Hakon is one of the fellow from the 2023 Fullaship Program and is an Indigenous Enterprise Consultant for the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network. He also sits on the U.S. Consulate General Melbournes Youth Council Melbourne and has been recently appointed as a Director on Danila Dilba Health Services Board.
Hakon is passionate about Entrepreneurship for mob. He believes through economic independence, we can create intergenerational wealth which will lead to a surge of positive change and empowerment.
Over the course of the last year, I have been honoured with a spot as a part of Culture is Life’s 2023 Fullaship Program.
Since commencing, the Fullaship Program has played an integral part into my own personal and professional development. I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to young & staunch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals doing amazing things across the country who I now consider my family. The CisL team have managed to select a mix of different people, with different experiences, with different qualities that share similar core values which is not an easy task to do. In just under a year, we have had a handful of in person intensive experiences with the group and as I reflect on each of those instances, all have been special in their own right.
Since commencing the program, I have experienced many development activities and opportunities which has directly led into self-reflection and stronger determination for who I’d like to be as I continue to walk down my path. My path is set in the Aboriginal economic development space and strongly support the notion that economic empowerment will play a crucial factor in creating generational wealth and values for our mob. CisL and the fullas have wholeheartedly supported my goals and aspirations through facilitating ideation and incubation discussions and offering development and networking opportunities and I always welcome more experiences to develop further.
Meeting people you have never met and never had any interaction with is always be clouded with uncertainty and fear but the first-time meeting everyone in person was filled of laughter and acceptance. The impactful relationships that I have formed with each of the fullas in such a short time has been due to Culture is Life creating a culturally safe, inclusive and collaborative environment so that we could all invest into each other’s personalities, values, goals, and aspirations and whilst also having fun and building relationships with each other, Culture is Life has always had a strong emphasis on the four pillars that the Fullaship program operates with: Mentoring, Leadership and Development, Pathways, Advocacy.
I’m a firm believer that the bonds that we have established over the course of this term will continue to be carried on post program and that I’m excited to see every one of the fullas excel in their own respective industries. Since starting this program my life has been changed in many ways and I’ve built relationships with many inspirational young mob.
As 2023 comes to an end and I reflect on the year that was, so many different things happened but to say that I am grateful for the experiencing the Fullaship program, is an understatement. This program has cemented my path to facilitating and empowering economic development to create real sustainable wealth for generations to follow so that our people can stand tall and celebrate our history and achievements.
Thank you to the amazing Culture is Life family for being so welcoming, creating these tailored opportunities and for your never wavering support and love.
Thank you to my Fullaship family for strength, determination, love, and vulnerability on this journey. Each one of you I consider family and I cannot wait to see you all to go on become leaders and role models and inspire others just like you have inspired me.
– Hakon Dyrting (Garrawa,NT and Djugun/ Yawuru, WA)
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NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources written by the deadly educators, Thara Brown and Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM are now available!
This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, honours five decades of NAIDOC Week as a powerful celebration of culture, community, resistance, truth-telling and First Nations excellence.
Created for teachers, students and school communities, the 2026 resources take learners on a journey through six decades of NAIDOC themes, supporting deeper conversations about history, culture, language, justice, identity and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Culture is Life is proud to have worked alongside ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee on this important resource with design by Ghost Gum Media.
Explore the resources now via the link inbio.
@abceducationau @zaachariaha @electricfields_music @ghostgummedia @tharabrown_ @stephanie.armstrong.7543
lynetteriley56
📢 UPDATE! Fullaship Elevation! ✨
We’re taking a strategic pause on Fullaship for 2026.
Why? Because over four incredible years, we’ve gathered so much wisdom and feedback from young mob across the continent. 🖤💛❤️ We value these insights deeply and want to take the time to reflect on all the amazing energy and ideas you’ve shared. 💭⚡
This pause means we will not be recruiting new Fellows this year and instead, can refine and elevate Fullaship, making it the absolute best it can be. 🚀
In the meantime, we’ll be strengthening our connections with our incredible Alumni network and will have other opportunities to connect with Culture is Life throughout the year. 🌿✨
Stay connected, stay deadly, and get ready for a next-level Fullaship in 2027! 🔥 We’re excited for what’s to come, and we hope you’ll keep in touch. 🙌🏽
Our stance on Jan 26 is clear. This is still a Day of Mourning for us as our Elders first declared in 1938.
We have advocated for ten years since our beginning to change the date and we continue to stand with the growing tide of mob and allies calling for change. 💪🏽💪🏼
We support the many mob-led acts of resistance, love and connection happening across the country on Monday. 🖤💛❤️
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)
As we wrap up a huge year and the tenth year of our existence 🎉 our gratitude goes out to communities across this continent who continue to support First Nations young people 🤝🏾🌏
Despite the devastating negative statistics we are so often reminded of we know that young mob, with the right support, can thrive and flourish strong in knowing who they are, where they come from and who they are connected to 🖤💛❤️
We continue to be inspired by the hopes and dreams they carry for our shared future ✨
Here are just a few of the many highlights from our year 👇🏾🎬
#cultureislife #firstnations #blakexcellence #youngmob #alwayswasalwayswillbe
“Our ways are not just better for working with our mob, they’re just better. They’re more human ways of working.” ✨
In December, Genevieve Grieves (Worimi) from GARUWA and Shifting Ground presented to the 2025 Fellows on her journey and lived experience navigating institutions 🧭🏛️
Genevieve shared powerful advice and deep insights into how systems really operate ⚙️💡, while highlighting the importance of having strong community around you 🤝🏾🌿
#cultureislife #firstnations #blakexcellence #indigenousleadership #communityfirst
In November 2025, Fellow Tyson Neal Edwards (Waddawurrung, Gunditjmara & Arrernte) shared powerful insights with his peers about the work he and his team led during the Gariwerd (Grampians National Park) fires 🔥🌿
Their leadership in forest fire management, cultural heritage protection and disaster recovery has since been recognised nationally 👏🏽🏆
Big shoutout to Tyson and the incredible work he continues to do. We loved hearing the passion and care you bring to protecting Country 🖤💛❤️
Victoria’s Treaty is here! Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to make the first Treaty with First Peoples in this country a reality. First People’s Assembly of Victoria has organised a celebration in Naarm to officially mark the new Treaty era. It’s a moment for everyone who calls Victoria home to reflect on this long journey and celebrate! 🖤💛❤️
