Manny Williams is a proud Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta & Bundjalung man from his father’s side and Thai heritage on his mother’s side. Raised in Mount Isa North West QLD on Kalkadoon Country working in various roles within the Youth and Community services sector. He is a strong advocate for our youth, especially those affected by the juvenile justice and child protection systems. Manny worked previously as a facilitator delivering activities that help a young person strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing and cultural identity. Manny is currently living and working in Gimuy (Cairns).
“Being a part of the inaugural Fullaship Program in 2022, I experienced first hand how much Culture is Life is invested in amplifying the voices and lived experiences of, as well as the personal and professional development of young people. Now joining the team, I get to experience this everyday and support other young people, to find their voice and create spaces where they can grow, heal and learn. I feel very honoured to have been welcomed to team and work alongside the deadly mob at Culture is Life. I get to learn every day from a diverse and extremely talented group of people within a organisation that aligns with my values and creates safer environments for young mob through some deadly programs, projects, policy, research and social impact campaigns.”
Image: Uncle Keith Boney, Professor Pat Dudgeon (Culture is Life Co-Chair), Professor Gracelyn Smallwood (Forum Elder), Aunty Stephanie Armstrong (Culture is Life Senior Consultant) and Manny Williams (Program Officer (Fullaship).
“As I sit here on the esplanade in Gimuy (Cairns) reflecting on the first Fullaship intensive of 2024 held on Wurundjeri Country, I can’t help but smile as my body fills with love and care. The very first value that one of the fellows shared with the group in our first workshop. Witnessing this small collective of gifted, like-minded, passionate and caring young mob connect over five days was something special to be a part of. A word that was gifted to the group by one of the fellows ‘Gurrutu raypirr’i meaning obligation to Lore, a word specific to Arnhem Land.
This reaffirmed that it is our obligation as young story-tellers and aspiring leaders, to ensure we continue connecting to Culture, Language, Country and Community. Not only is it vital for our spirit and well-being, but also as our obligation to our old people to ensure knowledge and practices are learnt and passed onto future generations. Those beautiful words shared have set the foundation for this year’s cohort and as these next few months slowly pass by, the growth that will come in 12 months will be incredible to witness. As an alumni, I understand how each intensive holds its own unique experience and learnings, so I’m looking forward to planning intensive 2 that will be held in Tropical Far North Qld in Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Country and surrounding Nations. A place I have called home for the past 3 years that has kept me safe and grounded being off Country. This second intensive will provide its own experience that each fellow can learn and reflect on.”
– Manny Williams (Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta and Bundjalung)
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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
