Karumah is based in Newcastle NSW and operated as a volunteer organisation until it successfully negotiated with NSW Health for funding for its social support service and for the development of a Positive Living Program (PLP) service model in partnership with the Aids Council of NSW (ACON). The Positive Living Program ceased operation in June 2004, and in July 2004 Karumah received additional funding to provide living skills programs to people living with HIV, and to have a full time coordinator and part-time admin assistant. In line with the new direction in service delivery and the changed needs of people living with HIV Karumah changed from operating as a day centre to be known as a 'positive living centre'

How We Make a Difference

Regardless of sexual orientation, the centre provides much needed social contact in a caring and supportive environment for people living with HIV, their partners, families and their friends. Karumah particularly assists positive people to reduse social isolation and enhance quality of life through networking and peer support.

Who We Serve

Karumah means 'meeting place ' and was officially opened in 1989 with the sole intent of providing a safe, comfortable and non-judgemental environment for HIV positive people to participate in social activities and much needed peer support. This extends not only to positive people but also to their families, partners and other support people.

Our Vision

Karumah Positive Living Centre is dedicated to the provision of diverse services that enrich the quality of life for people living with HIV in the Hunter area.

Our Mission

Karumah Positive Living Centre provides support to people living with HIV, their carers and their partners through social networking and peer support.

Our Values

• Acceptance of all people
• Tolerance for the wider community
• Embracement of diversity

Strategic Plan

Karumah has been operating in Newcastle for over 20 years. In these twenty years, the nature of HIV has significantly changed and Karumah has evolved and change over the years as well.

HIV is now classified as a chronic illness as opposed to terminal illness. Many of Karuah's PLWH have been HIV positive for more than 15 years. Long term HIV diagnosis, complications from HIV medications and the normal aging process have changed the client base at Karumah.
Furthermore, HIV diagnosis is now more common among Heterosexual Men and Women than in the past. Total of HIV affected people living in the Hunter area now is roughly     . Hunter New England Area Health is encouraging agencies to be more pro-active in engaging with Positive Heterosexual Men and Positive Women.

Karumah will direct its resources in the following five Strategic Directions in the next three years. These will focus improvements in our services and activities, organisational capacity and strategic relationships.

Strategic Direction 1

To provide centre based peer support services

Strategic Direction 2

To provide a diverse range of social activity programs

Strategic Direction 3

To increase access to positive women and positive heterosexual men

Strategic Direction 4

To increase the profile of the service and strengthen interagency collaborations

Strategic Direction 5

To remain as an independent centre in the current location

As the decades have gone by and people are staying healthier and living longer, we cannot forget that there continues to be increases in HIV infections. Regardless of age,sex,gender and culture, Karumah feels that it needs to be able to diversify its resources to be able to provide the best support and assistance to these individuals.