Common Threads SUMMIT

The fight continues - land back, treaties, justice


Common Threads is back again in 2024 and will be held in Cairns from 7th - 9th May.

This three-day summit is designed for, and by, First Nations people – to connect, yarn, share, learn, strategise and plan for action – through workshops, case studies, international guest speakers, campaign streams, social events and more. 

Applications for Common Threads 2024 have now closed. We will be in touch with all applicants in the coming week. Join our newsletter here to hear about future gatherings.

For generations, our communities have fought tirelessly across many fronts. It’s because of the decades of protest, activism and advocacy led by our Elders and young people that huge momentum for change has been growing. 

When we reflect on the past and how hard we’ve fought, whilst looking at how far yet we have to go, we must set sights on the aspirations of our communities and shift the goal posts of what’s possible.

No matter how hard we fall, we get back up and the fight continues - for land back, treaties and justice. 

It’s time to come together, across our movements and campaigns, and build power together, now and into the future.

  • WHO

    200 First Nations campaigners, community organisers, communicators and changemakers from all corners of the country.

  • WHAT

    A three-day summit designed for, and by, First Nations people – to connect, yarn, share, learn, strategise and plan for action – through workshops, case studies, international guest speakers, campaign streams, social events and more

  • WHY

    Because we need more spaces where mob can come together and build the power of our movements and campaigns, now and in the long-term.

  • WHEN

    Tuesday 7th May, Wednesday 8th May and Thursday 9th May.

  • WHERE

    In-person in Gimuy (Cairns)

  • QUESTIONS?

    Got a question? Check out our FAQs here.

Who’s Involved?

Common Threads is a project of Passing the Message Stick, led by a steering committee of Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Larissa Baldwin-Roberts and Millie Telford. Common Threads is delivered through a partnership between GetUp and Australian Progress.

Partnerships, sponsorship and community collaborations

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! 


Whilst Common Threads is a First Nations-only event, we are seeking donations and sponsorship from allies, organisations and values-aligned businesses to cover the costs of the event, including travel and accommodation scholarships. Click here for more info.

can’t make it to common threadS?

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.

We aim to run stand-alone sessions and online gatherings in the lead up to and beyond the summit itself, so would love to stay connected.