First Nations people have had an affiliation with the sea since the beginning of time. Surfing is a contemporary sport that promotes and enables this connection to continue. Our purpose is to improve mental health through connection. We understand and have experienced the trauma from mental illness and the impacts of suicide and drug and alcohol abuse. Our firm mission is reconnecting people spiritually, mentally and physically with Gaagal (Ocean) and each other so that we can make a change one by one from the inside out, healing the traumatic wounds and setting up strong foundations for future success.

Naru Surf Gathering

At present, Naru runs a number of successful programs on the mid & north coast of NSW. One of our successes is the annual Naru Surf Gathering. As the name suggests this event is a gathering of different tribes, clans and cultures into one area to celebrate and showcase the abilities of our surfers but also introduce as many spectators as we can to the sport of surfing. At present Naru Surf Gathering is the largest single Aboriginal surfing event in Australia - which is no small feat considering the lack of resources we currently have.

Goori Grom Program

Another one of our successful programs is our Goori Grom Program, which is our Ocean Awareness & learn-to-surf workshops designed to increase knowledge of surf conditions and build confidence in the saltwater increasing participation in the sport. Surfing is a healthy sport promoting not only physical fitness but also spiritual and mental fitness. The feedback from our workshops has been nothing but positive and we have a key focus on cultural and personal safety to ensure the programs and workshops are fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Ocean Awareness Workshops

We have a variety of community members, organisations and services that engage in our Ocean Awareness Workshops including schools, out-of-home care services, youth justice and groups wanting to do team building. One of our primary goals is to provide introductory courses and use of equipment so that cost is no barrier to our mob to participate in learning the physical, cultural and plethora of benefits the Ocean can provide.
‍

We celebrate our cultural connection to the oceana. We have a large focus on mental health, suicide prevention and healthy living; ocean education and programs we pass on knowledge and skills that have the potential to save lives, redirection and diversion options for young people involved in youth justice. Naru is not just about celebrating Aboriginal excellence in sport, we are passionate about celebrating life's achievements and introducing people to this amazing sport which has the ability to transform those who it touches. With rising cases of anxiety and depression, Naru is well positioned to assist as many people as we can along this healing journey without the need for long-term prescription drugs but through a life of spiritual and cultural connection, healthy lifestyle and family/community support.

‍

‍

• Wellbeing - mental and physical wellbeing.
• Community - ensuring community connection is strong.
• Identity - space to be proud and explore who we are.
• Family - opportunity for our families to engage in activities that might otherwise not be available.
• Connection - with ourselves, our Country, with our community, with our Elders, with our culture.
• Opportunity - providing opportunities for our community.

‍

Decisions are made through the Board of Directors. We engage with local Elders and invite them to our programs. Feedback forms are always available to community to let us know what they think of what we offer and what they would like to see in the future.