Healthcare workers at Aboriginal Health Services; this gift celebrates the birth of her child, and connects her to the local caring supportive community around her. “The Coolamon” Cr contains all those items a mother needs to support her and her new baby in those important early months, including baby’s bedding and clothing, mothers’ essentials for personal care etc.