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In this special live episode of The Dreaming Collective Podcast, recorded at the Sunshine Coast Council Flag Raising Ceremony for NAIDOC 2025, host Carly Forrest sits down – spontaneously and unscripted – with a group of deadly young voices who embody this year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

Hear from Halea Eggmolesse, Alexis Boyd, Marley Fitzpatrick, Layla Havana, and Amelia Hughes as they reflect on culture, identity, leadership, and what NAIDOC means to them. These powerful, unfiltered yarns are a reminder of why investing in and listening to our youth is not only a responsibility — it’s a legacy.

This episode is a celebration of the future – bold, bright, and Blak.

Recorded live on Kabi Kabi Country. Always was, always will be.

We acknowledge Sunshine Coast Council for sponsoring this podcast episode.

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.

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Milisont Siai Rose Sailor is a proud First Nations Torres Strait Islander woman, descended from the Erubam Le and Meriam Le peoples of Zenadh Kes, with a rich cultural heritage that also includes strong Celtic and Polish roots. A multi-talented artist and freelance model, Milisont has been captivating audiences and clients with her versatility and passion since the age of 13. Her career began with a landmark opportunity, modelling at the 2011 Deadly Awards at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Beyond modelling, Milisont is a creative force with a love for dancing, singing, playing guitar, writing, and content creation. She brings her unique perspective and vibrant cultural identity into everything she does, blending storytelling with artistry. Milisont continues to celebrate her heritage and inspire others to embrace their own identity with pride and authenticity.

In this episode, Milisont shares her inspiring journey of reconnecting with her Torres Strait Islander culture. She discussed the challenges of navigating her identity and the taboos around women's business in her community. Millie speaks passionately about her efforts to uncover and revive traditional women's practices, as well as her plans to study her mother tongue to preserve the language. She emphasised the importance of celebrating and empowering women in cultural spaces, and creating resources to bridge traditional knowledge with modern freedom. Throughout the conversation, Millie highlights the need for community healing, ancestral wisdom, and passing on a strong cultural foundation to the next generation. Her authenticity and determination to honour her roots while evolving with the times is truly inspiring.

*Content warning some explicit language and sensitive topics of a mature nature discussed. Listener discretion advised*

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.

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Holly Johnson is a proud Gooreng Gooreng woman, a Mother, Nan and world traveller. Holly commenced her career journey working in Indigenous community-controlled organisations and has since worked across the higher education, not for profit and corporate sectors. Holly has held both state based and national roles across recruitment, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous affairs. Holly has completed a Bachelor of Business (HRM & Marketing) from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Holly has been instrumental in developing and implementing workplace policies that foster culturally safe and inclusive environments. Her leadership in initiatives such as the development of reconciliation action plans highlights her ability to drive meaningful change. She is passionate about empowering workplaces to better support Indigenous employees and create pathways for engagement, stating that simple steps towards understanding Indigenous culture can lead to a more empathetic and informed workforce.

In this episode, Holly Johnson shares her personal journey, including a pivotal moment in her life when she decided to return to university at age 30, which marked a significant shift in her career. Holly emphasises the importance of recognising the roots of significant cultural milestones such as NAIDOC Week, reminding us that while it is a time for joy and pride, it is also a call to action for ongoing progress. Holly’s dedication to uniting people through education and cultural awareness reflects her vision for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Throughout the discussion, Holly's resilience, drive and unwavering Black, loud and proud spirit shine through, serving as an inspiration for listeners.

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.