Our Story
The Dreaming Collective was founded to create a space where cultural knowledge and business expertise come together. As a proud First Nations–led consultancy, our work is grounded in Country, community, and the belief that true impact comes from working with integrity.
We began with a simple vision: to bridge the gap between cultural understanding and organisational practice. That vision has grown into a trusted consultancy supporting businesses, governments, and communities to design strategies, programs, and partnerships that are inclusive, innovative, and future-focused.
Our name reflects the strength of collective wisdom. We honour the voices of Elders, the aspirations of our people, and the possibilities that emerge when we walk together. Today, The Dreaming Collective delivers services that empower growth, strengthen governance, and inspire change — always guided by cultural integrity and respect.
The Dreaming Collective was founded by Carly Forrest, a proud Mandandanji woman based on Kabi Kabi Country. With more than a decade of experience in Indigenous engagement, governance, and business strategy, Carly brings a unique ability to blend cultural insight with organisational expertise, ensuring that every partnership is both meaningful and impactful.
Carly is Mandandanji/Mandandanyi through her maternal grandmother’s line from Roma in south-west Queensland, through her Nan, Elizabeth Anderson. She is also connected to Wangan, Kangalou/Gangulu and Darumbal through her maternal grandfather’s line, her Pop, Brian Landers. Like many Aboriginal families in Queensland, she has historical connections to Cherbourg, where her great-grandparents met and began their family, and to Myora Mission on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), where her Pop was born. She comes from a large, proud and close-knit family who have long sought to set strong examples and lead the way for younger generations of First Nations people. Through her non-Indigenous father’s line, she can trace family connections to County Clare in Ireland. Family remains central to her life, and she values time spent together sharing stories, laughter and good food. She is now a mother of two children and treasures the opportunity to take them home to Country.