Threads of Change – Launch Event

River Nile School (RNS) and City of Melbourne are collaborating to deliver a new quarterly event series - Threads of Change - bringing together community members, educators, service providers, artists and advocates to explore how we work, walk and learn alongside refugee and migrant communities.

This opening event features a powerful 90-minute interactive experience grounded in the SEEDS Framework (See, Embrace, Expect, Disrupt, Support). Through storytelling, live reflection and audience participation, five young people - together with Adongwot Manyoul - will share personal stories connected to one of the SEEDS that challenge assumptions and centre lived experience.

Participants will be guided to reflect on their own practice, unpack dominant narratives, and gain practical insights to support more human-centred and informed ways of working.

Designed to spark dialogue, deepen connection and shift perspectives, the evening will also include shared food from refugee- and migrant-owned catering businesses—celebrating culture, story and belonging.

Join us to listen deeply, connect meaningfully, and be part of building more inclusive and collaborative communities.

About Adongwot Manyoul

Adongwot is Cultural Consultant and public speaker specialising in anti-racism, cultural safety, and cultural intelligence.

She partners with organisations to strengthen leadership capability, improve workplace culture, review policy and practice, and build systems that support equity, accountability, and inclusion.

Adongwot helps organisations move beyond performative responses by identifying risks, addressing gaps, and embedding practical strategies that support long-term cultural change, and is known for bringing both challenge and clarity to complex conversations.

Through speaking engagements, workshops, and advisory work, she support leaders and teams to engage more thoughtfully with issues of race, bias, power, and culture — and to translate learning into action.

At the centre of her work is a commitment to creating environments where people feel seen, respected, and culturally safe.

📝Event Schedule:

4:30PM-4:45PM
Arrival & Registration

Guests arrive and sign in

4:45PM-5:15PM
Networking, Connections & Refreshments

Light refreshments available

5:15PM-5:30PM
Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country, Housekeeping, Context, Housekeeping

Welcome by River Nile School
Acknowledgement of Country by [RNS student leader]
Housekeeping
Context and introductions

5:30PM-7:00PM
SEEDS interactive session with Adongwot Manyoul and panel of young people

Interactive experience grounded in the SEEDS Framework (See, Embrace, Expect, Disrupt, Support). Through storytelling, live reflection and audience participation, five young people will share personal stories that challenge assumptions and centre lived experience. Participants will be guided to reflect on their own practice, unpack dominant narratives, and gain practical insights to support more humane and informed ways of working.

7:00PM-8:00PM

Food, Drinks & Connection

Food and Drinks will be made available to purchase from a refugee/migrant owned-business
Opportunities to connect with local youth/community organisations
Invitation to continue the conversation beyond the event and form connections with community

8:00PM
Closing Reflections and Event Finish

Final reflections and event closing

Learn more about River Nile School here - River Nile School

Learn more about the City of Melbourne here - City of Melbourne

Learn more about Adongwot Manyoul here - Adongwot Manyoul

Contact the host of Threads of Change with Adongwot Manyoul