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!
Sign up for our newsletter
📢 UPDATE! Fullaship Elevation! ✨
We’re taking a strategic pause on Fullaship for 2026.
Why? Because over four incredible years, we’ve gathered so much wisdom and feedback from young mob across the continent. 🖤💛❤️ We value these insights deeply and want to take the time to reflect on all the amazing energy and ideas you’ve shared. 💭⚡
This pause means we will not be recruiting new Fellows this year and instead, can refine and elevate Fullaship, making it the absolute best it can be. 🚀
In the meantime, we’ll be strengthening our connections with our incredible Alumni network and will have other opportunities to connect with Culture is Life throughout the year. 🌿✨
Stay connected, stay deadly, and get ready for a next-level Fullaship in 2027! 🔥 We’re excited for what’s to come, and we hope you’ll keep in touch. 🙌🏽
Our stance on Jan 26 is clear. This is still a Day of Mourning for us as our Elders first declared in 1938.
We have advocated for ten years since our beginning to change the date and we continue to stand with the growing tide of mob and allies calling for change. 💪🏽💪🏼
We support the many mob-led acts of resistance, love and connection happening across the country on Monday. 🖤💛❤️
As Jan 26 draws nearer, we’re inspired by this insight from our Fullaship Alumni, Shaylem Wilson (Ngarrindjeri).
Wellbeing Tips for Survival Day 🖤💛❤️
✨ Listen to your mind, body, murrup (spirit) and Country, remember the things that help you feel well.
🫶🏽 Seek out safe spaces and surround yourself with people you love.
📵 It’s okay to opt out of social media, rallies, and actions if you don’t feel up to it.
📞 Reach out for support if you need it - 13YARN (13 92 76)
As we wrap up a huge year and the tenth year of our existence 🎉 our gratitude goes out to communities across this continent who continue to support First Nations young people 🤝🏾🌏
Despite the devastating negative statistics we are so often reminded of we know that young mob, with the right support, can thrive and flourish strong in knowing who they are, where they come from and who they are connected to 🖤💛❤️
We continue to be inspired by the hopes and dreams they carry for our shared future ✨
Here are just a few of the many highlights from our year 👇🏾🎬
#cultureislife #firstnations #blakexcellence #youngmob #alwayswasalwayswillbe
“Our ways are not just better for working with our mob, they’re just better. They’re more human ways of working.” ✨
In December, Genevieve Grieves (Worimi) from GARUWA and Shifting Ground presented to the 2025 Fellows on her journey and lived experience navigating institutions 🧭🏛️
Genevieve shared powerful advice and deep insights into how systems really operate ⚙️💡, while highlighting the importance of having strong community around you 🤝🏾🌿
#cultureislife #firstnations #blakexcellence #indigenousleadership #communityfirst
In November 2025, Fellow Tyson Neal Edwards (Waddawurrung, Gunditjmara & Arrernte) shared powerful insights with his peers about the work he and his team led during the Gariwerd (Grampians National Park) fires 🔥🌿
Their leadership in forest fire management, cultural heritage protection and disaster recovery has since been recognised nationally 👏🏽🏆
Big shoutout to Tyson and the incredible work he continues to do. We loved hearing the passion and care you bring to protecting Country 🖤💛❤️
Victoria’s Treaty is here! Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to make the first Treaty with First Peoples in this country a reality. First People’s Assembly of Victoria has organised a celebration in Naarm to officially mark the new Treaty era. It’s a moment for everyone who calls Victoria home to reflect on this long journey and celebrate! 🖤💛❤️
We’re still recovering from the heat wave ☀️💺 but absolutely buzzing after our week on Larrakia Country.
So many thought-provoking convos, deep learnings, and moments that’ll stay with us for a long time.
Huge shoutout to the 2025 Fellows for showing up with heart, courage and curiosity, and to everyone we connected with along the way.
Community, culture and Country… that’s the real magic. ✨
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #larrakiacountry
