The Coolamon a “life changing gift of love”

Coolamon Community is a First Nations-led registered charity.

We exist to celebrate strong beginnings — for Aboriginal mothers, their babies, and the communities that walk beside them.

At the heart of our work is The Coolamon — a beautiful bundle of baby essentials, filled with care, culture, and connection. More than just practical support, each Coolamon is a message: you are loved, your journey matters, and we’re walking with you.

We partner with trusted Aboriginal Health Services across regional and remote Australia to deliver these gifts during pregnancy, birth and early parenting — supporting women with what they need, and celebrating the strength, love and resilience of Aboriginal motherhood.

Together, we’re helping ensure every new life is met with dignity, safety and joy.

  • Our Vision

    To facilitate the provision of a Coolamon to every pregnant Aboriginal mother in Australia through the local, trusted and culturally safe Aboriginal Health Service professional caring for her.

  • Our Mission

    To deliver the Coolamon to Aboriginal Health Services to gift Aboriginal mothers with every essential item that needed to care for her baby’s first 6 weeks of life. Applying high-quality and best practice standards always.

  • Our Purpose

    To have a positive impact at the very start of life for an Aboriginal mother and her newborn.

Please Note - The Safe Sleep Space has been redesigned post the making of this video in alignment with ACCC regulations of Jan 2026

Our Projects

  • The Coolamon

    Giving Aboriginal mothers and babies the best start in life

    The Coolamon is a lovingly curated bundle of essentials, gifted to Aboriginal mothers during pregnancy by their trusted Aboriginal Health Service midwives.

    Each Coolamon includes:

    - A safe sleeping space, blankets and muslin wraps

    - Nappies, wipes and newborn and premmie size baby clothing

    - Breastfeeding supports

    - Toiletries for mother and baby

    - First nations designed books and toys for bub

    - nappy/tote bag for mothers

     We work in partnership with AHS teams in regional and remote areas—quietly, respectfully, and without red tape. The Coolamon fills a vital gap of much needed resources and gives new mothers the tools and dignity to care for their baby from day one.

  • Post Natal Resources

    Helping new mothers feel supported, seen and cared for

    In the weeks after birth, small things make a big difference—especially in remote communities where basic supplies can be hard to reach.

    This project supports Aboriginal mothers with items requested directly by their midwives, including:

    - Manual or electric breast pumps

    - Milk storage kits and breast collection shells

    - Maternity and postpartum hygiene items

    - Larger size baby clothing

    Everything we provide is new, practical and offered with cultural care through the woman’s existing health team. These items aren’t just useful—they’re affirming. They say: '“you matter, and we’re here for you.”

FAQ

  • We supply The Coolamon to trusted Aboriginal Health Services across regional and remote Australia. These services are deeply embedded in community and provide culturally safe care throughout pregnancy and early parenting.

  • The midwives and health workers at Aboriginal Health Services decide. They know their women and understand who will benefit most. In many communities, every pregnant woman is offered a Coolamon as part of her care.

  • Each Coolamon contains: a safe sleep space, mattress, baby bedding including blankets, jersey and muslin wraps, baby towel and face-washer, 5 items of clothing, nappies, wipes, nursing pads, Medela breast feeding aids, QV baby barrier creams, gentle wash and moisturising creams, items designed by First Nations artists include baby books, snuggle toy and nappy/tote bag, optionals include an orthodontic dummy and storage bottles with teats.

  • During the third trimester of pregnancy, as part of pre-natal care through the Aboriginal Health Service. If a woman presents later, it may also be given at birth.

  • Yes we’ve designed the Sleep Space to be ACCC compliant- its handmade from recycled paper rope over a wire frame so it has stiff sides to prevent adults rolling onto baby when asleep in the bed. The mattress has a new surface that can now be wiped clean

  • Every Coolamon includes nursing pads and milk storage items. For twins, premmie babies or long hospital stays, we can provide collection shells, manual pumps or electric pumps.

  • Postnatal support is shaped by AHS feedback—ensuring mums are cared for after birth with essentials and connection to care.

  • Visit our Donate To Us page to give a once-off gift, sponsor a Coolamon, or donate monthly. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

  • Head to our Volunteer With Us page to sign up. We provide full training and welcome you into a warm, respectful community.

  • No. All Coolamon contents must be brand new to ensure quality, safety and dignity.

  • We coordinate directly with AHS teams—delivering where needed, from nearby towns to remote communities. We use couriers regionally or Australia Post to remote areas

  • Yes. Midwives at AHS guide us on what’s best for local needs—whether it’s climate, cultural practices, or baby’s health.

  • Yes. Coolamon Community is proudly First Nations-led with a majority First Nations board and strong cultural governance.

  • From like minded Philanthropic Foundations, Corporate partners, and individual donors both private and public.

  • Yes. We prioritise Indigenous suppliers wherever we can—supporting both cultural integrity and local economies.

  • To date we’ve supported over 1400 First Nations mums and babies across the country since we began our work in January 2022.