Culture is Life’s Theory of Change
Our measurement and evaluation work is guided by our Theory of Change (TOC), developed in 2022 with support from Social Ventures Australia. Our TOC outlines pathways of change we strive to contribute to for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, young people and broader Australian society.
Culture is Life’s Theory of Change
Fullaship Cohort reports
Our Fullaship program brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young adults aged 18 to 30 from across different cultural and language groups. Centering culture and wellbeing, Fullaship has supported the personal and professional development pathways of 24 Fellows since 2022 across three cohorts in line with Culture is Life’s aim to deepen young people’s social and emotional wellbeing and experiences of culture as a protective factor. These reports summarise the activities and outcomes of each Fullaship Cohort.
Report on Cohort 1 2022 and Cohort 2 2023
Fullaship River Reflections 2024
In November 2024, Culture is Life carried out the ‘River Reflections’ process to document in-depth stories of change about the impact of Fullaship on 13 Alumni who had completed the program between in 2022 and 2023. This report presents a summary of the findings.
Report on River Reflections, 2024
Yarn Up, Listen Up
Culture is Life and the Centre of Best Practice of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) released Yarn Up Listen Up in November 2023. This is a Community Report of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People’s Perspectives on Suicide Prevention.
The Elders Report
The Elders’ Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-Harm and Youth Suicide brings together the voices of Elders and community leaders from across affected communities that wished to speak publicly about the causes and solutions needed to address this issue. This report from 2014 led to the birth of Culture is Life.
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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 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
