Coolamon Community - About Us

Photograph by Sarah Duguid

Coolamon Community is a registered Charity and Not for Profit Incorporated Association based in Northern Rivers NSW

It takes a community to raise a child and our purpose is to help give Aboriginal mums and new babies the best start in life. We do this by providing the “The Coolamon” which is delivered to mum preterm or just after birth, by those trusted Healthcare workers who care for her at Aboriginal Health Services.

The people that have helped us develop “The Coolamon”, its contents, delivery and ongoing support include:

  • Healthcare workers at Aboriginal Health Services including Doctors, Paediatricians, Support Workers and Midwives.

  • Aboriginal communities

  • Mothers & Grandmothers, Aunties, Fathers, Uncles, and Grandfathers.

  • Partners in industry e.g. suppliers of safe sleep spaces, mattresses, children’s clothes etc.

  • Community partners

  • Public donors

Support Where It Matters Most

The journey into motherhood is one of the most important transitions in life—and one where the right support makes all the difference. For Aboriginal mothers, culturally safe prenatal care strengthens confidence, connection, and wellbeing. By walking alongside mums early in pregnancy through Aboriginal Health Services, we help lay the groundwork for stronger births, healthier babies, and empowered parenting.

That support doesn’t stop at birth. The first year of life is a time of rapid development, deep bonding, and big changes. Our postnatal resources continue to walk with mums through feeding, safe sleeping, healing, and connection to culture—ensuring that no mother feels alone during this critical time. When Aboriginal women are supported from the start, families and communities grow stronger.

Where We’re Headed—And Why It Matters

Expand Support in Remote Communities

We’re receiving growing requests from Aboriginal Health Services across Australia—from the Kimberley to Arnhem Land, the Northern Tablelands, and Groote Eylandt. Over the next three years, we aim to reach more mums in these regions by strengthening our partnerships, deepening our logistics, and expanding our supply of culturally safe postnatal resources.

Strengthen Postnatal Care for the First Year

Our goal is to ensure every mother who receives a Coolamon is supported not just at birth, but through the critical first 12 months of her baby’s life. We’re working closely with healthcare teams to provide practical resources that assist with breastfeeding, safe sleeping, bonding, and connection to culture—every step of the way.

Build a Sustainable Future

To continue and grow this work, we’re investing in long-term systems—improving procurement, strengthening volunteer support, and diversifying funding. By building sustainable foundations now, we can ensure Aboriginal mums and their babies are supported not just today, but for generations to come.