CIAF 2026 CATAPULT: DIGITAL TRUTH-TELLING EDITION
Digital Truth-Telling. Cultural Leadership. Story Sovereignty.
The CIAF Ambassador Program is a professional development initiative that supports emerging First Nations storytellers, creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in building confidence, capability, and visibility in digital spaces.
Delivered through CIAF's CATAPULT professional development platform alongside Mob Made Media & Communications Agency (MMM&CA), the program equips participants with practical skills in digital storytelling, media engagement, content creation, ethical communications and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protections.
More than content creators, CIAF Ambassadors are cultural advocates, community leaders and digital truth-tellers who help amplify the stories, artists and experiences that shape the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and beyond.
FROM PILOT PROGRAM TO PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS
Following the success of the 2025 pilot program, the CIAF Ambassador Program returns in 2026 with an expanded focus on professional development, storytelling and cultural leadership.
The pilot program brought together a cohort of Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander creatives and communicators from across Queensland to share their CIAF experience through culturally grounded digital content. Collectively, the inaugural ambassadors generated more than 1.8 million views across digital platforms, significantly increasing the reach and visibility of CIAF artists, exhibitors, performers and cultural programming.
Beyond the numbers, the program created meaningful opportunities for participants, with ambassador alumni securing paid creative commissions, media collaborations, professional partnerships and ongoing work across the arts, tourism, cultural and communications sectors.
While traditional investments often focus on elevating a single high-profile influencer or public figure, CIAF believes there is transformative power in investing in a collective of grassroots ambassadors - people already leading important work in their communities and helping shape conversations across local, state, national and international platforms.
What began as a media campaign quickly became something much bigger... creating space for cultural leadership, strengthening community truth-telling and opening new pathways for economic opportunity.
EXPANDING IN 2026
In 2026, the program expands beyond the festival period, creating year-round opportunities for learning, mentoring and professional development.
Supported by Creative Australia's Storytelling and Recording: First Nations Project Fund, Tourism and Events Queensland through the Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP), and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), the expanded initiative includes:
- Professional development workshops and webinars
- Media and communications training
- Digital storytelling and content creation mentoring
- Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) education
- Community engagement opportunities
- Networking with artists, industry professionals and cultural leaders
- On-Country truth-telling and recording projects
- Dedicated participation pathways for regional, remote and Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait storytellers
The program reflects CIAF's ongoing commitment to strengthening First Nations voices, supporting cultural authority and creating meaningful career pathways across the creative industries.
MEET THE CIAF 2026 AMBASSADOR COHORT
Talicia Minniecon
CIAF Ambassador Lead
Kabi Kabi | Gooreng Gooreng | Kemer Kemer Meriam | Maluligal | Pacifica
Talicia is a proud Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, Kemer Kemer Meriam, Maluligal and Pacifica woman, and a powerhouse of vision, values, and voice. As the Founder and CEO of Mob Made Media & Communications and TTPOPP – Tidda Talz Creates Progress Over Perfection Pieces, Talicia is a leader, creative entrepreneur, and strategist whose impact spans on local, state, national and international landscapes.
As the CIAF 2026 Ambassador Lead and Mentor, she brings years of experience in strategic communication, grassroots organising, youth mentorship, and creative storytelling to help uplift and guide the next generation of changemakers. Her mentorship within the Ambassador Program is grounded in relational advocacy—supporting others to walk strong in who they are, while holding space for growth, learning, and legacy.
“Our stories are not just content—they are medicine, memory, and movement. Through platforms like CIAF, we share not only our art but our ancestors, our advocacy, and our future.”
Wollie Gela (aka Bala Wolz)
Proud Angkamuthi, Kaurareg, Darnley Islander (Erub), Boigu Islander and Kabi Kabi man, Co-founder of Blaktivation, Founder of Empowerment Exposure Content Creation and Consultancy Service, community organiser and campaigner for Seed Indigenous Climate Youth Network, Social and Climate Advocate, Social Justice and Climate Justice Social Media Content Creator.
Hannah Charlie
Hannah Charlie is a proud Mamu woman from Innisfail with cultural lineage connected to Wug in the Zenadth Kes, and Sri Lanka.
Grounded by her roles as a proud wife and mother, Hannah is also inspired by her husband’s and children’s connections to Erub Island and Parama Island, carrying these family and cultural values into all aspects of her work.
