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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Jalen’s (Darumbal) message is powerful: young mob don’t have to fit into the narrow paths that have been laid out for them.
University, dance, sport, community, culture, creativity, there are so many ways to lead, grow and build a future on your own terms. ❤️💛🖤
Applications open September 18!
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #powerful
Donny (Jaru) remembers that first Fullaship intensive in Naarm, meeting everyone for the first time and immediately feeling a sense of warmth, connection and belonging with the group, staff and other Fullaship members. ❤️💛🖤
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #connection
Caleb (Meriam Mir, Erub Kebi Le) joined Fullaship to build their skills ❤️💛🖤
What they didn’t expect was how much it would grow their confidence, support their mental health and change the way they moved through the world.
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #firstnationsleadership
Bek (Wakaya) talks about why she applied for the Fullaship program.
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnations #youngmob #youthprograms
From the very beginning of Culture is Life’s existence Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman - and our co-founder - Belinda Duarte has been there.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve in every discussion, with everyone she meets, there is never any doubt that her life is all about making sure that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are safe, thriving and know who they are.
She has shaped our every direction, taken us to where we are but the time has come for her to step away. After 10 years of tireless advocacy and transformational work, Belinda has made the big decision to step back.
The whole Culture is Life family have been inspired by Belinda’s unshakeable desire to see First Nations people thriving. She will leave big shoes to fill but we know that the foundations have been laid for us to keep doing our great work for years and years to come.
The team at Culture is Life
#cultureislife #firstnations #indigenousleadership #blakexcellence #thankyou
The wait is over…we are very excited for Fullaship 2027!
We’ve been busy refreshing the program design and we’re more than ready to work with another deadly group of young First Nations people next year ❤️💛🖤
Keep your eyes out for applications opening in September 👀
Earlier this year we wrapped up the 2025/26 Fullaship Program.
Coming soon we have some exciting news to share about the program.
Keep an eye out! 👀
Culture is Life would like to acknowledge two special people in our network who have both been recognised and nominated as finalists for this year’s National NAIDOC awards. Aunty Steph Armstrong (Gamilaraay/Bigambul) and 2025 Fellow Tyson Neal-Edwards (Gunditjmarra/Waddawurrung/Arrernte).
We are so proud of you both, your hard work and dedication has been amazing to witness first-hand.
With love,
Culture is Life
🤎
@stephanie.armstrong.7543 @kngwarrayee
