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)
Sign up for our newsletter
One of the core pillars of Fullaship is Self-determination. 🖤💛❤️
Young First Nations people uncover their purpose and build on their strengths and gifts, contributing to the collective movement for First Nations self-determination.
It’s about knowing who you are, recognising what you bring, and using that strength to help shape the future.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob SelfDeterimination
Maya (Lardil) joined Fullaship at a time when she was feeling disconnected from her city, from community and from mob around the country.
She wanted to reconnect with like-minded young people, feel inspired again and rebuild her confidence with warmth, love and support around her. 🖤💛❤️
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob inspiration
Leyla (Ballardong Noongar) reflects on how Fullaship helped grow her confidence through the support of the Culture is Life team and the other Fellows. 🖤💛❤️
For Leyla, it was about having people around her who would back her, remind her how deadly she is, and also keep her grounded along the way.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob confidence
Lillian (Dharug & Kamiliroi) reflects on how Fullaship led her to question the way Aboriginal people are supported to learn, especially in counselling and therapeutic spaces. 🖤💛❤️
For her, learning can look different: having yarns on Country, being in beautiful spaces, and learning alongside Aboriginal people and community.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob #learning
Fullaship 2023 throwback! 🖤💛❤️
The 2023 Fellows headed to the coastal serenity of Nipaluna/Hobart for their final Fullaship intensive.
The week included ceremony and storytelling on the beach, day tour of Bruny Island, hiking up Kunyani/Mt Wellington, tasting mutton bird and a music night full of joy and laughter. All whilst spending precious time together before they wrapped up their Fullaship journey.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #Nipaluna TBT
One of the core pillars of Fullaship is Cultural Values. 🖤💛❤️
Young First Nations people strengthen their cultural identity by identifying, practising and reflecting on the cultural values that shape who they are, individually and collectively.
It’s about staying connected to culture, community and Country while growing into the person and leader you want to be.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob CulturalValues
Jalen (Darumbal) reflects on one of the biggest things he took away from Fullaship, the relationships. 🖤💛❤
For him, it was about meeting new people, building strong connections and creating a real
sense of family within the group.
Those relationships have been one of the most special parts of the experience.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob #family
Uncle Len Collard took the Fellows to Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, where Donny (Jaru) reflected on the importance of reconnecting with Country, even in places that hold painful histories. 🖤💛❤️
After a yarn with Uncle Len, he speaks about honouring the presence of mob who came before, walking those places with family and finding a sense of connection, peace and remembrance.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob #painfulhistories
