The Fullaship 2023: Lutruwita Intensive

Fellows arrived at Nipaluna/Hobart Airport and settled into shared accommodation at Kingston Beach on Palawa Country in Lutruwita/Tasmania. It’s located on the South East coast of the island, along the timtumili minanya (Derwent River) and at the mouth of Browns Rivulet. 

Day one was at Piyura Kitina (Risdon Cove), where as a group staff and Fellows reflected on the Fullaship Program, SEWB (Social and Emotional Wellbeing), and culture as a protective factor with Culture is Life’s CEO Belinda Duarte. Which included some of the story of Culture is Life, the organisation’s purpose and values.

Jamie Langdon, Kulai Sculthorpe and Baden Maynard from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre welcomed us to Piyura Kitina with a tour of the property, history of this area and sharing the pride of being able to work on land managed and cared for by Palawa. It is also a place where the community has the Aboriginal children’s centre, community gatherings and it is the base for Palawa Kipli, the first and only Tasmanian Aboriginal food business in Lutruwita. 

To cool down and reflect, Culture is Life staff took Fellows to the foothills of Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) for a walk to Silver Falls, shaded by lush eucalypts, ferns, dogwood and other beautiful native plants. Fellows even met an echidna at the falls, who agreed it was the perfect place to ground yourself and take a moment to just be!

The day ended with a Welcome/Introduction to Country and Saltwater Healing at Kingston Beach, led by Palawa and Koorie man Dewayne Everett-Smith. He shared his story with the Fellows and staff, his connection to the place we were meeting, how it was part of his childhood and the power of music in his life as a singer and songwriter.

Day two Fellows visited Lunawuni/Bruny Island for a day of learning and reflection with Palawa community members Bronwyn Dillon and Linton Burgess from wayti Culture and Knowledge. Highlights included a Welcome ceremony at Little Trumpeter Bay where a seal was also welcoming us on the beach, a visit to a stone tool quarry site and Truganini steps to learn about who the steps are named after, learning that Fellows and staff were meeting on her Country, some of her story and taking a moment to think about the life she lived and to remember her always. 

Fellows finished their time visiting Lunawuni by coming together for a feed of mutton birds and abalone with staff and community at Murrayfield. Sharing the significance of mutton birds to Palawa people and providing a new food experience for many of the Fellows.

The day ended with a swim together at Kingston beach to cool down after a hot day and then Fellows and staff came together again after some rest for the music night at the shared accommodation. We were joined by guests Dewayne Everett-Smith and Jodie Haines (Gomeroi) who helped kick off the night sharing their love of music, sharing some yarns and playing guitar as everyone joined in singing along to the different songs. 

Day three we had a mentoring session which rotated with Culture is Life staff and guest mentor Jacob Prehn (Worimi). Fellows then had a special night tour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, connecting with our animal kin, learning about the important work in caring for, protecting and rehabilitating native wildlife. 

The final day featured a Mobile Content Creation Workshop with Jordy Gregg (murrie man) and a walk on Kunanyi with Ruth Langford (Yorta Yorta) to reflect, take in the sacredness of this Country and Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) and walk together along the Sphinx rock track. Fellows and staff concluded the Intensive with a final dinner at the accommodation, joined by guests, including our caterer, Toni (Honey Child Creole).

The next day Fellows and staff all traveled together to Naarm/Melbourne to get ready for the Fullaship Program 2023 Graduation.