Connecting on Country: Head Start Homes at the Saltwater Festival

Head Start Homes was proud to attend the Saltwater Festival on 15 April 2026, held at Howard Fowles Park in the Bundaleer social housing estate in Warrawong, Wollongong.

The Saltwater Festival is an annual, family‑friendly community event grounded in Aboriginal culture, connection and inclusion. Designed to bring local families together in a culturally respectful environment, the festival offered a free day of rides, activities, food and cultural celebration, alongside access to essential community and health services.

With more than 30 stallholders in attendance, the event brought together organisations working across mental health and counselling, accommodation and tenancy support, youth services, early childhood, community health and family support. The strong presence of local child and family services and government departments reflected a shared commitment to community wellbeing and connection.

Head Start Homes was represented by Pam Jackson, Executive Director First Nations Collaboration, and Linda Bunclark, Wollongong Community Partnerships Coordinator. Throughout the day, Pam and Linda reconnected with trusted partners, including the South Coast Aboriginal Medical Service, and engaged with a range of local organisations to share information about Head Start Homes’ services and explore opportunities for collaboration.

They also connected with teams from Binji & Boori Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health, Homes NSW Tenancy Support, SASSI (Supported Accommodation Services Shoalhaven and Illawarra), and other services supporting families across the Illawarra.

Attending the Saltwater Festival aligned strongly with Head Start Homes’ commitment to supporting families, promoting inclusion, and engaging meaningfully with First Nations communities. Events like this provide valuable opportunities for relationship‑building, informal collaboration and community‑led engagement.

Head Start Homes values the opportunity to be present in community spaces, strengthening partnerships and continuing to work alongside local organisations to support family and community wellbeing.