Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance is a proudly 100% Aboriginal-owned and led not-for-profit organisation working to strengthen culture, identity, and community across the Mid North Coast.
Through dynamic programs, SWFW brings people together, celebrates intergenerational knowledge, and supports Aboriginal artists to share their stories and skills with the world.
Since 2010, the Saltwater Freshwater Festival has grown from its debut in Coffs Harbour, drawing over 12,000 people, to become a cherished celebration of culture, connection, and inclusiveness.
SWFW is also home to The Gallery—a vibrant space showcasing the incredible creativity of Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi, and Worimi artists. It’s more than just an art space: it’s a place of storytelling, workshops, and cultural connection where both emerging and established artists can thrive.
They also lead the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA)**—a social enterprise that brings authentic Aboriginal design into modern spaces, branding, and architecture. NADA creates meaningful opportunities for artists while helping organisations connect with culture in respectful and powerful ways.
Whether you visit The Gallery, attend the Festival, or collaborate with NADA, you’re helping to celebrate and sustain the creativity, strength, and spirit of our local Aboriginal communities.
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Provide seating in common areas including reception area
Provides general access facilities and services for people with access needs.
Have step free access to the conference or function room
Offer multiple options for booking - web, email, phone
Have doorways which are easy to open and have lever handles (doorways 850mm or wider when open and not heavy)
Offer a range of contact methods for receiving complaints
Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked
Train your staff in disability awareness
Have a wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room
Ask all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met
Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
Use Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
A quiet space is available at the venue/ facility
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Train your staff in communicating with people who are deaf or have hearing loss
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
