Black background with white bold text that reads 'DREAM DESIGN'

Dream Design is a national movement that connects and backs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young mob to collectively reimagine, design and shape their dream learning systems - creating space and providing ongoing support for self-determined futures.

At its core, Dream Design is a holistic, relationship-centred movement grounded in collective action. Through regional workshops, biannual national summits, ongoing deep-dive yarns and a collective impact fund, we support place-based action led by community - growing a network of young changemakers equipped with the capacity, connections and momentum to drive forward their education priorities.

A classroom or community center setting with students and teachers seated at tables facing a stage with a large screen, musical instruments, and banners, surrounded by walls with indigenous artwork.

Regional Workshops

Grassroots, place-based gatherings where young people come together to yarn, learn and design solutions grounded in local context. Through our workshops, young mob connect and build knowledge around our rights to education, the history of Indigenous education, the role of education in Treaty and Nation-building processes, and how we can co-design future self-determined learning systems.

Simplified illustration of an irregularly shaped slice of meat, possibly representing a cut of steak or beef.
Diagram of a human brain showing different regions, with annotations.

National Summit

The Dream Design National Summit is the flagship event of the program - a one-of-a-kind gathering where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people come together to share stories, explore solutions, and develop practical pathways for change.

Our first Dream Design National Summit was held on 3–4 September 2024 on Wurundjeri Country in the Dandenong Ranges, bringing together more than 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from across the continent.

Building on this momentum, in 2026 we’re bringing the Summit to New South Wales, expanding the movement, deepening our impact, and continuing to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to lead change in education.

We’re not seeking traditional sponsorship - we’re inviting you to be part of a movement. Your contribution fuels leadership, learning, and legacy led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Invest in the Impact
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Deep-Dive Yarns

These yarns are monthly, focused learning circles that feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices from across our network, strengthening relationships and supporting ongoing community-led action between gatherings.

Events
Deep Dive Yarn with Blake Tatafu
Oct 29
Deep Dive Yarn with Blake Tatafu

Join us for our November Deep Dive Yarn!

More information to be disclosed closer to the date.

Deep Dive Yarns With Lala Gutchen
Sep 24
Deep Dive Yarns With Lala Gutchen

Join us for a powerful conversation on Honouring the deep connection between language, culture, and Country, and the urgent need to protect and share in the face of climate crisis.

Deep Dive Yarn with Lisa Whop and Co-Facilitator Poppy Chalmers
Aug 18
Deep Dive Yarn with Lisa Whop and Co-Facilitator Poppy Chalmers

Join us for a powerful discussion on the topic of Equity, Sovereignty and Antiracism: Strengthening Wellbeing Through Community-Led, Culturally Responsive Health Systems.

Deep Dive Yarn with Cofounders
Jul 24
Deep Dive Yarn with Cofounders

We're turning 10 — and you're invited to the yarn!

Join NIYEC’s incredible Co-Founders — Samara, Kaytlin, Nicola, Renee and Hayley — for our next Deep Dive Yarn as we reflect on 10 powerful years of grassroots organising, bold wins, tough lessons, and the laughs that kept us going.

Come along to hear the story behind NIYEC, straight from the founding team.

Deep Dive Yarn with Anton Schirripa
Jun 18
Deep Dive Yarn with Anton Schirripa

We are excited to announce our next Deep Dive Yarn with Anton Schirripa

Join us as we discuss Building Better Systems: Indigenous Voices in Education Policy and Practice.

Deep Dive Yarn with Dr Chris Matthews
May 26
Deep Dive Yarn with Dr Chris Matthews

Join us for our fifth monthly Deep Dive Yarn with Dr Chris Matthews!

Join us as we discuss mathematics reimagined through First Nations knowledges!

Join Our Action Collective

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The purpose of the Dream Design Action Collective is to create a space for young mob to come together, connect, reflect, engage collectively, and be supported through capacity and skill-building opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people aged 18-35;

  • Passionate about education and shaping learning systems that reflect the cultural, economic and social needs of our communities and Nations.

How to Join

  • Fill out our Sign-Up Form;

  • If you meet the criteria (mob, aged 18–35), we’ll email you an invite to our Discord server;

  • Jump in, introduce yourself, explore the channels, and start connecting!

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