Hakon Dyrting
He/Him | Garrawa and Djugun/ Yawuru
Hakon a proud Aboriginal Garrawa, Djugun & Yawuru man who was born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory where he still resides today.
He is currently employed as an Indigenous Enterprise Consultant for the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network. This involves facilitation of start-up or acceleration support for mob currently in or wanting to start a business, advocating for Aboriginal procurement and corporate stakeholder engagement. Hakon firmly believes that the private sector is the key to unlocking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander potential and provides education and pathways for our emerging leaders to become self-determined and assert themselves in their respective industries. He also currently serves as a board member for Danila Dilba Health Service, contributing to community well-being in the Darwin region
Having navigated diverse public and private sectors, Hakon intimately understands the challenge of what it’s like to be viewed as an Aboriginal internally and externally and the roles and responsibilities that carries with that identity. Through an upbringing with a heavy influence of strong Aboriginal women around him, Hakon values inclusivity and has become someone with a who thrives off critical and dynamic thinking and embraces looking at challenges from multiple perspectives. He is driven to shape his own path and is passionate about empowering our future community leaders and to discover their own ability to inspire and lead with hopes that this will create a lasting ripple effect model.
One of Hakon’s key objectives is to roll out a culturally safe and nurturing program for mob, revolving around personal and professional development. A program, by mob, for mob, to promote confidence, self-belief, unlock independent and critical thinking and addressing the concept of shame job. This model seeks to cultivate transferrable skills and encourages personal and professional growth across industries to showcase the strong capability and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources written by the deadly educators, Thara Brown and Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM are now available!
This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, honours five decades of NAIDOC Week as a powerful celebration of culture, community, resistance, truth-telling and First Nations excellence.
Created for teachers, students and school communities, the 2026 resources take learners on a journey through six decades of NAIDOC themes, supporting deeper conversations about history, culture, language, justice, identity and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Culture is Life is proud to have worked alongside ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee on this important resource with design by Ghost Gum Media.
Explore the resources now via the link inbio.
@abceducationau @zaachariaha @electricfields_music @ghostgummedia @tharabrown_ @stephanie.armstrong.7543
lynetteriley56
📢 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! 🖤💛❤️
