Real connection doesn't come from sharing our victories, it comes from sharing vulnerability. CONTACT US P: 0411 060 154 E: contact@karumah.org.au FEEDBACK AND ENQUIRIES SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!

Who we are Karumah Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting people living with and affected by HIV in Newcastle and The Hunter region. We are committed to empowering people living with HIV through support, education, advocacy, and meaningful engagement. Karumah Inc. offers a welcoming space where every individual can feel safe, respected, and supported. Operating since the 80's, many things have changed over the years but our heart remains the same: Whether you’re seeking connection, information, or simply a listening ear, you’ll always find a community here. How we came to be In the 80's, before Karumah Inc. was formally established in 1989, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS was grassroots and deeply personal. Originally envisioned as a daycare centre for people with HIV — a safe, welcoming space where people living with HIV/AIDS could find support, dignity, and respite in the darkest times. Fear, stigma, and discrimination surrounded the virus but a small group of compassionate individuals offered care and comfort to those affected. The early efforts were run entirely on donations and staffed by dedicated volunteers until 1989 when Randy Cooper and Ray Cain secured funding from the NSW Ministry of Health to turn that vision into a sustainable service and Karumah Inc. was born Who We Are Karumah Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting people living with and affected by HIV in Newcastle and The Hunter region. We are committed to empowering people living with HIV through support, education, advocacy, and meaningful engagement. Karumah Inc. offers a welcoming space where every individual can feel safe, respected, and supported. Operating since the 80's, many things have changed over the years but our heart remains the same, w hether you’re seeking connection, information, or simply a listening ear, you’ll always find a community here. How We Came To Be In the 80's, before Karumah Inc. was formally established in 1989, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS was grassroots and deeply personal. Originally envisioned as a daycare centre for people with HIV — a safe, welcoming space where people living with HIV/AIDS could find support, dignity, and respite in the darkest times. Fear, stigma, and discrimination surrounded the virus but a small group of compassionate individuals offered care and comfort to those affected. The early efforts were run entirely on donations and staffed by dedicated volunteers until 1989 when Randy Cooper and Ray Cain secured funding from the NSW Ministry of Health to turn that vision into a sustainable service and Karumah Inc. was born.

Meet The Team SERENA PROGRAM MANAGER CASE MANAGER BADEN PUBLIC OFFICER CHAIRPERSON ASHLEE CASE MANAGER

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COMPLAINTS Karumah Inc. is committed to providing high-quality services and values feedback to improve our operations. We encourage clients, members, and stakeholders to voice concerns or complaints, which we handle with fairness, transparency, and respect. What Is a Complaint? A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction made to or about Karumah Inc., related to our services, staff, or the handling of a previous complaint, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required. Guiding Principles Respectful Treatment: We treat all complainants with courtesy and respect. Information and Accessibility: We make it easy to lodge a complaint and provide assistance as needed. Communication: We keep complainants informed about the progress and outcome of their complaint. Taking Ownership: We take responsibility for resolving complaints promptly. Timeliness: We aim to resolve complaints as quickly as possible. Transparency: We provide clear information about our complaint handling process and decisions. How to Make a Complaint Website: Fill out the Feedback and Enquiries form on our Contact page. Email: contact@karumah.org.au Phone: 0411 060 154 In-person: If you would like to speak to someone in person, please contact us on one of the above methods to arrange an in-person meeting. Complaint Handling Process Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 business days. Assessment: We assess the complaint to determine its nature and the appropriate course of action. Investigation: If necessary, we conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring impartiality and fairness. Resolution: We aim to resolve complaints promptly and will communicate the outcome to you, including any actions taken. Review: If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may request a review of the decision. External Review: If you remain unsatisfied, you can contact the ACNC for complaints regarding governance and compliance. Continuous Improvement: We regularly analyse complaint data to identify trends and areas for improvement. This helps us enhance our services and prevent future issues. Managing Unreasonable Conduct While we are committed to addressing all complaints, we also recognise the need to manage unreasonable conduct by complainants. We follow the NSW Ombudsman's guidelines to ensure staff safety and the integrity of our complaint handling process. For more detailed information, please refer to the NSW Ombudsman's Effective Complaint Management Guidelines. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Peer Connection Living with HIV can sometimes feel isolating, but you are not alone. Our peer connection groups offer a safe, welcoming space to share experiences and just be yourself. Peer connection is about real conversations, the ups and downs, and the support that comes from knowing someone else has walked a similar path. Peer connection programs play an important role in helping people navigate the clinical, emotional and social aspects of living with HIV. Peer support programs are successful because they - Offer belonging and connection. Peer support programs help people living with HIV make connections. These are often different to existing social networks. Give opportunities to hear lived experience. Peer programs build on clinical input. They provide insights into how others manage aspects of living with HIV such as disclosure, sex and relationships. Link people to appropriate support. Peer programs fill an important gap in HIV care. The help make sure people are linked to support that meets their social and cultural needs. O ur Women's Peer Connection and Men's Peer Connection groups meet quarterly. Upcoming meetings can be found under the WHAT'S ON tab and are listed on the Karumah Inc. Facebook page. I get by with a little help from my friends - The Beatles

