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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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
The 2025 Fellows just wrapped an incredible week in Garramilla on Larrakia Country, a week of reflection, storytelling, healing and deep connection with community and Country.
From Uncle Dr Richard Fejo’s Saltwater Ceremony, to SEWB learnings with Mark Nannup, values grounding with Aunty Steff, storytelling with Gen Grieves, visits to Children’s Ground and Minramana Community, and a beautiful bush medicine workshop with Aunty Cheryl, every day was packed with culture, growth and purpose.
We closed with a powerful circle led by Dr Carmen Cubillo and heartfelt ‘Who You?’ presentations that brought the cohort even closer.
Huge love to all our First Nations hosts and facilitators for welcoming us so generously.
❤️🤎🖤
Join award-winning filmmaker Rachel Perkins and esteemed historian Henry Reynolds at the launch of The Australian Wars book tomorrow night. After sold out launch events in Sydney and Melbourne, the conversation now heads to The Australian War Memorial on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra.
Rachel has long called for First Nations people who died in Frontier Wars conflicts – as well as colonists who were killed – to be officially recognised by this institution ❤️🖤🤎
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, this ground breaking book was conceived by Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series of the same name, produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
Image credit: Dylan River
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray
📚 Launching The Australian Wars Book!
Huge congratulations to everyone involved in creating The Australian Wars book, being launched around the country this week!
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, the book was conceived by the incredible Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
The book builds on the meticulous research conducted for the documentary series, and covers Frontier Wars battles across all the states and territories. It’s a hugely valuable resource for history teachers, and essential reading for all Australians to progress truth-telling in this country. ❤️🖤🤎
Look out for launch events happening in:
Gadigal Country (Sydney)
Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country (Melbourne)
Ngunnawal Country (Canberra) ... and hopefully more to come!
🔍Look it up! Don’t miss this important work.
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray Henry Reynolds
Don’t miss this! Tomorrow night in Naarm!
We’re so proud that our Education Consultant and Fullaship Elder, Aunty Stephanie Armstrong OAM, will be in conversation with Mervyn Bishop and Tim Dobbyn to launch the illustrated biography; Black, White + Colour!
Mervyn Bishop took one of the most significant photos in Australian history: Gough Whitlam pouring a handfull of sand into the hands of Vincent Lingiari. As Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer, his story is a must-hear.
Still a few tickets left - book via trybooking!
Avenue Bookstore, Elsternwick. It’s FREE!
Leyla is a proud Noongar woman who works to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Victoria. From advocating for strength-based mentoring programs to representing young mob in key policy forums, her work is deeply rooted in community and cultural strength.
She is a graduate of the 2022 Fullaship Program, a three-time Melbourne Fashion Week model, and has represented Australia at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference. Having overcome immense adversity, Leyla is committed to breaking cycles and creating spaces for young people to see their worth, pursue their dreams, and step into opportunities that were never designed for them. Above all, she carries forward the values of love, care, and integrity instilled in her by her Nan, whose legacy she continues to honor in all that she does.
📣The school year is flying, but there’s still time to bring our 2025 NAIDOC Education Resources into your classroom!
Here’s a peak at some engaging activities for Early Learning to Year 10, aligned with this year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.’ Designed to be used all year round!
❤️💛🖤
Download Now: Find the official resources (developed by Culture is Life, National NAIDOC Committee, and ABC Education) on our website.
Share Your Voice: Used them already? We want to hear your experience! Complete our quick feedback survey.
🔗 Links in bio!
Professional development webinars for teaching The Australian Wars are now live on our YouTube channel! 📺
Access some of our best discussions anytime and share these essential resources with your colleagues ✨
Deepen your understanding and boost your confidence with Rachel Perkins and our team of Aboriginal educators! 🫶🏽
🔗 Link in bio!
