THE FULLASHIP 2025: Kaurna Intensive

2025 Fellows: Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw; Tuantai Sumner; Alyssa Perkins; Tyson Neal Edwards; Blake Iles; Daina Hopkins-Farrow; Waniki Alofipo. Credit: Colleen Raven

The first Fullaship intensive of 2025 was held on Kaurna Country in July, where the 2025 fellows connected with each other, participated in a range of sessions and set group values to be carried forward over their journey. As a collective they agreed on 5 values – Love, Purpose, Respect, Growth and Vulnerability. As we witnessed over the week, each Fellow displayed those values with every place and person they encountered.

On arrival at the accommodation fellows and staff were welcomed and smoked by Uncle Moogy Sumner, who shared yarns about his family and life growing up. The next day followed with a tour and yarn around the botanical gardens with Uncle Frank Wanganeen, who shared stories during the walk of Kaurna people’s resources on Country and craftsmanship such as canoe-making, ending with a smoking ceremony and welcome before sharing lunch with Uncle Frank and community members. Fellows and staff learnt some weaving techniques from Aunty Elaine Magias who guided a weaving session, sharing her beautiful words of love and encouragement as the Fellows connected with this cultural practice and with each other.

The Fellows had two days together at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, with sessions focused on deeper connections, team building activities, and setting up foundations such as collective values. Fullaship alumni Malachi Murljacic (2022) and Shaylem Wilson (2023) joined the Fellows to share some insights about their journey on the Fullaship program, what they learnt and what they chose to focus on for their personal growth.

Big shoutout to the talented Colleen Raven & Edoardo who captured group photos for us, putting us at ease and bringing fun and joy to the photoshoot!

Fellows were joined by a deadly group of activists and advocates from S.A for a session on Advocacy. Shona Reid, The Guardian for Children and Young People in S.A shared her story, her inspiration and the legacy behind her work. Shona said; “Advocacy is a battlefield so you need to know what grounds you. What is your legacy? What is your anchor? What is your intent.” Thank you to Ashum Owen, Keenan Smith, Uncle Bill Wilson and Shaylem Wilson for sharing your time and insights during this yarn too.

Aunty Vonda Last guided the fellows through a beautiful story-telling session with songs and language, connecting stories of Country, family and history and sharing her passion for family archival research. She helped Fellows understand more about the value and protocols around telling their own and others’ stories. She said; “As Aboriginal people, we’re expected to leave our Aboriginality at the door. When you feel comfortable and safe, the real you comes out”

Aunty Vonda then offered to take us to visit a Memorial site for the Colebrook Children’s Home, to learn about and reflect on this monument dedicated to members of the stolen generations. Our final session was a yarning circle with Elders from surrounding communities, hearing stories of what they’ve overcome and accomplished.

A Closing Circle facilitated by ABSTARR practitioner, Feda Ali, ended the week in a supportive and reflective way, as the Fellows now embrace the teachings from this experience back to their communities.

A special thank you to Joanne and Shannon Southam from First Nations Promotion, Uncle Moogy Sumner, Uncle Frank Wanganeen, Aunty Vonda Last, Aunty Elaine Magias, Uncle Bill Wilson, Shaylem Wilson, Malachi Murljacic, Shona Reid, Ashaum Owen, Keenan Smith, Feda Ali, Elders we met and to the 2025 Fellows for trusting in us and being a part of the Fullaship journey.

CLICK HERE FOR EOI