Fullaship Alumni: Inaugural Gathering

Fellows from 2022 and 2023 Fullaship Programs met for the first time all together in person since graduating in November 2024 at the Garambi Baanj/Laughing Waters Cultural Precinct in Eltham, Victoria on Wurundjeri Country.

The first-ever Fullaship Alumni Gathering took place from November 12th to 15th, 2024, bringing together the 2022 and 2023 cohorts at the Garambi Baanj/Laughing Waters Cultural Precinct. Situated in secluded bushland in Eltham, Victoria, approximately 25km from Birraranga/Naarm (Melbourne’s) CBD in the North Eastern suburbs, Garambi Baanj (Laughing Waters) sits within the Shire of Nillumbik (Shallow Earth). The Shire is bordered by Murrindindi Shire in the north, Yarra Ranges Shire in the east, Manningham and Banyule Cities in the south, and the City of Whittlesea in the west. The precinct is operated by InPlace in collaboration and partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. They work together utilising three heritage buildings on the property for dual artistic and cultural activities.

2022 & 2023 Fellows at the Alumni Gathering

This event marked a significant moment in the Fullaship journey, with 80% of Fullaship Alumni (12 out of 15) attending, demonstrating the deep commitment within the group to stay connected with Culture is Life and continue building relationships with each other. The connection, knowledge, experiences and leadership of this group of young people is truly inspiring.

The gathering began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Stacie Piper, a proud Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman. Stacie’s heartfelt stories of Wurundjeri culture, Country, and history set a reflective tone for the days ahead, grounding everyone as they learnt more about and connected to the lands they were gathering on.

Over the course of two days, the Fullaship Alumni participated in a series of sessions designed to reconnect, reflect, and strengthen their relationships with each other. The Opening Circle, led by the Culture is Life team, provided an opportunity for everyone to check in, define shared values, and establish ways of working together. Wellbeing activities, facilitated by Caroline Kell (Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting), were woven throughout the gathering, offering both support and space for personal reflection. Caroline also led the Closing Circle, helping the group to ground the experience and reflect on their shared journey and allow space for healing, gratitude and felt culturally safe.

A powerful moment came through the ‘River Reflection’ activity, where each Fullaship Alumni shared in-depth stories of their personal and professional journeys during and after the Fullaship program. These stories, which were audio-recorded for evaluation and learning purposes, provided a powerful glimpse into the transformations that have taken place in the lives of the Fullaship Alumni. The deep honesty and vulnerability shared in these reflections were a testament to the strength and growth of the group. For Culture is Life staff, it’s always an incredible moment to hear the impact of their relationships, leadership, programs and how the purpose of the organisation is woven into everything they lead and are part of. The importance of culture as a protective factor at the core of the organisation and in their theory of change in particular.