NAIDOC Day Celebration Inspires with Strength, Vision and Legacy

Our College came alive with culture, pride, and unity during our NAIDOC Day celebration, held on Thursday, 24 July. The theme, "The Next Generation – Strength, Legacy, and Vision," set the tone for a powerful day of reflection, learning, and inspiration.

The day began with a Welcome to Country and an excellent explanation by Uncle Bob Smith. This set the scene for a series of inspiring moments that highlighted the voices and talents of both our Indigenous community and our student body.

One of the standout moments of the day was our guest speakers, Freeda Roberts – an amazing young woman who has her own business called Dunghutti; Tristan Reilly - a current NSW Waratahs player and former student, and Christa Smith – founder of Dunghutti Catering and a registered Health practitioner. Our guests  spoke about their story and spoke passionately about the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the responsibility of the next generation to carry the legacy forward. Their message resonated deeply with students and staff, sparking meaningful conversations across the College.

We thank our students who led us beautifully and articulately through our assembly. They are to be congratulated on their efforts. These students were Will, Kyindi, Ruby, Akayshia, Brynn and Maddie.

The whole College gathered outside for a very moving smoking ceremony. Staff and students were invited to join in and do a Pelican dance. 

Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of activities designed to educate and inspire. From Indigenous art workshops and storytelling sessions to interactive discussions, every event encouraged students to connect more deeply with culture and country. The enthusiasm and respect shown by students was truly heartening. We are very grateful to Dhina Durriti Aboriginal Corporation, Burran Dalai Aboriginal Corporation, South West Rocks Figtree Descendants Aboriginal Corporation, Pathfinders, and Jason Ridgeway, who generously provided their time, expertise, and guidance to our students through various activities.

Some of these activities were facilitated by College staff and students – we are very grateful for their time and efforts. Thank you to Ms Khianii Walsh-McKiernan, Lakayah Bell, and Will Moffatt for organising the Indigenous games. Also, thank you to Mr Adam Clay and Maddie, Nevaeh and Elsie for running Dunghutti trivia, and to Ms Laura Evans, Ms Laura Campbell, Jada Appleyard, Chelsea Ellis, Tuesday Marin and Olivia Ormond who guided the students in making Johnny Cakes.

We are thankful to our Year 11 and 12 Indigenous student organisers, who ensured that the day ran smoothly. We extend a sincere thanks to these students for their cooperation and positive attitude throughout the day. Their punctuality, teamwork, and willingness to help ensured that everything ran smoothly. It was a great example of how student contributions can significantly impact the success of an event.

While NAIDOC was celebrated over one powerful day, its message continues to echo through our College community. As we reflect on the strength, vision, and legacy of First Nations peoples, we are reminded that the future lies in the hands of the next generation — and that future is full of promise.

A very special thank you to the organising committee of Mr Dre Barker, Mr Kieran Reilly, Ms Khianii Walsh-McKiernan, Ms Ashleigh Howe and our Year 11 Indigenous students for a fantastic effort over the last few Terms.