We Are the Campfire
You know when you feel something shift in the room?
Not a loud shift — a quiet one.
Like the kind of moment where everyone’s shoulders drop a little, where mob feel safe enough to speak, and where you can feel culture sitting right there with you?
That’s what this was. That’s what we created. That’s what the Campfire is.
Why We Set It Up
For a long time, Bunurong Elders didn’t have a formal space to lead from. Yes, they were respected. Yes, people listened. But there was no structure — no circle that said:
“This is yours. You guide us now.” And for a community as strong as Bunurong, that wasn’t good enough.
We knew we needed something more. A place where Elders could speak, plan, challenge, hold space — and be held. A place that was built for them, not around them.
So, with the full support of the BLCAC Board, we sat down and asked: What would it look like if Elders truly led this next chapter? And that’s how Khuunwilam Gayon-ganyin was born. We Are the Campfire.
What It Felt Like
The two-day summit happened on Country, 6–7 February 2025.
There was food. There was laughter. There were quiet moments, and loud ones too.
We yarned. We told stories that had been sitting heavy. We honoured people who couldn’t be there. And slowly, around that space, a structure started to form. Not from a whiteboard. Not from a consultant. From the people. The Campfire was lit — not in firewood, but in intention.
How It Works
One of the things we’re most proud of is that this wasn't rigid or performative. It’s a living system. Elders can “step in and out,” like a river — staying connected while also taking time for themselves. The flow is the strength.
We mapped out clear relationships:
Between Elders and the BLCAC Board
Between Elders and the CEO
Between Elders and community
We talked about knowledge systems, cultural safety, and how to build this so it would last for generations. And we named it:
Khuunwilam Gayon-ganyin — We Are the Campfire. A place of warmth. Of truth. Of shared leadership.
Why This Feels So Good
I’ve done a lot of governance work. I’ve facilitated rooms full of CEOs and boards. But this? This felt different There was joy in it. Joy in seeing Elders smile as they took their place. Joy in the laughter between serious yarns. Joy in watching mob remember that we already have what we need — we just needed to light the fire again.
There was something sacred in the simplicity: Sit. Listen. Speak. Lead.
What Comes Next
This isn’t the end. The Elders have asked us to keep walking with them, and we will.
Next up:
Cultural governance policies
Community engagement and storytelling
Elders-led truth-telling forums
Knowledge-sharing frameworks for the next generation
The Campfire is only getting stronger.
Why It Matters
This is not a symbolic group. It’s not about ticking boxes or taking photos.
This is structural. This is cultural. This is what real leadership looks like — led by Elders, grounded in truth, and accountable to community.
Buneen is proud to support this work. And personally? This will go down as one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever been part of.
Written By Shawn Andrews Buneen Director
📩 info@buneen.au
🌐 www.buneen.au
