We are the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance. We help drive change through innovative, arts and culture based programs designed for the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi Aboriginal communities across the Mid North Coast of NSW. We are 100% Aboriginal-owned and run. Incorporated in June 2010, Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation governed by a board representing ten Local Aboriginal Land Councils on the Mid North Coast of NSW. They include Karuah, Forster, Purfleet Taree, Bunyah (Wauchope), Birpai (Port Macquarie), Kempsey, Thungutti (Bellbrook), Unkya (Macksville), Bowraville and Coffs Harbour. Our board ensures effective community engagement and representation across the region. The communities in our region cover the four language areas of the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr. We value Aboriginal culture as central to sustainability. Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance approaches community development from a positive perspective and focuses on what gives Aboriginal people an advantage: their culture. The Alliance aims to position culture as the foundation for the long-term sustainability of the region’s 12,000 Aboriginal people. Culture is linked to the building of pride and self-esteem as well as providing a viable career path. We revive culture within our community., Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance strengthens culture by creating culturally based training and employment opportunities for the Aboriginal communities on the Mid North Coast. We provide a year-round program of activities grounded in arts and skills development across a range of different art forms in our ten communities, many of them aimed at the next generation. These projects are showcased to the public at Saltwater Freshwater Festival, held annually during Reconciliation Week.