TERMS OF USE 1. Acceptance of Terms By accessing and using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and all applicable laws of New South Wales, Australia. If you do not agree, please do not use the site. 2. Health Information Disclaimer The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns. We do not provide medical services or establish a doctor-patient relationship through this site. 3. Limitation of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, KARUMAH INC. is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the website, including reliance on any information provided. 4. External Links This website may contain links to third-party sites. These are provided for convenience only. We do not endorse or control these sites and are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. 5. Intellectual Property All content on this site, unless otherwise stated, is owned by KARUMAH INC. and may not be reproduced without written permission. 6. Privacy We are committed to protecting your privacy. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. 7. Changes to Terms We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Your continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated terms. 8. Jurisdiction These terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.

Case Management Our case management involves providing comprehensive support to individuals living with HIV to help improve overall well-being. Our experienced case managers are dedicated to delivering respectful, compassionate, and confidential support that is tailored to your unique circumstances and goals. Our collaborative approach ensures you are actively involved in every step of the process. We deliver practical, emotional, and social support, as well as assistance with accessing and navigating the healthcare and social service systems. Outreach Program Our outreach program enables our case managers to operate in the community, providing support to clients in their homes or other convenient locations . This service we may include assistance with medication management, nutrition, housing, mental and physical health, as well as navigation of healthcare and social systems. If you are interested in accessing Karumah Inc.’s case management service, please complete a Referral Request Form, which can be found on this website under the Referral Request section. If you would like more information before making a referral, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly. You can either contact us by phone or email, or complete the Enquiry Form located under the Contact Us section. One of our friendly and experienced staff members will be in touch to provide further details and answer any questions you may have. We are here to support you every step of the way. I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. - Maya Angelou Serena Program Manager Case Manager Ashlee Case Manager

This referral form can be completed by an individual seeking support (self-referral) or by someone referring another person such as a health worker, support person or family member. Information provided will remain private and confidential in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 1988 (cth). DETAILS OF PERSON BEING REFERRED First name* Last name* PLHIV* Date of birth* Day Month Year Phone* Email* Preferred contact method PERSON COMPLETING THIS FORM (If different to above) First name Last name Phone Email Connection to person being referred Organisation (if applicable) Did the person being referred consent to this referral being submitted? Submit

PEER CONNECTION Peer connection is a vital part of living well with HIV. It offers social and emotional support, helps combat stigma, and reduces feelings of isolation. Through sharing first-hand experiences and practical advice on managing HIV, peer-to-peer support not only educates but also empowers — helping people build confidence, resilience, and stronger connections with those who truly understand. Women's Peer Connection Our women's peer connection group meets bi-monthly and provides a safe space for women living with HIV to connect and share. This group aims to build confidence, empower, promote a sense of belonging and foster meaningful friendships. Our Women's Peer Connection Group will be meeting Monday, 3rd of November 10.30am - 12pm For location and further information please RSVP using the details listed below. Men's Peer Connection Our men's peer connection group meets bi-monthly to support each other in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. This group aims to help men feel less alone, express their opinions, access support and enhance overall health and well-being. Our Men's Peer Connection Group will be meeting Thursday, 20th of November 10.30am - 12pm For location and further information please RSVP using the details listed below. Social Events Karumah Inc. holds social events throughout the year for people living HIV, with family and friends welcome to attend. From casual coffee, BBQs, day trips and educational workshops, these events are about coming together and spending time with others who truly understand. Interested in joining us for peer connection or have an enquiry about upcoming social events? Please contact Serena - P: 0411 060 154 E: contact@karumah.org.au

Funded by NSW Health, Karumah Inc. is a Newcastle-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people living with HIV. Welcome Since 1989, Karumah Inc. has been a trusted source of support for people living with HIV in the Newcastle region. Many things have changed over the years but one thing remains the same, our unwavering commitment and genuine care for those we support. Funded by NSW Health, we are a not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering our community through care, education, and meaningful engagement. Whether you're seeking support, information, or connection — you are welcome here. Small organisation, big heart x