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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The 2024 Fullaship in Gimuy (Cairns) wearing their deadly creations made in the “Clay Speaks” workshop hosted by @ttpopp_ 🎨 

Thank you to the deadly tidda @taliciaminniecon for yarning with the young mob and sharing her story, talking about healing and her journey with social entrepreneurship. 💛 

As tidda said, this is why we do what we do - for the next generation, our children, our community and our connection to culture. ✨

📸 @ttpopp_
Meet Bri Pengarte Apma Hayes, one of our deadly 2024 Fellows! 👋🏽 Bri is a proud Arrernte woman, born and raised on Waddawurrung country in Geelong. She is an artist who grew up learning stories and techniques from her father which she now uses to connect with other people and share culture, history and people's journeys. 🎨

Bri is passionate about education and is currently Co-Chair for her Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to help all young mob feel safe and heard in education environments. ✊🏽
Arrernte and Kalkadoon filmmaker, Rachel Perkins, has been awarded the Distinguished Services to the Australian Screen Award at the Screen Music Awards in Naarm (Melbourne). 🏆

“Her stories, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, have become woven into the fabric of our national story. 🎬

They challenge us to look deeper, to understand more fully and to walk in the shoes of those whose experiences may be different from our own.” - Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, which present the Screen Music Awards. 🙌🏽
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📱 Read the full story via @nitv_au
Meet Jeremy Last, one of our 2024 Fellows! Jeremy is a proud Ngaanyatjarra & Pitjantjatjara man studying a double bachelor's degree in International Relations and Arts majoring in Indigenous Knowledges & Society at the University of Adelaide. 👨🏽‍🎓

Jeremy is passionate about community development and advocating for mob. On a personal level Jeremy enjoys playing Australian Rules Football, trail running, spending time with my family and friends and also volunteering at a youth group. 🏃🏽
The 2024 Fullaship mob have landed in Gimuy (Cairns) on Yidinji & Yirrganydji Country for their second intensive ✈️

Special thanks to Traditional Owner, Jiritju Fourmile, for the warm Welcome and showing us around this beautiful Country. 🍃
Meet Raychelle (RayRay) Mckenzie from the 2024 Fullaship Program! RayRay is an Anbarra, Nakara young person with ties to Luritja and Yamatji mobs, passionate about grassroots initiatives and community empowerment. As an MC, rapper, and poet, they express stories of resilience and disparities through music and creativity. 🎤

As part of their Fullaship project to develop as an artist, RayRay has recently performed with Kobie Dee on his Northern Territory Tour and is also passionate about addressing Rheumatic Heart Disease and Streptococcus A, sharing insights from their lived experience and the effects it has on families and their community. 🫂
Today, October 10, marks #WorldMentalHealthDay 🌏 This is a gentle reminder that it's ok to not be ok. Take care of yourself, your mob and your Country. 🫂 It's all connected. 🫶🏽 #MentalHealthMatters

Artwork via @coffinbirth
CW: Suicide ⚠️

Today, September 10th, marks World Suicide Prevention Day. As we wind down from the day, we invite you to light a candle and take a moment to honour and remember those we have lost to suicide. A simple but meaningful wellbeing ritual that you can continue throughout the rest of the year. 🕯️

As always, we stand together as a community, honouring our Ancestors and strengthening our connection to Country, culture and community. Together, we can find strength and healing. ❤️‍🩹

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.

For more help, you can contact:
Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
or 13Yarn on 13 92 76

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #WSPD2024