NAIDOC COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

This week, our College came together to celebrate NAIDOC, with many of our students proudly welcoming families into our community to share cultural traditions and join in the celebrations. A heartfelt thank you goes to Tallisha Harden, our Indigenous Community Engagement Officer, for her leadership, planning, and organisation in bringing this very special event to life. We also acknowledge the invaluable support of Regina Foster, our Indigenous Student Liaison Officer. The day began with a deeply meaningful NAIDOC Assembly, which opened with a traditional Smoking Ceremony led by the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, grounding us in culture and connection to Country. We were honoured to hear from College Alumni, Tamara Armit-Sam, a proud descendant of the Bwgcolman people. Tamara generously shared her journey, challenges, and wisdom. Tamara’s reflections spoke powerfully to the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, reminding us to celebrate the achievements of the past while looking with strength and hope to the future.

Students proudly showcased their culture and talent through traditional Torres Strait Islander dance from Saibai, led by Maritia Akiba and Phil Ebosa, and through spiritual Aboriginal dances led by the McDinny, Foster, and Isaac families. The celebrations continued throughout the day, with students participating in NAIDOC workshops – weaving with Kerry Lui and Mary Horope, deadly dancing with Glen Thomas, and a collaborative art piece led by teacher Estelle Poots alongside Aboriginal artists Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton.

A big thank you must also go to our guest performer and market stall holders for joining in and supporting the celebration: Chris Tamwoy, Kulur Trio, Brosiscus, Yumpla Fabrics, Strait Yarns, Pretty Please Handmade and the Year 11 & 12 Cert III Business Students, Bracks, Deadly Choices, TTPOP, Deborah Savage, and Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club. 

At lunch, students gathered for NAIDOC celebration cakes created by Chloe Heery and enjoyed some more deadly dancing. In the evening, the spirit of connection deepened, as staff, students, families, and community members came together to share traditional foods, market stalls, dance, and stories.

This was a true celebration of culture, strength, and belonging and all made possible by the dedication of staff, students, families, and community who gave so much of their time and heart. We extend our deepest gratitude to the families who travelled from near and far to join us. By sharing culture, traditions, and stories, we not only enriched our College community, but also continue to strengthen the bonds that connect us all.