Photo credit: Lewis James Media
The third and final intensive of the 2024 Fullaship Program was held in Magandjin (Brisbane) & Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), with an end of program Ceremony to celebrate the 12-month journey of each of the Fullas.
On arrival to Magandjin the Fullas were welcomed with a beautiful ochre Ceremony and song by Gaja Kerry Charlton (Yagarabul Elder), she shared deep insights into the communities history, fights for recognition and revitalisation of Cultural practices. We travelled from different communities, have been taught different cultural practices, so to have that blessing from Gaja Kerry was quite special, and as visitors we have a responsibility to honour the rich history of Magandjin.
Our first day as a group we visited Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to participate in a Cultural Tour with the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-council Aboriginal Corporation. On arrival we were welcomed with a smoking and amazing dance performance, before being treated to a delicious morning tea. Aunty Mary Burgess, Aunty Maureen Myers and Uncle Dale Ruska all led the tour in different moments throughout the day, which consisted of visiting multiple places on the island, stopping and learning about the significance and history of each area. We listened to the stories of resistance, community strength and the continued practice of nurturing Country, whilst advocating for self-determination in various ways. We had a beautiful lunch and walked away very grateful to learn the history of Minjerribah. A very valuable experience that the Fullas will hold closely to them.
2024 Fullaship Program with Aunty Mary & Aunty Maureen at Brown Lake.
The second day of the intensive workshops were hosted by Alisha Britten, Director of Oodgeroo Indigenous Unit at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where the Fullas got to sit with Blakcast Network to hear from Mundanara Bayles & Ginny on the incredible work they do in amplifying the stories of First Nations people across the Country. The workshop provided great insights into the importance of building sustainable relationships which can lead to partnerships with businesses.
Some of the Fullas then had the opportunity to sit down with Mundanara and yarn on the Black Magic Woman Podcast at IHEARTRadio, a partnership building with Culture is Life. They got to share their experiences over the 12-months on the program and their personal journey. While the other Fullas met with Professor Chelsea Watego, hearing about the work they do at QUT and within the community, especially around advocacy, justice and truth-telling. The day ended with a lovely dinner with Dr Anita Heiss, as she shared her story and how to be strong in your Cultural identity when in a room with non-indigenous people.
The next couple of days were focused on strengthening the bonds within the group and personal reflections from the program. Aunty Steph Armstrong facilitated a session titled “language is our soul”, which highlighted the importance of the use of language, both Traditional and standard English. Supporting the Fullas to understand how to use words in different settings.
Ceremony
The Fullaship 2024 Ceremony was held at Walkabout Creek Cafe & Events in Enoggera Reservoir. It was a beautiful venue for an incredible evening of celebration and reflection. Gaja Kerry and her family Welcomed Culture is Life staff, Fulla’s and guests to Country with a water blessing, ochre and song. There were around 40 guests who attended, including Culture is Life staff, Fellows and their plus ones (parent, grandparent, cousin or friend) Leda and Merinda from ABSTARR, Tanja Hirvonen and Fullaship Alumni members – Tristan, Hakon, Bek and Leyla.
Alumni Jalen and Guyala MC’d the event with Madeline, giving their time as a way to show reciprocity. Each Fulla had a speech prepared, each one unique and beautiful. It was truly a special night celebrating young Blak excellence, love, care, joy and their commitment to this program. The last 12 months invested in themselves, connecting with other young people from across this continent and allowing us to support them on their journey.
The 2024 Fullaship Program participants with Fullaship Alumni. Photo credit: Lewis James Media
Special thank you again to the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-council Aboriginal Corporation, Uncle Dale Ruska, Aunty Mary Burgess, Aunty Maureen Myers, Mikayla Adams-Queary, Gaja Kerry Charlton & family, Dr Anita Heiss, Mundanara Bayles, Ginny Jones, Alisha Britten (QUT) and the Fullaship Alumni. To our Culture is Life team for the support during the intensive, and lastly, to our Fullas who have grown immensely over the 12-months. We at Culture is Life are so proud of each and every one of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you all.
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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
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.
❤️🤎🖤
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!
❤️💛🖤
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!
