Join the Aboriginal Advisory Group on ‘First Stories’ project
Centre for Stories is seeking EOIs from First Nations storytellers and advocates in WA for the ‘First Stories’ Aboriginal Advisory Group.
April 7, 2025
Are you a First Nations storyteller, advocate or leader? Are you passionate about using storytelling to improve wellbeing and create policy changes within First Nations communities across WA? Do you dream of seeing story-sharing followed up with real-world action?
First Stories is a two-year story-telling and story-listening project funded by Lotterywest for First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse people living in WA to share stories, develop skills and reach influential decision-makers with their lived experiences. First Stories began in 2025 and will finish in March 2027.
We are seeking First Nations individuals from across WA to join our Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG) and inform culturally safe practices for the First Stories project.
The purpose of the First Stories AAG will be to:
- Provide advice on our storytelling methods and ensure our processes are culturally safe;
- Read evaluation reports and key documents, giving recommendations for program improvement;
- Amplify the impact of First Stories by championing the stories through your own networks and supporting partnership-building with Centre for Stories.
We understand First Nations leaders can be incredibly busy. Our AAG model is flexible to work within your schedule and offers opportunities to join us for group meetings and/or individual meetings with Centre for Stories staff.
Submitting your EOI:
Download the formal EOI information form here for further information on fees and time commitment.
To submit your EOI, please send an email to Centre for Stories telling us why you would like to be an AAG member. Our email is info@centreforstories.com. Call us on 9328 1443 if you have any questions.
EOI closing date: Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 11:59pm AWST.
Answering your questions:
Q: How much will I be paid for my time?
A: $100 an hour (plus super) for agreed meetings. Please note this fee does not include travel time or time reading documents between meetings.
Q: How much time do I need to commit to the role?
A: At least six hours a year. This can be split over three group meetings with other AAG members. Each group meeting will last two hours. Individual one-on-one meetings can organised directly with you around your schedule.
Q: How long will I be on the AAG?
A: First Stories is a two-year project, however we will review your membership every 6 months to check that both you and Centre for Stories are satisfied with your membership. So you may be on the AAG for as little as 6 months, or as long as two years, depending on how both you and Centre for Stories are feeling about our relationship.
Q: Where will in-person meetings be held and can I join online?
A: Most meetings will be held at Centre for Stories on 100 Aberdeen Street in Northbridge, Boorloo/Perth, Western Australia, however where possible, we will explore other locations for stronger regional participation. All members will be able to join remotely through online video call. We welcome members living in regional/remote areas to join us, however please note travel costs to Perth are not covered by Centre for Stories.
About Centre for Stories and our team
Established in 2015, Centre for Stories is a place where stories are made, shared and stored, where the craft of oral and written storytelling is taught and learned. We make space for new voices, diverse experiences and different ideas. We imagine a future in which Australian culture is enriched through multiple diverse narratives where the voices of those who are now under-represented or silenced will be heard and valued equally.
AAG members will work closely with First Stories project staff who are outlined below.
Email or call us on (08) 9328 1443 if you want to learn more about First Stories.
Feature image in this article: Barbara Hostalek and Uncle Brett Hill from our First Nations Elder & Editor Memoir Fellowship program.
‘First Stories’ project team
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Sisonke Msimang
Project Lead
Sisonke Msimang is the author of two books and many essays on race, gender and creativity, and she writes, speaks and facilitates conversations about belonging. Formerly Head Story Trainer at Centre for Stories, Sisonke is now leading a project focussed on storytelling as a practice of building community between First Nations and CaLD communities.
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Luisa Mitchell
Project Manager
Born and raised in Broome, Luisa Mitchell (Shaw) is a Nyungar-Anglo-Australian author with a background in film, podcasts and events. She designs storytelling workshops and produced the Truth-telling in Walyalup project in partnership with City of Fremantle in 2024. Luisa is managing the First Stories project.
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Casey Mulder
First Nations Writing Program Director
Originally from Quairading, Casey Mulder is a Ballardong Nyungar-Anglo educator, editor and writer. She established the First Nations Write Night in 2023 with Luisa Mitchell, and is now coordinating First Nations programs at the Centre and supporting a project focussed on First Nations storytelling and capacity-building.
First Stories is made possible thanks to funding from Lotterywest.
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