Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation

Chairperson, Community Worker, Bushcare Advisor, Artist

Narelle was elected Worker of the Year in 2009 by Shellharbour City Council. Born in Nowra in the mid-1960s, Narelle is a Yuen/Jerrinjah woman and is descended from the Gunai Kurnai nation. Narelle spent her childhood in the Shoalhaven and has lived in the Illawarra since the 1970s. She is highly skilled in bush regeneration and is an accomplished artist and community worker. Narelle and her sister Lorraine Brown create beautiful artworks. Lorraine and Narelle work like professional dancers, one leads and the other follows and no-one steps on any toes. Narelle is a qualified Aboriginal heritage and sites worker and has participated in many archeological surveys in the Illawarra region. Both Narelle and Lorraine are committed to their families and the Coomaditchie community.

Co-Chairperson, Community Worker, Coomaditchie Premier Artist

Lorraine was elected Elder of the Year in 2009 by Shellharbour City Council. She is an experienced worker who has supported and mentored community members for over twenty-five years. Lorraine is descended from the Gunai Kurnai nation and is a Yuen/Jerrinjah woman born in Bega, one of 7 children, and raised in the Shoalhaven. She moved to the Illawarra in 1972 and now calls this home. Lorraine is the premier artist of the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation. Together with her sister Narelle, Lorraine has contributed to a prolific amount of public art in the Illawarra. She views her ability to paint as a gift. Lorraine uses bold colours that reflect her coastal upbringing. "We are East coast saltwater people", she says. My colours symbolise my life. I had a great childhood, great parents, family and extended family. You can learn more about Lorraine here.

Treasurer, Community Worker

Nicole has been with Coomaditchie for over 10 years as a worker and volunteer and is also the Treasurer. Nicole is the stalwart of the Coomaditchie Learning Club and supports volunteers to appreciate and adhere to culturally appropriate practices. She also keeps the children on focus. Nicole is also employed as the Project Support Worker for the Ngaramura Project ensuring the facility is ready for project participants.

Project Coordinator, Ngaramura Project

Alyssa first started working with Coomaditchie in 2013 as the Smith Family Coordinator of the Learning Club. She joined as a Coomaditchie employee in 2018 to coordinate the Ngaramura Project.  In this capacity, Alyssa manages resources and personnel to ensure the overall success of the project. Alyssa is currently studying for a Masters in Teaching degree.

Case Worker, Ngaramura Project

Lil is an integral member of the Ngaramura Project supporting participants, maintaining records and liaising with schools and families. Lil has many years experience as a caseworker working with vulnerable families for several years while working for Barnados. She is the mother of four children, is currently studying toward a business qualification, and in addition to her Ngaramura role, ably contributes to the whole Coomaditchie community organisation.

Administration Manager, Public Officer

Sue has been involved with Coomaditchie since 2004. In addition to ensuring compliance for the corporation as Administration Manager, Lorraine describes Sue as "the bridge" connecting the corporation to mainstream organisations. 

General Support Worker (Volunteer)

Jane has supported Coomaditchie for seven years in a voluntary capacity. She describes herself as a "gopher" doing all the odd jobs necessary in a busy community centre. Jane ably assists with art authenticity certification and administrative support.