Learning from First Nations Allyship in Fishermans Bend
Last week we hosted a special event to screen the Weaving Three Stories documentary film and explore why fostering human connections is a key part of our shared reconciliation journey in Fishermans Bend, and beyond.
Photos by Michael Mission, courtesy of SAE University College
A passport to Country
In the late afternoon light as trucks and buses hurtled by, a moment of calm connection unfolded in the courtyard outside SAE University College on Normanby Road.
Uncle Mark Brown from Bunurong Land Council spoke of the enduring connection of the Bunurong people to the area we call Fishermans Bend today. Speaking about the shared journey towards reconciliation, he welcomed the group onto the traditional lands of the Bunruong people and asked us to walk forward with purpose and respect.
As he spoke, his brother James carefully tended to the fire adding the unique combination of eucalyptus plants used by the Bunurong for smoking ceremonies. Guests were invited to step into the smoke to receive their passport to Bunruong Country and take a moment of quiet reflection to connect with Country.
Weaving connections and inspiring Allyship
Awakened by the smoking ceremony, the group then moved to the Lecture Theatre inside the impressive SAE University College campus - a place where future storytellers and creators are being nurtured.
The lights dimmed, and once again we were held by narratives of connection and intercultural exchange. Co-produced by Sarah Naarden from Initiatives of Change Australia and Michael Woods from Pacific Studio, the film documents with the Weaving Three Stories project held in Fisherman’s Bend in 2025 and draws on the lessons learnt from 5 years ofTurruk truth telling program by Initiatives of Change.
Inspired by Noel Pearson’s message that “three stories make us one: Australians”, the Weaving Three Stories project invited the broader community to untangle intercultural differences and build a more meaningful appreciation of First Peoples culture through a series of yarning and weaving workshops. Led by Sarah Naarden from Initiatives of Change in collaboration with Bianca Easton, a Boonwurrung cultural educator and weaver, the workshops were hosted in three different locations in Fishermans Bend and supported by FB IDEAs.
The film talks about the concept behind the project, documents the journey across the three workshops, shows behind-the-scenes and the army of volunteers that helped to make it happen. The film is also a powerful call to action for First Nations Allyship, sharing practical lessons and ways to host similar projects to ensure they enable First Nations self-determination and create a space primed for intercultural exchange.
In closing, the film asked: how will you weave in your story?
From inspiration to action
Following the screening, we hosted a panel discussion to reflect on the film and explore ways to show up as an Ally. I was honoured to be joined by:
Bianca Easton - a Boon Wurrung traditional cultural educator, creative workshop facilitator, and weaver who lives locally and led the Weaving Three Stories workshops.
Tracey Evans - a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung woman raised in Collingwood with her mum Myrtle Roach Austin, the sister of Uncle Archie Roach. Tracey has played a key role in shaping Treaty, grounding self- determination in cultural lore and respect. She is currently campaigning to represent Melbourne Metropolitan again in the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria - so we wish her well for that!
Stevie Thorpe - a Gunai Kurnai Gundjitmara, Yorta Yorta, Palawan man and the founding director of Sustainative (sustain native), a business that support organisations to transform their environmental and social impact. Stevie was also a key part of the Weaving Three Stories and speaks in the film.
Sarah Naarden - the co-founder of Turruk yarning circles at non-profit organisation Initiatives of Change Australia. Sarah is also a trained architect, co-design facilitator and social ecological designer passionate about community development.
Michael Woods - a documentary filmmaker fromPacific Studio, who created the short film that follows the journey over the three workshops.
It was heartwarming to hear about the positive impact of the project and film - both to those who have been part of the journey of delivering the workshops and making the film, and for Tracey who had only seen it for the first time that evening. At the core of peoples reflections was the foundation of human connection and relationships.
We also discussed that showing up as an Ally can come in many different ways, and your impact can be both direct and indirect. Bianca reminded the audience of the importance of continuing to stand up and call out racism and prejudice, and we discussed the way we can use our own social networks to influence and build a network of Allyship.
The evening finished with more conversation and connection as we enjoyed light Indigenous fusion catering from Pawa Catering and sparkling lemon myrtle drink made by Stevie Thorpe.
An enormous thanks for everyone who has supported this project and the event last week. Special thanks to SAE University College for hosting the event, and to Bianca, Stevie, Tracey, Sarah and Michael for your incredible contributions.
Thanks too to everyone that purchased an Ally ticket and made donations. We raised almost $400 to go towards Initiatives of Change Australia’s projects that support First Nations self-determination, such as scholarships enabling participation in ethical leadership, peace building and trust building programs.
What’s Next
If you missed the film screening or the workshops, we are hoping there will be more opportunities to get involved in the future! The aim is to screen the film at film festivals this year, before an online release of the film.
The team are also keen to deliver more workshops both in Fishermans Bend and other areas of Naarm / Melbourne - so if you are interested, we encourage you to get in touch with Sarah Naarden at Initiatives of Change to find out more. Contact: sarah.naarden@iofc.org
