Common Threads is a project of Passing the Message Stick, led by a steering committee of Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Larissa Baldwin-Roberts and Millie Telford. Common Threads is delivered through a partnership between GetUp! and Australian Progress.
Our CEO Belinda Duarte, General Manager (Programs) Thara Brown, Programs Officer Madeline Wells and Fullaship Program alumni Donny Imberlong, Leyla Quartermaine and Anna-Rita Fauid all attended the three-day summit designed for, and by, First Nations people – to connect, yarn, share, learn, strategise and plan for action. Over 150 First Nations campaigners, community organisers, communicators and changemakers from all corners of Australia came together.
Opening Remarks: A Call for Unity and Action
Dr. Jackie Huggins AM, a respected Elder and co-chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, delivered the opening remarks, encapsulating the summit’s essence and purpose. Reflecting on her extensive career in advocacy and justice, Dr. Huggins shared her journey and the transformative work accomplished alongside Larissa Baldwin-Roberts and Millie Telford (co-founders of Common Threads).
“What drives me in all of this is the dream to see our people live good lives and prosper. To have the same opportunities as white fellas do, the same privileges and, of course, to be recognised for our deep stories, history, and culture in this place we all call home. That’s my dream for it.”
She emphasised the importance of intergenerational collaboration, urging the younger generation to step up and shine:
“It’s time to bring you all in now. Your time to step up and shine. As I know many of you will. You will be shining, you’ll be that shining light. You have thousands of years of legacy to carry on from the ancestors, from your parents and your grandparents and anyone else who has cared for you in your journey of doing justice for our people. It really is no accident that you all have been put here today.”
Dr. Huggins concluded with a poignant reminder:
“The youth may walk fast, but it’s the Elders who know the road.”
A Space for Connection and Growth
The summit featured a diverse array of activities, including a Welcome to Country, insightful panels and guest speakers such as Murrawah Johnson, Dr. Mary Graham, Ngarra Murray, Gadrian Hoosan, Joseph Sikulu, Rachel Hocking, Katie Kiss, and Meriki Onus. Attendees also participated in hands-on activities like weaving, fostering a sense of wellbeing and community.
Key goals of Common Threads included:
- Strengthening First Nations’ advocacy capacity
- Building shared skills and understanding to grow the power of movements
- Creating space to strategize, form or build campaign collaborations, and plan for action beyond the summit
- Building relationships and strengthening networks
- Creating a shared sense of possibility and ambition
The summit also laid out a bold 10-year vision encompassing healing and thriving, sovereignty and self-determination, land back initiatives, abolition of police and prisons, black power, black liberation, and nurturing the next generation.
Reflections from Culture is Life
Culture is Life representatives reflected on the meaning of advocacy within our organisation and its significance to the alumni in attendance from various communities. Anna-Rita Fauid and Donny Imberlong shared their experiences and ongoing efforts to protect and care for Country, highlighting the diversity of perspectives on advocacy and activism at the summit.
Overall, the Common Threads Summit provided a valuable platform for First Nations people to unite, share knowledge, and plan for a future grounded in justice, equity and cultural pride.
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📢 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.
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! 🖤💛❤️
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
