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.
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We’re still recovering from the heat wave ☀️💺 but absolutely buzzing after our week on Larrakia Country.
So many thought-provoking convos, deep learnings, and moments that’ll stay with us for a long time.
Huge shoutout to the 2025 Fellows for showing up with heart, courage and curiosity, and to everyone we connected with along the way.
Community, culture and Country… that’s the real magic. ✨
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #larrakiacountry
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!
