Fullaship Program Origins
The Fullaship Program was birthed by a collective of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, facilitated by Culture is Life, called The Culture Squad. These young people met regularly to mobilise advocacy initiatives, campaigns and training opportunities for young mob living in Narrm (Melbourne) and nationally.
Each member advised Culture is Life on the importance of a structured program to develop young people’s skills and experiences across four identified pillars: Pathways, Advocacy, Leadership & Development, and Mentoring.
In 2021, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from different professional sectors contributed to the curriculum and structure of the first program delivered in 2022, resulting in 7 participants across Australia being invited to join the inaugural Fullaship Program.
The program now has 24 Alumni who continue to grow and invest in the needs and ideas of its participants, to strengthen the program and its outcomes into the future.
Fullaship Program Overview
The Fullaship Program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young Adults aged 18–30 from across Australia. Culture is Life provides tailored support to back each Fellow’s individual interests aligned to the four main pillars of the program: Pathways, Advocacy, Leadership & Development and Mentoring.
The Fullaship Program supports young adults to strengthen their own self-determination, explore holistic wellbeing practices, and emphasises the importance of connection to Culture, Community and Country through reflective and practical experiences. Over the 12 months of the program, Fellows receive a range of support through virtual and in-person sessions. Fellows share their lived experiences, build connections to broaden their networks and participate in a variety of activities that aim to challenge, encourage and inspire each other to develop personal goals and aspirations.
Core elements of the program include:
- Monthly online workshops by guest facilitators, Culture is Life staff and Fullaship Alumni
- Online monthly check-ins to support holistic wellbeing and track progress
- Exploration of pathways with support from internal or external mentors
- Three in-person intensives in different locations across Australia
- Personal development (mentoring to plan goals and/or a project to support personal, professional and cultural development)
Access to wellbeing support through Culture is Life’s partnership with ABSTARR.
Mentoring
Fellows are provided with many opportunities to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors in both group and individual settings. Opportunities are provided to nurture and strengthen values, interests, goals and cultural identity.
Mentoring includes:
- Peer support
- Monthly individual online check-in with Culture is Life staff
- Linking with external mentors where feasible and useful
- Connection with program facilitators and guests
- Existing people in your life (personal or professional)
Leadership and Development
Fellows explore and define leadership by identifying the qualities, strengths, and values held both individually and as a collective. Leadership development includes relationship building, public speaking, communication, planning and organisation. Over the course of 12 months, Fellows engage in personal and professional growth through online workshops, regular check-ins, mentoring and in-person intensives. These experiences enhance skills and knowledge, assisting a focus on self-awareness and growth as well as expanding networks. Intentional connections are made to create important and positive peer and community ecosystems. These connections build a sense of belonging and connection across the continent. Mentorship, including that from Culture is Life staff, plays a crucial role in helping Fellows reflect on and plan goals, aligning with passions, interests and values.
Advocacy
Fellows will learn to develop an understanding of advocacy and reflect on roles within communities. This includes what you are passionate about, what you want to learn and things you want to speak up about. All of these are aligned to your values and advocacy style. Fellows have a chance to hear from – and be inspired by – a range of guest speakers and facilitators working in advocacy and social change from grassroots and national/sector-level expertise. These guests all advocate in different ways and across diverse arenas. The program prioritises the importance of learning from a collective history of social movements as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In discussing topics together, we learn from the realities of advocacy; the risks, importance of safety and the ways we can contribute to and influence change and justice that always puts Country, culture and values first.
Pathways
Fellows explore and engage with a variety of workshops and activities that expand their skills, knowledge and interests.
They gain opportunities to experience, connect and learn that align with strengthening individual and collective cultural values and social and emotional wellbeing, through:
- Visiting different Country
- Meeting community leaders and Elders
- Learning different cultural practices, language and history
- Fellows build strong and respectful relationships with other young people, Elders, community, and Country. These connections strengthen our sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing, grounded in culture and the wisdom of our ancestors.
Fellows create their own pathways by reflecting and integrating the learning and growth gained through the program, with the goals they set in their personal development plans to apply in real world settings. Culture is Life will continue to support Fellows as they become Alumni after finishing the program in March 2026.
