Learning Together on Country. Building Relationships Together.

Our vision is to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and non-Indigenous young people to connect through shared experiences, cultural learning and meaningful relationships. Working alongside local Aboriginal Elders, cultural knowledge holders and communities, we want to create spaces where young people can listen, ask questions, learn from one another and build friendships.

Reconnect. Belong. Thrive.

Connection To Country, Culture & Community

Country connects land, waters, stories, culture and community.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, we hope to support opportunities to strengthen connections with their own cultural identities, communities and Country, guided by the people who hold that knowledge.

For non-Indigenous young people, these experiences offer opportunities to listen, learn and develop a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and continuing connections to Country.

We recognise that communities, cultures and individual experiences are diverse. Each partnership will reflect the people and place involved.

Learning Together, Building Relationships

We want to bring young people together through experiences that encourage conversation, cooperation and friendship.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and non-Indigenous young people would participate alongside one another—sharing activities, discovering common interests and learning to appreciate different experiences and perspectives.

Our aim is to build relationships that extend beyond a single event: relationships grounded in respect, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

No young person will be expected to speak for a whole culture or community. Everyone should have space to participate as themselves.

Led by Community. Built in Partnership

The Hangout’s role is to help create opportunities and support the relationships that make them possible.

Cultural knowledge and experiences will be led by Aboriginal Elders, cultural knowledge holders, educators and community members, with appropriate recognition and payment for their contribution.

Together, we would determine what is shared, how it is shared and who it is appropriate for. Local cultural protocols, permissions and community priorities will guide each experience.

We want these to be ongoing partnerships shaped together from the beginning.

Shared Experiences That Make Learning Meaningful

Subject to community guidance, proposed experiences may include:

Learning on Country: exploring connections between place, people and culture.
Storytelling and local history: listening to stories and perspectives shared by authorised knowledge holders.
Bush foods and native plants: learning about local plants and their uses, where appropriate.
Caring for Country: participating in practical environmental activities.
Games and shared challenges: creating opportunities for teamwork, enjoyment and connection.
Art, music and creativity: exploring activities led by appropriate cultural practitioners.
Leadership and identity: conversations about community, responsibility, strengths and aspirations.
Shared meals and campfire conversations: making time to listen, ask questions and build relationships.

Experiences will vary between communities and locations. Cultural activities and knowledge will only be included where agreed by the people leading them.

Bringing Local History and Culture Into Schools

We would like to develop a dedicated school program in partnership with Aboriginal educators, Elders and communities. The vision is to bring local histories, living cultures and community perspectives into schools through engaging, age-appropriate sessions. These could combine storytelling, conversation, creative activities and participation—helping students connect what they learn with the people and places around them. Programs would explore history honestly and sensitively, alongside the strength, achievements and continuing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our aim is for students to leave with greater understanding, thoughtful questions and a stronger foundation for respectful relationships.

Proposed delivery options:

Primary and secondary school sessions.
Regional school visits and community events.
Follow-up activities developed with teachers.
Future school excursions and retreat days.

School content would be developed with cultural partners and schools to suit the students’ ages, local context and learning needs.

Events That Bring Young People Together

We hope to create events where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and non-Indigenous young people can spend time together, learn alongside one another and enjoy shared experiences. These could include community activity days, creative workshops, youth leadership gatherings, shared meals and regional events. Developed with local partners, each event would make room for cultural learning, fun and relationship building. We also want young people to help shape these opportunities, so their interests, ideas and voices are part of the planning.

A Future Home at The Hangout Retreat Centre

Through local Aboriginal partnerships, we hope to welcome schools and youth groups for learning on Country, shared activities, retreat days and community gatherings.

The centre could provide time and space for deeper learning: listening to stories, caring for the environment, preparing food and building relationships over a shared day or camp.

Everyone Deserves a Place At The Table

Sharing a meal creates time for conversation.

Through Breaking Bread Together, we want young people, Elders, facilitators and community members to sit alongside one another, listen and enjoy being part of a welcoming gathering.

Some conversations may explore culture, history and identity. Others may begin with everyday interests, laughter and getting to know someone new.

Both can help relationships grow.

HELP SHAPE INDIGENOUS CONNECTIONS

We welcome conversations with Aboriginal Elders, Traditional Owners, cultural knowledge holders, Aboriginal organisations, educators, schools, youth groups and community partners. If you would like to help shape these experiences—or discuss a future school program, event or retreat opportunity—we would love to hear from you.

Learning Together. Connecting with Country. Building relationships.

AI-generated imagery illustrates our vision for Indigenous Connections.