ABOUT THE summit
Who is running Common Threads?
Common Threads is a new First Nations led organisation, harnessing the power of our mob’s leadership, advocacy and movements to win transformative change. Common Threads was co-founded by Dr Jackie Huggins AO (Bidjara / Birri Gubba Juru), Larissa Baldwin-Roberts (Widjabul Wia-bul / Bundjalung), and Amelia Telford (Bundjalung and South Sea Islander). What started as a space to convene and connect First Nations people working for social change has growing into an independent, First Nations led organisation.
What’s it all about?
The 2026 Common Threads National Summit will bring together hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from May 12-14 2026 on Kaurna country in Adelaide.
Building on two incredible gatherings in Magandjin and Gimuy, our 2026 event will be the biggest Common Threads Summit yet. This unique event is led by and for First Nations campaigners, community organisers and changemakers to connect, share skills and build power to lead change together.
Over 3 days, we will bring together hundreds of mob from across the country to connect, learn, share and plan for action. Together, we will create a shared vision and story of what’s possible, identify ways we can work together and build the power of First Nations movements and campaigns.
What’s in the program?
From guest speakers and expert panels, to group discussions and practical skills workshops - each day will be packed with conversation about the future we want to create and how we get there. The full program will be available closer to the event.
Skills workshops, training and professional development - including the chance to develop your skills in:
Strategic messaging and communications
Media pitching and storytelling
Political engagement, lobbying and advocacy skills
Community organising skills
Panels and workshops - guided by big-picture strategic questions including:
Rights: What are our aspirations for Treaties, truth-telling and representation? How do we build on the momentum from the first Treaty in Victoria, grow a solidarity movement and force governments to the table?
Country: How are mob across the country dealing with the impacts of climate change on Country and our communities? How can we make sure that policies and funding for ‘climate action’ centre justice, land rights and resources for First Nations people to care for and remain on Country?
Justice: The past two years have seen a wave of decisions by governments and police that wind back our rights, lock up our kids and racially target our communities - especially in northern Australia. How can we act in solidarity with mob on the frontlines and build power for justice?
If you have any suggestions for the program content or speakers you would like to hear from, make sure you include this in your expression of interest form or email us at summit@commonthreads.org.au.
Who else will be there?
Common Threads is designed for, and by, First Nations people - making it a safe space to come together, share strategies, build skills and yarn with other mob about our vision and ideas for making change together. The space is designed for campaigners, community organisers, grassroots activists, spokespeople and those leading community driven advocacy.
Numbers are limited to give us space to run interactive workshops, meet each other and build collaborations that could lead to future opportunities and events.
Common Threads will take place in Tarntanya / Adelaide on Kaurna country.
Where is it?
How much will it cost?
We have a tiered pricing structure to make it as accessible as possible, recognising that some mob may be supported by their workplaces and other mob may need financial support in order to attend.
Ticket costs are based on the size of your organisation and/or capacity to pay. We also have a number of full and partial scholarships available for grassroots activists and those leading unwaged community work or needing support for significant travel and accommodation costs.
This means that larger organisations pay what represents the true cost of attending, small organisations contribute a lesser amount and scholarship holders are subsidised by philanthropic support and partner organisations.
If your application is successful, tickets will be available as follows:
Large Organisation Ticket ($475+GST)
Small Organisation Ticket ($275+GST)
Individual ($120+GST)
Free Admission - for grassroots activists, those leading unwaged community work, and anyone for which cost is a barrier to attend.
I’m keen to join but need some support to get to Tarntanya / Adelaide - what support is available?
We have a number of full and partial scholarships available for grassroots activists and those leading unwaged community work or needing support for significant travel and accommodation costs to get to the summit.
Everyone who expresses interest to attend the summit will be prompted to indicate whether or not they need scholarship and travel support.
What are the accommodation options?
There are a number of hotel options near the venue in the Adelaide CBD. We will provide suggestions as part of our participant information pack to those who register.
For those who may need scholarship support for accommodation, please make sure to include this in your expression of interest form.
Can I stream online or join remotely?
We won’t have an online offering at Common Threads, but we will have online gatherings after the summit and more skills sessions if you’re unable to make it.
If you can’t make it to the summit but want to be a part of the Common Threads network of First Nations campaigners, organisers and changemakers, sign up here or send us an email at info@commonthreads.org.au.
Is the event and venue accessible?
The Common Threads team is committed to creating spaces that are accessible for everyone who attends. We will publish detailed access information ahead of the event, and will have a field as part of ticketing for attendees to share their access needs.
We will have dedicated accessibility point people available before, during and after the event who can assist with any needs that may arise.
What do I need to do to attend?
The first step is to complete an expression of interest to attend here. If multiple people from your group or organisation would like to attend, each individual will need to complete their own EOI. From there, our team will get in touch via phone and email to talk with you further.
When will I hear back about my expression of interest to attend?
Expressions of interest will be assessed on a rolling basis and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
When do expressions of interest close?
Expressions of interest will close at 11:59pm AEST on Wednesday 6th May, or earlier if all 500 places are filled by this time.
If you require travel support or a scholarship, please complete an EOI by Friday 24 April.
What happens if I can no longer attend, can I get a refund or transfer my ticket?
If your expression of interest for Common Threads is accepted, and you are no longer able to attend, please email us ASAP at summit@commonthreads.org.au so we can work with you to make necessary the arrangements.
A refund policy will be advised ahead of ticket payments.
Will Common Threads be a child-friendly event?
Children are an important part of community life and are our future leaders, hence why Common Threads will be a child-friendly event.
Children can attend for free but we require prior notice to adjust catering numbers.
We ask that parents/carers take responsibility for their children and be aware of the needs of other participants. We also ask that all participants are patient with, respectful, and considerate of children and their parents/carers.
Can I volunteer at Common Threads?
Yes! If you’re interested in volunteering please get in touch via email at summit@commonthreads.org.au. We’d love to know if you have any particular skills, experience or areas of interest.
Can I attend as a non-First Nations person?
No, Common Threads is a First Nations-only event. We are however seeking donations and sponsorship from non-Indigenous allies, organisations and values-aligned businesses to cover the costs of the event, including travel and accommodation scholarships. If you are interested in supporting Common Threads in this way, you can make a donation here or email us on info@commonthreads.org.au.
We'd like to partner with or support Common Threads, how can we get in touch?
Organising Common Threads will be a collective effort and we are looking for partners, sponsors and community collaborators to help make it happen. If you or your organisation are interested, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us via info@commonthreads.org.au and we’ll be in touch soon!