Everlasting Grail: Country, Story, Justice
Everlasting Grail is a living structure, led by the Everlasting Grail Council where the majority of members are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. The Everlasting Grail Council ensures that Everlasting Grail is grounded in Country, shaped by story, and oriented toward justice. It flourishes through relational strength, holds memory in its roots, renews across generations, and stands visibly as a sign of accountability and hope.
Everlasting Grail is a new and enduring initiative. Under the auspices of the University of Divinity, reflecting the commitment of women of the Grail to the theological and spiritual formation of women in Australia since 1936, and drawing on the relational network of the Australian Collaborators in Feminist Theologies (Inc), Everlasting Grail has been established as a perpetual resource. It has been enabled financially by The Grail in Australia, following the sale of their property, Avila, in North Sydney. It offers an invitation to support processes for amplifying and listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women engaged in spirituality and theology, and so in turn to contribute to the flourishing of all women and their wider communities.
Committed to a vision of mutual transformation, Everlasting Grail holds that Indigenous theological, spiritual and relational ways of knowing are likely vital for reshaping theological education and church life more broadly in Australia. Beyond solely including Indigenous voices in existing systems, the deeper invitation of Everlasting Grail is to enable those voices, ontologies, spiritualities and relationships with Country to challenge and reshape the structures themselves.
The launch of Everlasting Grail on 2 June 2026 was the first step in seeking expressions of interest for membership of the Council, raising awareness of this important initiative, and encouraging participation of a wide range of allies, friends and supporters.
Call for expressions of interest: Everlasting Grail Interim Council
An invitation
We warmly invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, First Nations and Non-Indigenous women to express interest in joining the Everlasting Grail Interim Council (the EGC).
This Council will guide the Fund by helping to shape decisions, support communities, and ensure that the work remains grounded in Country, culture, and community wisdom.
This is more than a governance role. It is an opportunity to be part of a shared journey of leadership, truth-telling, and renewal.
About the Everlasting Grail Council (ECG)
The EGC will:
- Provide oversight and direction for the initiative that is the Everlasting Grail
- Ensure decisions are culturally grounded and community-led
- Support projects that strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, families, and communities
- Help build networks, mentorship, and future leadership pathways
We are guided by the image of the Golden Everlasting which is a flower that grows from Country across Australia, returns after fire, and carries life forward across generations.
In 2026 we are establishing an ‘interim Council’ including a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. The interim EGC will implement the full structure of the EGC by September 2031.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, First Nations and Non-Indigenous women who:
- Are connected to community and/or Country
- Care deeply about community wellbeing and cultural integrity
- Bring experience, knowledge, or passion in areas such as:
- Community leadership
- Cultural work
- Governance or advisory roles
- Theology, education, or research
- Social justice, health, or advocacy
You do not need to have formal board experience.
We value lived experience, cultural knowledge, and relational leadership just as much.
A relational approach
We recognise that leadership is often recognised in community.
You are welcome to:
- Apply yourself, or
- Be nominated by an Elder, community member, or organisation
We also welcome applications in different formats:
- Written
- Audio
- Video
What’s involved
Council members will:
- Attend 2 to 3 gatherings per year (in person and/or online)
- Contribute to decision-making and guidance of the Fund
- Participate in yarning conversations and shared discernment
- Support and mentor others where appropriate
Support will be provided, including:
- Governance training
- Mentorship opportunities
- Administrative and cultural support
Why this matters
This Council is part of a broader commitment to:
- Self-determination
- Truth-telling and accountability
- Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s leadership
- Creating long-term, intergenerational change
Your voice, your experience, and your leadership matter deeply in this work.
How to apply
Please submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that includes:
- Your name and contact details
- A short response (written, audio, or video) sharing:
- Your connection to community and/or Country
- Why you are interested in joining the Council
- What you would bring to this role
This is more than a governance role. It is an opportunity to be part of a shared journey of leadership, truth-telling, and renewal.
Email: everlastinggrail@divinity.edu.au
Post: University of Divinity (Everlasting Grail), 90 Albion Road, Box Hill VIC 3128
Key dates
Applications open: 21 August 2026
Applications close: 11 September 2026
Yarning conversations about Council membership: contact Naomi Wolfe to arrange a time
Appointments announced: Early October 2026
What happens next
- As this is the beginning of a new fund, applications will be reviewed by a selection group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, First Nations and Non-Indigenous people. The group will include representatives of the Grail in Australia and the University of Divinity.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited into a yarning conversation
- Final appointments will be made through a relational and culturally grounded process
- All applicants will be informed of the outcome.
You are encouraged to apply!
Even if you’re unsure, we encourage you to reach out or put your name forward. You don’t need to have everything figured out. What matters is your commitment, your connection, your care, and your willingness to walk with others. This work is about being grounded in truth, growing in relationship and strength, and working towards carrying life forward for future generations.
Contact
For more information or to submit your application, email: everlastinggrail@divinity.edu.au
Everlasting Grail
Everlasting Grail is grounded in Country, shaped by story, and oriented toward justice.
It flourishes through relational strength, holds memory in its roots, renews across generations, and stands visibly as a sign of accountability and hope.