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Blak Up!

Connection. Activism. Arts.

SHR

Blak Up is a dedicated First Nations event for young people aged 16-35 years old designed to engage and ignite the fight for change and build Blak power. Blak Up took place on Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 November 2022 on Gunditjmara Country, near Warrnambool.

The all Blak line-up presented at the all expenses paid 4-day camp featured inspiring presentations, practical workshops, arts and musicians, to help guide young First Nations people; connect them with each other; and support them to create change in their own communities.

Blak Up participants accessed:

  • Workshops and panels on organising, activism and campaigning
  • Cultural activities, wellbeing and collective care
  • Deadly First Nations musicians and artists
  • Learn from Elders and experienced activists/campaigners
  • Opportunities to sign up to First Nations movements and campaigns
  • Ongoing support to create change locally.
View the 2022 program

Why?

The time is now to build and create connections to fight for our future. White Australia has a Black future. The event is for young First Nations people to learn from Elders and experienced activists and campaigners.

Blak Up is an opportunity to create new connections, learn and decompress. It offers a chance to listen to stories of wins and learnings from past campaigns and movements.

When and where is Blak Up taking place?

Blak Up is took place Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 November 2022 on Gunditjmara Country, near Warrnambool.

Who can apply?

We encourage and prioritise young mob aged 16-35 years who have lived experience in the justice system, state care, mental health system, housing precarity and those mob who live remote, rural or regional.

FYA First Nations seeks to ensure Blak Up is an inclusive and safe place for young First Nations parents, people with criminal records, disabilities; and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Frequently asked questions

Who are the trainers and mentors?

Our trainers and mentors included:

  • Roxy Moore, Noongar, First Nations Executive Director (she/her)
  • Johnathan Binge, Gamilaraay, Dunghutti, Gumbaynggirr, First Nations Program Officer (he/him)

What inclusion and accessibility support were provided?

We work to make all our events as accessible to as many people as possible. We ask about accessibility needs in the application form and if you have any access requirements not covered below, please email firstnations@fya.org.au or set up a yarn with our First Nations team here: https://calendly.com/firstnationsteam/30min

Auslan Interpreters

Auslan Interpreters can be provided for gatherings.

Gender neutral bathrooms

Will be available.

Covering costs

All travel, accommodation and meals are covered by FYA. We will also cover childcare, support workers, companion animal care and lost wages (e.g. if you have to cancel any shift work to attend the event).

How will you ensure this program is COVID safe?

Prior to gatherings FYA will send a welcome pack to all participants which will include Rapid-Antigen-Tests and N-95 face masks. To be able to attend any in person event with FYA participants must:

  • Be double vaccinated against COVID-19
  • Have negative Rapid-Antigen-Test results prior the each event
  • Be well, and not present with cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Not be waiting on COVID-19 test results.
  • Not have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19, until receiving a negative COVID-19 test result
  • Not be directed to isolate by the public health authorities e.g. recently returned travellers or people who have been in hot spots

Developing COVID-19 symptoms during the gatherings

If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 during the gatherings, you need to immediately let staff know. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

If you do develop symptoms during the gatherings we will need to ask you to put on a face mask, isolate you at the venue and we will arrange for you to be safely transported back home, where you’ll need to get a COVID test. You’ll only be able to attend the program again after receiving a negative test result.

How is the program funded?

The event is fully funded by FYA. All expenses are covered because we believe that is important to allow participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions or want more information about Blak Up you can email them to firstnations@fya.org.au or book in a 15 min yarn with our First Nations team calendly.com/firstnationsteam/15min

I’m interested in supporting Blak Up. How can I help?

Interested in becoming a partner for Blak Up? If you’re a youth First Nations led organisation, group or movement working on social change, we’d love to hear from you. Set up a yarn with our First Nations team here: https://calendly.com/firstnationsteam/30min