Naru's purpose is to improve mental health through harnessing First Nations peoples deep relationship to Gaagal (Ocean). Drawing on lived experience of mental illness, suicide, and substance abuse trauma, Naru's program's reconnect people spiritually, mentally, culturally and physically with Gaagal (Ocean) and each other. Their program's include:

Naru Surf Gathering

The Naru Surf Gathering brings together different tribes, clans, and cultures to celebrate and showcase Indigenous surfing talent while introducing spectators to the sport. As Australia's largest single Aboriginal surfing event, the Gathering achieves remarkable impact despite limited resources, creating a powerful platform for community connection, mental health awareness, and cultural celebration.

Goori Grom Program

The Goori Grom Program delivers ocean awareness and learn-to-surf workshops designed to increase knowledge of surf conditions and build confidence in saltwater, expanding participation in the sport. Surfing promotes physical, spiritual, and mental fitness simultaneously. With a strong focus on cultural and personal safety, the program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, creating fun, enjoyable experiences that honour culture while building ocean connection.

Ocean Awareness Workshops

Naru engages community members, organisations, and services through Ocean Awareness Workshops - including schools, out-of-home care services, youth justice programs, and team-building groups. A primary goal is providing introductory courses and equipment access, removing cost barriers so First Nations communities can access the physical, cultural, and holistic benefits the ocean provides.

Naru honours and revitalises cultural connection to the ocean for young people, families and community. Through ocean education and programs that connect young people and their families to ocean, Naru offers a distinctive healing pathway - where the impact spans healthy living, mental health support, suicide prevention, and youth justice diversion.

• 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.

The Board of Directors are all local Aboriginal community members that guide strategic direction. Naru actively engages local Elders, inviting them to programs and honouring their cultural knowledge and leadership. Additionally, community input is integral to Naru's approach - feedback forms are available for participants to share reflections on programs and contribute ideas for future initiatives, ensuring the organisation remains responsive to community needs and aspirations.