2025 Fullaship Yorta Yorta Intensive

The 2025 Fellows wrapped up their final intensive away on Yorta Yorta Country, home to the largest red gum forest in the world. The week was hosted in a stunning residence; The Paddock at Ulupna, nestled away in the bush surrounded by gum trees and local wildlife, including koalas. The perfect location for the fellows to ground themselves on Country, and reconnect with each other as they walked into a week filled with reciprocity, connection and love for community.

We were fortunate to have Aunty Rochelle Patten welcome and smoke us on our arrival to the accommodation, giving us safe passage to stay on her Grandmother’s Country. Aunty Rochelle shared stories of her life growing up in Shepparton and along the Dhungala (Murray River), stories and history her Mother and Grandmother had taught her and that impacts the work she continues to do today. A very humble and remarkable woman, who only shared a small glimpse into her life, hinting that we must read her autobiography to get the full picture! The second day we visited Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve, where we spent the morning yarning and learning from Uncle Colin Walker, a well respected and very wise local senior Elder in the community. We heard about how the Cummeragunja community was thriving in his younger years living along the Dhungala. Uncle Colin shared what he has been observing over the years, that Country is out of balance. He spoke about the cultural indicators of wildlife becoming confused, and how he’s noticing the impacts on the eco-system, such as the emu laying more frequently in the year. He also shared about what the Yorta Yorta people had all accomplished over the years, the strength in their collective and how he holds that close to him. We were very honoured to be in the presence of Uncle Colin, having that opportunity to share morning tea and lunch with him.

In the afternoon we visited the Dharnya Centre and went on the Kingfisher boat tour. Arriving at the centre we heard about the exciting upcoming projects and upgrades currently happening. We then met Ralph Hume, a local man who would guide us along the Dhungala, sharing local knowledge, history and dreaming stories connected to the Yorta Yorta people. A really informative and insightful cultural tour along the water, hearing how sacred and important the Dhungala is to the region and many surrounding communities.

Day three kicked off with a creative workshop with the talented Aunty Vicki Walker, guiding the fellows through possum skin burning, whilst sharing her family history and personal story. Aunty Vicki gently showed the fellows different styles and techniques, explaining the cultural significance of possum skins, what the markings represent and the importance of them to people of the Kulin Nation. The afternoon was followed on with two sessions facilitated by the Culture is Life team, both focused on social and emotional wellbeing, particularly deep diving into program reflection, individual growth, and collective learning over their journey on the program.

Over the final day of workshops we visited the William Cooper statue at Queens Park, having the honour to meet his 98 year old grandson, a well respected senior Elder  Uncle Alfred ‘Boydie’ Turner. He generously spent the morning with the fellows, oozing with joy when sharing stories about the Invincibles football team and their dominance in the game in that era. We were given an insight to how society was back in the 60’s & 70’s with the racism the team faced on and off the field. And were even fortunate enough to listen to the stories of what his grandfather achieved, his gentle caring nature and the values Uncle Bodyie carried into his own life. Two very inspiring stories and precious moments spent together that we will cherish.

Followed on was visits to the newly built Munara Centre for Regional Excellence, Ange Burt (CEO) gave us a tour of the facilities, sharing insights into the historical work that led to the development of the centre and what the community’s vision is, aligned to the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan. We continued on to Rumbalara Football Netball Club where we also heard about the club’s historical achievements, the impact it continues to have and how community-focused they have always been. These two centres taught us how collective action and long-term partnerships can build solid foundations for the benefit of everyone. The afternoon focused with a social and emotional wellbeing closing circle, facilitated by Caroline Kell from Black Wattle Coaching & Consultancy. She supported the fellows to reflect on the week’s sessions, check in with themselves and close off the week feeling strong and supported.

A huge shoutout to Thara Brown and her unwavering support of the Fullaship Program and alumni, the Yorta Yorta intensive has been 4-years in the making at Culture is Life! And we are so grateful to have been invited in to share an incredible week meeting the people and places you care deeply about. Thank you for the support in putting together a memorable week.

A special thanks to Aunty Rochelle Patten, Uncle Colin Walker, Ralph Hume, Uncle Boydie Turner, Ange Burt, Jarvis Atkinson, Leonie Drummond, Caroline Kell, Dharnya Centre, and the Munara Centre for connecting with us on Yorta Yorta Country. Culture is Life for the continued investment and dedication to support young people across the Country. And to the 2025 Fellows for showing love and respect, being vulnerable, committing to your growth & defining your purpose this week.