When Jane first joined the Trustbuilding Program, participating in three Turruk sessions, she considered herself a reasonably good ally.
However, like many, she conformed to social protocols, often remaining overly polite and reserved in culturally sensitive spaces. It was during these sessions that Uncle Shane, a respected cultural leader, helped Jane break through her hesitations. His openness gave her the confidence to understand that her learning journey - and the feelings that came with it - were valid.
With this newfound assurance, Jane began to engage more deeply. She embraced the importance of self-education, conducting her own research and seeking support from other allies. Inspired by the transformation she experienced, Jane volunteered for her local Yes referendum campaign - an action she later admitted she wouldn’t have considered before gaining this cultural confidence.
But Jane’s journey didn’t stop there. What began as simple volunteer work evolved into active civic participation. She started by door-knocking in her community, then stepped up to become a trainer.
In a matter of months, Jane played a key role in mobilizing 5,000 people across the McNamara electorate in southeast Melbourne. Her dedication significantly contributed to McNamara becoming one of the strongest electorates supporting First Nations people. The ripple effect of this movement has been felt nationally, with increasing recognition of Indigenous voices in government—including the milestone of the first Aboriginal MP being put up in an election.
Jane’s story illustrates the transformative power of trustbuilding. Through cultural education and supported allyship, she shifted from passive support to active leadership, amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering meaningful social change in her community.