Meet Common Ground’s 2026 Grounded Story Storytellers

Published
April 29, 2026
Last Updated
April 29, 2026
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We’re excited to announce the new cohort of storytellers for Grounded Story who will create a project centring the theme HOME.

Congratulations to these incredible storytellers and thank you to everyone who applied and/or helped us spread the word to continue growing our Grounded Story Grant Program.

Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi

Zagareb and Dauareb tribes of the Meriam people from Mer and Dauar, Tongan, Lebanese, Samoan, Fijian

Meleika is a poet and storyteller across many mediums and will create a climate change photography series.

Learn more about Meleika

Jason Haji-Ali

Yawuru

Jason is a filmmaker and photographer and will develop an archival and creative photography project focussing on first family gathering on Country.

Learn more about Jason

Maylene Slater-Burns

Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Kuku Djungan and Gangalidda

Maylene is a singer-songwriter and cultural healer and will launch a storytelling podast series with her initiative Mindful Mob.

Learn more about Maylene

Tannika Lewis

Biripi

Tannika’s project Djarii Storytelling is a Biripi-led, community-driven storytelling initiative grounded in truth-telling, cultural authority, and deep connection to Country.

Learn more about Tannika

Millmullian

Ngemba, Wayilwan & Yuin

Millmullian is a songman, artist and senior cultural man and will create a mural on the Wayilwan cultural centre at Quambone.

Learn more about Millmullian

Amelia Jean O'Leary

Gamilaroi and Wadawurrung

Amelia is a dance artist and storyteller and will focus on project Baawaa - a creative development and screen-based dance production project.

Learn more about Amelia

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