
Overview
The participants of the Fullaship Program, ‘Fellows’, experience a range of both virtual and in-person sessions. They share their own lived experience, build connections and broaden their network, and are offered experiences that aim to challenge, encourage and inspire them to achieve their own goals and aspirations. Through this, recipients receive individualised and group mentoring and guidance to enhance their development in their areas of interest, including but not limited to:
- Social and Cultural Entrepreneurship,
- Social Advocacy and Policy,
- Education,
- Academia and Research and,
- Community Development.
The Fullaship program is tailored to each Fellow’s individual interest and aspirations and is built on four main pillars: Mentoring, Leadership and Development, Pathways, and Advocacy. The Fullaship Program has a strong focus on building self-determination, wellbeing, community and cultural connection.

Mentoring
Fundamental to supporting Young People grow and achieve their goals is mentoring. As a key pillar of the program, Fellows are provided with many opportunities to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors in group and individual settings. Fellows connect with Elders and community leaders to help guide, nurture and strengthen their cultural identity. In addition to strong cultural mentors, Fellows have other opportunities to connect with peer and industry mentors.
Fellows engage in a range of group mentoring opportunities that focus on building cultural identity, empowerment, resilience and broader soft skills. Individuals are also be paired with a mentor/s who has experience in their chosen field of interest. This may include but is not limited to, social and cultural entrepreneurship, academia and research, policy and advocacy, education and community development.
Leadership and Development
As part of the program, Fellows have access to a range of opportunities related to personal and professional development and leadership. Through this pillar Fellows engage in a range of individual and collaborative activities to build their capacity in leadership and teamwork, develop networks and further their skills in public speaking, communication, as well as planning and organising. Additionally, Fellows receive personalised development plans to help strengthen their skills in their chosen area/s of interest.
Guest speakers and facilitators that can speak to the unique interest of each cohort are invited to share their own lived experience, as well as challenges and strategies for managing their wellbeing. Fellows learn about the challenges of working in various industries and how others connect to culture and build their wellbeing. Guest speakers and facilitators include Elders and community leaders, social advocates, business owners and leaders, academics and other Young People who are challenging what it means to be a young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person in today’s society.
Fellows also explore their own leadership styles and identify areas they could work on and strengthen.
Advocacy
Throughout the program Fellows are be guided through the various arms of advocacy at a policy and government, organisational, community and on a grass roots level. They learn the fundamentals of advocacy including the role of advocacy in national and state policy development. They also explore leadership in advocacy, with a focus on learning practical skills such as organising, communication, negotiation and diplomacy.
Through this, Fellows learn to develop their own skills in advocacy while also understanding how to maintain cultural safety and establish boundaries in the advocacy and activist space. Fellows become equipped with an advocacy toolkit and learn how to channel advocacy effectively, becoming leaders and agents for change. During this pillar Fellows hear from a range of guest speakers and facilitators working in advocacy and social change, as well as completing an advocacy plan for a chosen area of interest.
Pathways
Through this pillar Fellows explore and engage with a variety of projects and activities that seek to grow their window of opportunity. They gain opportunities to explore their own areas of interest and work to complete a project that aligns with areas of strengthening cultural values, education and advocacy, social engagement and holistic health and wellbeing. This pillar provides an opportunity for Fellows to integrate the skills they have developed throughout the Fullaship and apply them in a real-world setting.
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)