Uncle Max’s story and wisdom is a huge part of who we are as an organisation, as Uncle Max was integral in inspiring the work of Culture is Life.
Culture is Life is so grateful to Dwayne Bannon- Harrison for choosing to welcome and guide us on Yuin Country on such a significant date for him and his family.
“Forget about the color of our skins and that. Forget about our different lifestyles and our different belief systems, but believe in one thing and believe in Mother Earth so that we can look after it because she’s looking after us.” – Uncle Max ‘Dulumunmun’ Harrison (Yuin)
Time to slow down, sit, listen and reflect on Country is so special. “I think people just need to experience that Country, make time to slow down, connect and be” Madeline Wells, Program Manager.
Uncle Max has left a huge legacy to be proud of.
Please check out and support the work of Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness on Yuin Country, South Coast NSW. Ngaran Ngaran is an Aboriginal owned and operated cultural service provider helping the wider community understand Koori culture.
Dwayne is a Yuin-Ngarrugu Descendant with connections to the Yorta-Yorta, Dja Dja Warrup, Watchabolic & Gunai language groups, who draws upon the teachings from his Grandfather Uncle Max Djarla Dulumunmun Harrison and his old people.
Through 10 years of dedication helping Indigenous males regain connection, healing & growth he believes the concept of Bring Back The Warrior is giving humility & a much needed voice to first nations males.
Culture is Life staff were blessed to spend the end of 2023 retreating at the Mystery Bay cottages amongst the Kookaburras and rock wallabies. Swam in the nearby beaches, visited the lakes and lessons of the black swans, whale, turtle, mens and womens dreaming.
A highlight was the sunrise ceremony where we remembered Uncle’s lesson;
‘Always remember that today, is the first day for the rest of your life’- Uncle Max ‘Dulumunmun’ Harrison (Yuin)
Source: ngaranaboriginalculture.com
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📢 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.
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
