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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
Bek is a proud Wakaya woman, born and raised on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong. In recent years, she has lived and worked across Darwin, Brisbane, and now the Gold Coast.
At the heart of Bek’s work is a deep commitment to using her voice to empower others—especially young people—to embrace their power, identity, and creativity through the mediums that speak to them.
Fullaship Expressions of Interest Now Open!
👉🏽Link in bio
