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:
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