As a dedicated professional in the education and care sector, Hannah specialises in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into educational programs, supporting culturally responsive practices and strengthening connections between culture, community, and learning.
Hannah is also a passionate advocate for storytelling through media and content creation. She is committed to creating platforms that celebrate the experiences and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Casey Kaio Cygan Levi (Bala Kaijo)
Casey Kaio Cygan Levi, professionally known as “Bala Kaijo,” is a proud Zenadth Kes singer-songwriter, MC, and community advocate based in Cairns, with strong cultural roots in St Pauls Village on Moa Island. Deeply connected to his culture, family, and community, his totems include the Dugong, Brown Snake (Thabu), Thupmul (Stingray), and Saara (Bird).
With over 15 years of experience working within the Cairns community, Casey has been actively involved in youth engagement, cultural programs, mentoring, and supporting NDIS participants. His work is centred around creating safe, positive, and empowering spaces where individuals—especially young people—can build confidence, strengthen cultural identity, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
As an artist, Bala Kaijo music is deeply influenced by his late parents, both talented musicians, and carries strong messages of healing, resilience, and connection. He has released original music across major streaming platforms and continues to collaborate with Indigenous and Pacific artists.
Beyond music, Casey is passionate about using creativity as a tool for healing and growth. He is currently developing music therapy and cultural engagement programs aimed at supporting youth, NDIS clients, and vulnerable community members. He has also worked in media, previously hosting the DriveTime show on BBM 98.7FM Indigenous radio, and was proud to be one of the first Indigenous and Polynesian co-hosts of a podcast channel in Australia, partnering with The Vaele’s Lad Channel to help amplify Indigenous and Pacific voices and stories.
Tyrell Viti
Tyrell Viti is a Proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man from the Zenadth Kes, currently living and studying Business and Law at JCU in Gurambibarra/Townsville. Tyrell has blood connections to Mer, Masig, Boigu, and Erub, just to name a few. He is passionate about uplifting the fellow Youth of his generation and embracing culture through storytelling and in the creative digital design/content space. As the late Whitney Houston said, “I believe the children are our future, teach them and let them lead the way”
Yirgjhilya Lawrie
Yirgjhilya is an Aboriginal creative, community advocate and leader passionate about celebrating culture, storytelling and community connection. Professionally, Yirgjhilya works across community engagement, project coordination and culturally focused initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visibility, participation and empowerment. Her work has included contributing to community programs, cultural events and engagement activities that create meaningful and culturally safe opportunities for connection and representation. Alongside her professional career, Yirgjhilya has spent the past 10 years developing her creative practice as a singer, songwriter and early-career music producer, using music as a platform for storytelling, self-expression and cultural celebration. Her creative work is grounded in authenticity, community and the strength of Indigenous voices. Through both her professional and artistic work, Yirgjhilya is committed to uplifting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, creating positive community impact and contributing to spaces that celebrate culture, creativity and future generations.
Tari Sagigi
Tari Sagigi is an Indigenous Australian artist with Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander heritage, specifically connected to Naghir Island. A prominent figure in her local community, she was a founding member of the Wei’num Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Crafts Corporation based in Weipa, and now owns Strait Fitness and Taree Photography, residing on Waibene, Zenadth Kes.
Tari's participation in the 2026 Ambassador Program is supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).
DIGITAL TRUTH-TELLING RESOURCE HUB
As part of the CIAF x MMM&CA Digital Truth-Telling Initiative, this resource hub provides free professional development materials for CIAF artists, ambassadors, exhibitors and community members.
Recorded Workshops & Webinars
Breaking Ground in a Digital Age
Presented by Talicia Minniecon (MMM&CA) in partnership with NAVA.
Topics include:
- Ethical digital storytelling
- Media engagement
- Story sovereignty
- Online communications strategy
- Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
Future Workshops
Additional recordings and resources will be added throughout 2026–27.
ARTIST RESOURCES
CIAF 2026 Social Share Kit
Download official CIAF social media assets, logos, templates and promotional materials.
ABOUT CATAPULT
CATAPULT is CIAF's professional development and capacity-building platform, supporting Queensland First Nations artists through mentoring, training, exhibition pathways and industry engagement.
Since 2014, CIAF has supported more than 855 paid First Nations artists and cultural workers and facilitated more than $6.5 million in direct art sales.
Through CATAPULT, CIAF continues to invest in the next generation of First Nations cultural leaders, creatives and storytellers.