The 2024 Fullaship Program
- Armani Francois (Central Eastern Arrernte and Torres Strait Islander)
- Brianne Yarran (Whadjuk, Ballardong and Wagyl Kaip of Noongar Nation)
- Bri Apma Hayes (Arrernte)
- Irwin Lewis (Gooniyandi, Nhanda, Widi and Wiradjuri)
- Jeremy Last (Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjatjara)
- Joel Matysek (Meuram tribe on Erub Island)
- Koby Sellings (Gunai Kurnai)
- Raychelle Mckenzie (Anbarra, Nakara, Yamatji and Luritja)
- Shai-Lee Fairman (Wiradjuri)
The 2023 Fullaship Program
- Anna-Rita Fauid (Kulkalgal)
- Guyala Bayles (Birri Gubba and Wonnarua)
- Hakon Dyrting (Garrawa and Djugun/ Yawuru)
- Jalen Sutcliffe (Darumbal and Papua New Guinean)
- Maya Hodge (Lardil)
- Shaylem Wilson (Ngarrindjeri)
- Tristan Nelliman-Adams (Wuthathi / Torres Strait Islander)
- Zachary Kollman (Pitjantjatjara Anangu)
The 2022 Fullaship Program
- Bek Lasky (Wakaya)
- Caleb Thaiday (Meriam)
- Donny Imberlong (Jaru)
- Leyla Quartermaine (Ballardong Noongar)
- Lillian Arnold-Rendell (Dharug and Kamiliroi)
- Malachi Murljacic (Kunja)
- Manny Williams (Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta and Bundjalung)
Sign up for our newsletter
The 2025 Fellows just wrapped an incredible week in Garramilla on Larrakia Country, a week of reflection, storytelling, healing and deep connection with community and Country.
From Uncle Dr Richard Fejo’s Saltwater Ceremony, to SEWB learnings with Mark Nannup, values grounding with Aunty Steff, storytelling with Gen Grieves, visits to Children’s Ground and Minramana Community, and a beautiful bush medicine workshop with Aunty Cheryl, every day was packed with culture, growth and purpose.
We closed with a powerful circle led by Dr Carmen Cubillo and heartfelt ‘Who You?’ presentations that brought the cohort even closer.
Huge love to all our First Nations hosts and facilitators for welcoming us so generously.
❤️🤎🖤
Join award-winning filmmaker Rachel Perkins and esteemed historian Henry Reynolds at the launch of The Australian Wars book tomorrow night. After sold out launch events in Sydney and Melbourne, the conversation now heads to The Australian War Memorial on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra.
Rachel has long called for First Nations people who died in Frontier Wars conflicts – as well as colonists who were killed – to be officially recognised by this institution ❤️🖤🤎
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, this ground breaking book was conceived by Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series of the same name, produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
Image credit: Dylan River
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray
📚 Launching The Australian Wars Book!
Huge congratulations to everyone involved in creating The Australian Wars book, being launched around the country this week!
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, the book was conceived by the incredible Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
The book builds on the meticulous research conducted for the documentary series, and covers Frontier Wars battles across all the states and territories. It’s a hugely valuable resource for history teachers, and essential reading for all Australians to progress truth-telling in this country. ❤️🖤🤎
Look out for launch events happening in:
Gadigal Country (Sydney)
Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country (Melbourne)
Ngunnawal Country (Canberra) ... and hopefully more to come!
🔍Look it up! Don’t miss this important work.
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray Henry Reynolds
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!
Leyla is a proud Noongar woman who works to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Victoria. From advocating for strength-based mentoring programs to representing young mob in key policy forums, her work is deeply rooted in community and cultural strength.
She is a graduate of the 2022 Fullaship Program, a three-time Melbourne Fashion Week model, and has represented Australia at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference. Having overcome immense adversity, Leyla is committed to breaking cycles and creating spaces for young people to see their worth, pursue their dreams, and step into opportunities that were never designed for them. Above all, she carries forward the values of love, care, and integrity instilled in her by her Nan, whose legacy she continues to honor in all that she does.
📣The school year is flying, but there’s still time to bring our 2025 NAIDOC Education Resources into your classroom!
Here’s a peak at some engaging activities for Early Learning to Year 10, aligned with this year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.’ Designed to be used all year round!
❤️💛🖤
Download Now: Find the official resources (developed by Culture is Life, National NAIDOC Committee, and ABC Education) on our website.
Share Your Voice: Used them already? We want to hear your experience! Complete our quick feedback survey.
🔗 Links in bio!
Professional development webinars for teaching The Australian Wars are now live on our YouTube channel! 📺
Access some of our best discussions anytime and share these essential resources with your colleagues ✨
Deepen your understanding and boost your confidence with Rachel Perkins and our team of Aboriginal educators! 🫶🏽
🔗 Link in bio!
Bek is a proud Wakaya woman, born and raised on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong. In recent years, she has lived and worked across Darwin, Brisbane, and now the Gold Coast.
At the heart of Bek’s work is a deep commitment to using her voice to empower others—especially young people—to embrace their power, identity, and creativity through the mediums that speak to them.
Fullaship Expressions of Interest Now Open!
👉🏽Link in bio
