Shape was engaged by the Council of First Nations to lead the communications for an ambitious plan to bring together Traditional Owners from across Australia to consider the formation of a new national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The challenge was to build awareness and buy-in from Traditional Owner bodies and the wider community, to ensure The National Gathering had sufficient attendance and cultural authority to decide a path forward. ​

Shape worked alongside the Council of First Nations to develop a comprehensive communications strategy spanning website, email, video, social media and earned media. This multi-faceted approach served to drive awareness and attendance while amplifying the voices of Traditional Owner delegates, demonstrating The National Gathering’s authentic, grassroots foundation. We then guided communications throughout the event itself, designing and delivering engagement materials, managing messaging and media, and sharing the work being done on the ground by delegates at the event.​

Following this wide-ranging engagement campaign, The National Gathering was held on 15-17 September 2025, bringing together over 300 delegates representing 150 Traditional Owner bodies from across the continent. This historic meeting of those with cultural authority to speak for country reached consensus to establish a new national platform in principle, and Shape continues to offer support to the Council of First Nations as their work moves back to First Nations’ communities. ​

Shape was engaged by the Council of First Nations to lead the communications for an ambitious plan to bring together Traditional Owners from across Australia to consider the formation of a new national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The challenge was to build awareness and buy-in from Traditional Owner bodies and the wider community, to ensure The National Gathering had sufficient attendance and cultural authority to decide a path forward. ​

Shape worked alongside the Council of First Nations to develop a comprehensive communications strategy spanning website, email, video, social media and earned media. This multi-faceted approach served to drive awareness and attendance while amplifying the voices of Traditional Owner delegates, demonstrating The National Gathering’s authentic, grassroots foundation. We then guided communications throughout the event itself, designing and delivering engagement materials, managing messaging and media, and sharing the work being done on the ground by delegates at the event.​

Following this wide-ranging engagement campaign, The National Gathering was held on 15-17 September 2025, bringing together over 300 delegates representing 150 Traditional Owner bodies from across the continent. This historic meeting of those with cultural authority to speak for country reached consensus to establish a new national platform in principle, and Shape continues to offer support to the Council of First Nations as their work moves back to First Nations’ communities. ​