Through a series of events, knowledge exchange opportunities and community-driven discussions, the initiative celebrates Indigenous resilience, creativity and cultural expression.
A special art exhibition signalled the official launch, celebrating works from First Nations artists in the community, and highlights the power of visual storytelling in strengthening cultural identity, connection and community health.
“Billabongs Not Silos is about breaking down barriers and building stronger, more inclusive partnerships,” said Professor Jane Mills, Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School. “It’s an opportunity to showcase successful models of care and education, led by First Nations people, that empower our communities and create sustainable futures.”
For 2025, the initiative is expanding its reach, building on the success of the previous two years with an enhanced events calendar that offers meaningful spaces for dialogue. These events will be held in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and local First Nations organisations, fostering opportunities for learning and collaboration across sectors.
Professor Joanna Barbousas, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Impact and Innovation, and Dean of the School of Education, emphasised the importance of holistic education practices.
“Billabongs Not Silos is about moving beyond traditional silos to embrace a comprehensive understanding of learning, wellbeing and cultural identity,” she explained. “Through this initiative, we are creating environments where First Nations children and youth can thrive, drawing on strength-based approaches that center Indigenous knowledge.”
This initiative is part of La Trobe University’s broader commitment to embedding First Nations knowledge across teaching, research and community engagement, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are valued and integrated into all facets of academic and community life.
La Trobe University invites all community members to engage with these events, listen to First Nations perspectives, and be part of this ongoing journey of transformation and learning.
For more information about upcoming events, please visit our events platform or contact the La Trobe Rural Health School via email.
Featured artists
Michellie Jade Charvat, a Palawa artist, brings her journey of personal empowerment through martial arts to life in her Fight Like a Girl collection. Created using digital artwork printed on canvas and enhanced with acrylic paint, these pieces explore Michellie’s deep connection to her cultural heritage as a First Nations woman and her transformative experience with Muay Thai. These works reflect her resilience, strength, and the spiritual empowerment she feels through her training, especially in connecting with her ancestor and spiritual warrior, Mannalargena.
"The physical practice of Muay Thai has given me not only strength but a deep spiritual connection to my ancestors," said Michellie. "Through these works, I hope to share the empowerment that comes from embracing both my identity as a woman and my First Nations heritage. I want to show that strength is not just physical, but also deeply connected to our culture and spirituality."
Michellie’s work explores the themes of resilience and empowerment, offering a unique intersection between traditional First Nations knowledge and modern physical practices. In addition to her visual art, Michellie is dedicated to sharing her cultural stories, speaking at various forums and conferences about the importance of Indigenous leadership, culture, and self-empowerment.
