The group of inspiring young people came together from the 19th – 21st of June in Narrm (Melbourne) for three days of formal and informal workshops and experiences.
Uncle Bill Nicholson welcomed the group to Wurundjeri Country and Wurundjeri woman Chaniele Chandler performed a song and shared a story. The Koorie Heritage Trust hosted the group for Day 1, which saw a major focus on advocacy but also included a deadly lunch at Mabu Mabu in Fed Square.
Clinical Phsycologist and proud Jaru and Bunuba woman, Tanja Hirovnen kicked off day 2. Tanja has been heavily involved in the program to date but the Fellows were very appreciative of being able to spend time with Tanja face-to-face. The middle session saw Marcus Stewart from The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria provided some insights into Victoria’s process/journey to Treaty.
It’s undeniable that a crowd favourite of the three days was a trip to Clothing the Gaps! Laura Thompson and the team at Clothing the Gaps generously gave their time and sat down with the Fellows to yarn about the organisation, advocating and changing systems. The day ended with the Fellows turning into super models with a photoshoot (and of course grabbed a hoodie)!
The final day coincided with a Culture is Life Board Meeting and the group were able to meet with some of our board members. The team at Korin Gamadji Institute popped in for a cuppa and our Co-Chair, Justin Mohammed, sat with the group to share some of his personal and professional journey and experiences. At lunch, The Fellows were joined by Julie Kantor of the Annamila Foundation – the foundational funders of The Fullaship.
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Jalen’s (Darumbal) message is powerful: young mob don’t have to fit into the narrow paths that have been laid out for them.
University, dance, sport, community, culture, creativity, there are so many ways to lead, grow and build a future on your own terms. ❤️💛🖤
Applications open September 18!
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #powerful
Donny (Jaru) remembers that first Fullaship intensive in Naarm, meeting everyone for the first time and immediately feeling a sense of warmth, connection and belonging with the group, staff and other Fullaship members. ❤️💛🖤
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #connection
Caleb (Meriam Mir, Erub Kebi Le) joined Fullaship to build their skills ❤️💛🖤
What they didn’t expect was how much it would grow their confidence, support their mental health and change the way they moved through the world.
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #firstnationsleadership
Bek (Wakaya) talks about why she applied for the Fullaship program.
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnations #youngmob #youthprograms
From the very beginning of Culture is Life’s existence Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman - and our co-founder - Belinda Duarte has been there.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve in every discussion, with everyone she meets, there is never any doubt that her life is all about making sure that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are safe, thriving and know who they are.
She has shaped our every direction, taken us to where we are but the time has come for her to step away. After 10 years of tireless advocacy and transformational work, Belinda has made the big decision to step back.
The whole Culture is Life family have been inspired by Belinda’s unshakeable desire to see First Nations people thriving. She will leave big shoes to fill but we know that the foundations have been laid for us to keep doing our great work for years and years to come.
The team at Culture is Life
#cultureislife #firstnations #indigenousleadership #blakexcellence #thankyou
The wait is over…we are very excited for Fullaship 2027!
We’ve been busy refreshing the program design and we’re more than ready to work with another deadly group of young First Nations people next year ❤️💛🖤
Keep your eyes out for applications opening in September 👀
Earlier this year we wrapped up the 2025/26 Fullaship Program.
Coming soon we have some exciting news to share about the program.
Keep an eye out! 👀
Culture is Life would like to acknowledge two special people in our network who have both been recognised and nominated as finalists for this year’s National NAIDOC awards. Aunty Steph Armstrong (Gamilaraay/Bigambul) and 2025 Fellow Tyson Neal-Edwards (Gunditjmarra/Waddawurrung/Arrernte).
We are so proud of you both, your hard work and dedication has been amazing to witness first-hand.
With love,
Culture is Life
🤎
@stephanie.armstrong.7543 @kngwarrayee
