The 2023 Fellows celebrated their graduation from the Fullaship Program with a graduation event at the Aboriginal Advancement League in Naarm (Melbourne) on Tuesday 27th February 2024.
After wrapping up Intensive 3 in Lutruwita (Tasmania) the group flew to Naarm (Melbourne) to spend two days together to prepare for the Fellow’s graduation event. After arriving in Naarm (Melbourne), the Fellows were treated to a spa day at Sense of Self, to unwind from the intensive and practice some self-care as a collective.
The next day Fellows and Culture is Life staff were Welcomed to Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country by Aunty Joy Murphy at Aunty Alma Thorpe’s Gathering Place at Dardi Munwurro in Preston. Male identifying Fellows were then invited to yarn and carve tools with Steve Ulula Parker from Millowl Dreaming, followed by a men’s yarning circle led by Gomeroi artist Kobie Dee to discuss wellbeing from a men’s perspective. Those who didn’t join the yarning circle used this opportunity to get styled up for the big night where all the Fellows came together once again for their Graduation event.
Our guests joined Culture is Life later that evening for a Blak and deadly evening MC’d by 2022 Fellows Manny Williams (Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta and Bundjalung) and Lillian Arnold-Rendell (Dharug and Kamiliroi), along with special performances by Singing Our Futures Music Program artist, Canisha, Fullaship Alumni Cerulean (Caleb Thaiday) and a performance from Gomeroi rapper and song-writer Kobie Dee.
Big Esso to Mabu Mabu for the big feed, Bryte from First Sounds who led the audio visuals and Sharn from Alchemy Orange who decorated the space with native arrangements. We’re passionate about supporting First Nations businesses and social enterprises through our work and it’s always deadly to collaborate with other mob on special events like this!
The night was filled with full belly laughs, some tears and lots of love. The Fellows shared their journeys and stories, our staff spoke on the importance of the Fullaship Program to Culture is Life and guests were treated to spoken word poetry by 2023 Fellows Maya Hodge (Lardil) and Guyala Bayles (Birri Gubba and Wonnarua).
As always, lots of learning, strong belief and a sentiment that we have created
something really magical with this program that will keep strengthening year by year, as our Alumni grow, Culture is Life will continue to back them as they walk their path strong in a sense of who they are and where they belong.
“Since commencing the program, I have experienced many development activities and opportunities which has directly led into self-reflection and stronger determination for who I’d like to be as I continue to walk down my path.” – Hakon Dyrting (Garrawa and Djugun/Yawuru.
A huge congratulations to the 2023 Fullaship Program on wrapping up their year and thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us!
