Coomaditchie is a name that carries deep significance in the Illawarra. For more than three decades, the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation has been a place where culture, art, and community come together. Known for their vibrant public artworks, cultural programs, and tireless support of young people, Coomaditchie continues to play a vital role in keeping stories strong and connection to Country alive.
As one of the community organisations featured in this year’s Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo, Coomaditchie stands as both a cultural hub and a proud example of what can be achieved when creativity and community walk hand in hand.
We had the opportunity to sit down with the team at Coomaditchie to ask them a few questions about their journey, their work, and their hopes for the future.
What’s the story behind your business? Where did it begin, and what brought you to this path?
Coomaditchie began with something simple — a few paintbrushes and a fence. In the early 1990s, a community worker brought art supplies to the mission, and we just started painting. At first it was the fences around our homes. We used handprints, kangaroos and goannas to tell stories and mark our place. Some people called it graffiti, but for us it was a way of sharing who we are and where we come from.
That small act grew into something much bigger. When the school across the road asked us to paint a mural, we took it on, even though we had never done anything like that before. It was the first public artwork we created together. From there, we were invited to paint at galleries, take on commissions and run workshops. But it was never just about art. We formally established the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation to support our community to provide services, advocate for our people and keep culture strong.
How does your culture or community show up in your business? In what you do, how you do it, or why it matters?
Everything we do at Coomaditchie is grounded in culture and community. Our artwork tells the stories of this area — the sea, the animals, the plants, and the lived experiences of our people. It reflects both our history and our identity. Whether it's a large mural or a small workshop, we always carry those cultural elements through in a way that invites people to connect, learn, and understand.
We also run programs that support the wellbeing of our community. The Ngaramura Project is a big part of that. It provides culturally grounded education, mentoring and support for Aboriginal youth. We’ve seen how powerful it is for young people to have that strong cultural connection while also being guided through education and employment pathways. It helps them stay proud, strong and connected.
A big part of what we do is also about bridging the gap between the Aboriginal community and the wider community. We want people to understand and respect our culture. Through our workshops, art, and cultural experiences, we create opportunities for people to come together, learn and share. That connection and understanding is just as important as the work itself.
We always encourage people to visit Coomaditchie, the door is open for the local community and the wider community to come, spend time with us, and connect.
What do you love most about the work you do?
What we love most is that everything we do makes a real difference. Whether we’re working with young people, painting a mural, or running a workshop, we are creating spaces where people feel connected and proud.
There’s a real sense of purpose in being able to give back to our community. Seeing young people grow in confidence or watching someone connect with culture for the first time is something that stays with you. It reminds us why the work matters.
Can you tell us about a moment where your business made you feel proud, connected, or inspired?
One of the most meaningful moments for us was the Art of Place exhibition at the Wollongong Art Gallery. That show celebrated 30 years of Coomaditchie’s contribution to the arts. When it toured to the Museum of Sydney, it brought national attention to our work and gave our artists the recognition they deserve.
That same year, we were honoured to receive the Aboriginal Organisation of the Year at the NAIDOC Awards. That acknowledgement reflected not just our art, but our ongoing work with community, young people, and culture. It was a very proud moment.
What are your hopes or plans for the future of your business?
We’re working toward becoming more self-sufficient through our social enterprise work. That includes developing products and creative partnerships that share our artwork and culture beyond the canvas. It’s important that we can keep telling our stories in new and meaningful ways.
We also have plans to continue caring for Country. We’re seeking support to restore the bush track around Coomaditchie Lagoon and return native plants to the area. These projects are part of a bigger vision to strengthen both the land and our community.
At the centre of it all, we want to keep supporting our young people. Programs like Ngaramura have already made such a strong impact and we want to keep building on that. Everything we do is about creating a stronger future for our people and ensuring that culture continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Illawarra Flame is a proud supporter of the 2025 Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo, which will be held from 11am-2pm on Friday, October 31 at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.
