About the Fullaship Program

Now entering its fifth year, the Fullaship program continues to empower a deadly group of young First Nations people across Australia, united in creating a strong future for themselves and their communities.

The 2027 Fullaship will begin in February and run until November. Over the course of the year, Fellows will experience:

  • Monthly online workshops led by Culture is Life staff and other First Nations facilitators.
  • Monthly individual check-ins to support holistic wellbeing and track progress.
  • Two in-person, 7-day intensives and one final 3-day Ceremony in different locations across Australia.
  • Travel, flights, accommodation, activities and meals are covered by the program.
  • A Fullaship workbook to guide learning and reflection throughout the program.
  • Access to wellbeing support through Culture is Life’s partnership with ABSTARR.

Who should apply?

The Fullaship Program is open to First Nations young adults aged 21–28 from across Australia.

In the words of our 2022 Fellow, Shaylem:

“Fullaship is for Young First Nations people who hold a deep care for their community and mob, and are guided by the strength of culture, identity, and connection. It is for those emerging as leaders in their own way, not defined by Western titles, but through their actions, relationships, and sense of responsibility to others. Fellows are people who carry a vision for themselves and for their communities, and who are committed to growing that vision in a way that honours culture and values. They are open to learning, strengthening their cultural identity, and building their knowledge, while also giving back, sharing their gifts, uplifting others, and contributing to collective community change grounded in self-determination.”

Eligibility

  • Aged 21 to 28 years during February to October 2027.
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
  • Able to travel and available to attend 15 days of in-person activity and monthly online meetings and workshops.
  • Have access to the internet and a device (laptop, phone, iPad, etc.) to attend online meetings and complete tasks.
  • Based in Australia during the program period.

Applying for the Fullaship Program 2027

The application form should take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. We suggest taking your time and crafting a thoughtful application that helps us get to know you. We strongly encourage you to upload a video to support your application. Feel free to upload another image or document to support your application. This allows us to have a deeper understanding of who you are.

If you would like to reach out for any help with your application, please contact fullaship@cultureislife.org. We are here to answer any questions!

  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview in November 2026.
  • The final 8 Fellows will be confirmed in early December 2026.

Applications close midnight (AEDT) 2 November 2026.

Tips for Applying

  • Take your time responding to each question, ensuring you are covering what it is we are asking.
  • The deeper the responses, the better. This is your chance to tell us about you, your needs, aspirations, strengths, values and why you would benefit from being a Fellow.
  • We are not looking for perfect writing, just your true self shining through. If you prefer to express yourself in other ways, there is a space for you to upload video, audio or image files.
  • We strongly encourage you to include a short video introducing yourself. When filming a video, please ensure you have good lighting, wear appropriate clothing and are not in a noisy environment.
  • Make sure you give us your personal email address and phone number so we can contact you.
  • We also ask you to provide the name and contact details for an Elder who has cultural authority in your community and can recommend you for Fullaship. If you progress to the interview phase, we will let you know before contacting this person for a short conversation.

Testimonials

“Culture is Life does really good work in terms of just allowing young mob to be genuinely and authentically who they are and find that leadership capabilities that we all truly have within ourselves.” – 2023 Fellow

“The relationships built through the Fullaship have created a ripple effect—where one person benefits, many others do too. The collective knowledge-sharing has empowered others in the ecosystem to take on leadership roles and pursue meaningful cultural work.” – 2022 Fellow

“The connections and relationships I've created along this journey have been the best moments of my life because each and every one of you influenced in uplifting my self-esteem, and made me strong and realised my worth as a black woman” – 2023 Fellow

“I feel like this program really brought together some deadly mob that could share some stuff together and share stories. Not really having too much of a cage around what we were doing, it was very…kind of what we wanted to do.” – 2022 Fellow

Donny (Jaru) remembers that first Fullaship intensive in Naarm, meeting everyone for the first time and immediately feeling a sense of warmth, connection and belonging with the group, staff and other Fullaship members. ❤️💛🖤

Applications open September 18!

🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.

#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #connection
Caleb (Meriam Mir, Erub Kebi Le) joined Fullaship to build their skills ❤️💛🖤

What they didn’t expect was how much it would grow their confidence, support their mental health and change the way they moved through the world.

Applications open September 18!

🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.

#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #firstnationsleadership
Bek (Wakaya) talks about why she applied for the Fullaship program. 

Applications open September 18!

🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.

#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnations #youngmob #youthprograms
As Jan 26 draws nearer, we’re inspired by this insight from our Fullaship Alumni, Shaylem Wilson (Ngarrindjeri).

Wellbeing Tips for Survival Day 🖤💛❤️

✨ Listen to your mind, body, murrup (spirit) and Country, remember the things that help you feel well.

🫶🏽 Seek out safe spaces and surround yourself with people you love.

📵 It’s okay to opt out of social media, rallies, and actions if you don’t feel up to it.

📞 Reach out for support if you need it - 13YARN (13 92 76)
Don’t miss this! Tomorrow night in Naarm!

We’re so proud that our Education Consultant and Fullaship Elder, Aunty Stephanie Armstrong OAM, will be in conversation with Mervyn Bishop and Tim Dobbyn to launch the illustrated biography; Black, White + Colour!

Mervyn Bishop took one of the most significant photos in Australian history: Gough Whitlam pouring a handfull of sand into the hands of Vincent Lingiari. As Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer, his story is a must-hear. 

Still a few tickets left - book via trybooking!

Avenue Bookstore, Elsternwick. It’s FREE!