🌟 Episode 1: Welcome to The Dreaming Collective Podcast: Our Story, NAIDOC, and the Journey Ahead

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In this very first episode of The Dreaming Collective podcast, host Carly Forrest, a proud Mandandanji woman, invites listeners into the heart of the series by sharing the inspiration and purpose behind creating this unique podcast. Carly reflects on her personal journey, the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, and how The Dreaming Collective aims to celebrate the stories and cultural wisdom of mob living on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi & Jinibara Country.

We also take a deep dive into the rich history of NAIDOC Week—how it evolved from a Day of Mourning to a nationwide celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, rights, and achievements. Carly explores what NAIDOC means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, while also highlighting this year’s theme: "Keep the Fire Burning Blak, Loud & Proud."

This episode acknowledges the support and partnership of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, who have made this podcast possible through funding for this important NAIDOC activity. Carly also offers a preview of what’s to come in future episodes, where we’ll be hearing from inspiring guests across the community—elders, artists, youth, and many more—each sharing their unique journeys and cultural insights.

Whether you’re tuning in to learn, connect, or be inspired, this introductory episode is the perfect way to start your journey with The Dreaming Collective. Join us as we keep the cultural fire burning strong, and remember—stay Blak, loud, and proud! 🔥

Thank you to Shannan Bishop, a proud Gunggari Artist and Graphic Designer, who also has connections to Wakka Wakka and Kabi Kabi, for designing The Dreaming Collective's Podcast Artwork. Shannan's art depicts our host, Carly Forrest's journey of bringing the podcast to life and shows the coming together of freshwater and saltwater ~ red dirt and sand with the sharing of our storylines connecting us all and preserving these yarns for future generations.