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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)

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Culture is Life welcomes yesterday’s historic legislation that gives powers to the National Commission for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People — a landmark step for the rights, voices and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people.

“Our children have a right to rely on the systems that were purposefully built to support them. Putting it bluntly, our governments are not delivering on this and have been consistently turning a blind eye to what is happening.”

“The only people who are paying the price are First Nations, children and young people.”

Thank you to all who advocated for and are leading this important work. Our congratulations to Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter on your leadership. We are so grateful that over the last couple of years, the young people involved in our programs have had the honour to be able to spend time with you, listening and learning.

First Nations young mob deserve to thrive. 🖤💛❤️

@sueanne_hunter @snaicc_ @ncatsicyp

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Open post by cultureislifeorg with ID 18333121084264919
Culture is Life welcomes yesterday’s historic legislation that gives powers to the National Commission for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People — a landmark step for the rights, voices and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people. “Our children have a right to rely on the systems that were purposefully built to support them. Putting it bluntly, our governments are not delivering on this and have been consistently turning a blind eye to what is happening.” “The only people who are paying the price are First Nations, children and young people.” Thank you to all who advocated for and are leading this important work. Our congratulations to Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter on your leadership. We are so grateful that over the last couple of years, the young people involved in our programs have had the honour to be able to spend time with you, listening and learning. First Nations young mob deserve to thrive. 🖤💛❤️ @sueanne_hunter @snaicc_ @ncatsicyp