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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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
It’s NAIDOC Week and we’ve reached the end of our ride through the decades of 50 Years of Deadly! The 2020’s have been a decade of highs and lows where the strength and resistance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has prevailed despite attempts to silence our voices. We are still showing up with love and care to celebrate blak joy! ❤️💛🖤
The NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources - written by Thara Brown and Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM - are full information and activities for the classroom and beyond 🎒✏️🌱
Culture is Life is proud to have worked alongside ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee on this important resource with official artwork by Zaachariaha Fielding and design by Ghost Gum Media.
Explore the resources now via the link in bio 🔗✨
@abceducationau @barkaa__ @ghostgummedia @tharabrown_ @stephanie.armstrong.7543 @lynetteriley56 @naidocweek
The 2010’s! A decade of firsts with movements being amplified and strengthened for change, action and accountability across the Country.
The NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources - written by Thara Brown and Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM - are full of resources, information and activities for the classroom and beyond 🎒✏️🌱
Culture is Life is proud to have worked alongside ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee on this important resource with official artwork by Zaachariaha Fielding and design by Ghost Gum Media.
Explore the resources now via the link in bio 🔗✨
@abceducationau @emilywurramara_ @ghostgummedia @tharabrown_ @stephanie.armstrong.7543 @lynetteriley56 @naidocweek
Culture is Life welcomes yesterday’s historic legislation that gives powers to the National Commission for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People — a landmark step for the rights, voices and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people.
“Our children have a right to rely on the systems that were purposefully built to support them. Putting it bluntly, our governments are not delivering on this and have been consistently turning a blind eye to what is happening.”
“The only people who are paying the price are First Nations, children and young people.”
Thank you to all who advocated for and are leading this important work. Our congratulations to Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter on your leadership. We are so grateful that over the last couple of years, the young people involved in our programs have had the honour to be able to spend time with you, listening and learning.
First Nations young mob deserve to thrive. 🖤💛❤️
@sueanne_hunter @snaicc_ @ncatsicyp
Welcome to the 2000’s! The NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources - written by Thara Brown and Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM - are full of resources, information and activities for the classroom and beyond 🎒✏️🌱
Culture is Life is proud to have worked alongside ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee on this important resource with official artwork by Zaachariaha Fielding and design by Ghost Gum Media.
Explore the resources now via the link in bio 🔗✨
@abceducationau @gurrumul @ghostgummedia @tharabrown_ @stephanie.armstrong.7543 @lynetteriley56 @naidocweek
❤️💛🖤 90s fashion seems to be everywhere at the moment but let’s go back to where it all began, we’re continuing our journey through 50 Years of Deadly!
Warumpi Band, Yothu Yindi, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Yabu Band, the Mabo Decision, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags made official, the Jabiluka Blockade, the first National Reconciliation Week, the Bringing Them
Home report and the first National Sorry Day.
The Official NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources - written by Thara Brown and Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM - are full of resources, information and activities for the classroom and beyond 🎒✏️🌱
Culture is Life is proud to have worked alongside ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee on this important resource with official artwork by Zaachariaha Fielding and design by Ghost Gum Media.
Explore the resources now via the link in bio 🔗✨
@abceducationau #warumpiband @ghostgummedia @tharabrown_ @stephanie.armstrong.7543 @lynetteriley56 @naidocweek @healingourway
