This Learning Network session focussed on the importance of the ChangeFest Statement which sits at the heart of the ChangeFest Movement. ChangeFest Elder Aunty Faith Green shared the story of origin of the ChangeFest Statement and emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared leadership between First Nations and other multicultural Australians, and how the Statement was a result of collective effort and helped build a movement.
Echoing these sentiments, Anna Powell shared her long engagement with ChangeFest and highlighted the importance of collaboration, shared leadership, and power. Both Aunty Faith and Anna expressed their commitment to the journey of change and their willingness to challenge each other for the greater good.
Ahead of the small group discussion, Aunty Faith introduced a children’s book, “Listen,” which she recently used as part of an acknowledgement with local housing providers and which emphasizes the importance of listening and truth-telling. From the book we are asked to:
“Listen. And you will hear the voices of Ancestors. Speaking to us. Guiding us. Leading us on the path to knowledge of culture, of Country. To reconciliation. Listen.”
This framed the conversations in which participants reflected on how they might use the ChangeFest Statement in their work with a focus on the three ChangeFest principles.
As with all our Learning Network sessions this year, we ended with a gratitude practice, with the following an extract from the words of appreciation for Aunty Faith, Anna and the session.
“Aunty Faith and Anna’s wisdom and encouragement to stay in the race and a reminder of our responsibility in this journey together and that the songlines continue!”
“Being re-inspired by the passion and deep heart of what many have shared today and the continuous considerations for the steps we all walk in many places.”
The event was a celebration of the ChangeFest Songlines past and future – and included the announcement of ChangeFest25 to be held in in Walyalup/Fremantle. Leigh Sinclair, from the local partner Imagined Futures, announced that CF25 will take place from the 19- 21 November 2025, in the local season of Kambarang – the wildflower season and the birth of many birds.
ChangeFest acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of deceased persons.
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