Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
NAIDOC Assembly 2026
On the 19th of August, our school community came together on Gamilaroi Country for our 2026 NAIDOC Assembly, a meaningful celebration of culture, identity, achievement and the strength of community.
The assembly commenced with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country led by Uncle Len, grounding the gathering in culture and providing an important opportunity for students, staff and families to reflect on the significance of coming together on Country. Indianna, alongside Ryan, also represented our students with great pride as the MCs for the assembly. Together, they spoke with confidence, warmth and respect, guiding the celebration and contributing to the strong sense of culture and community throughout the event.
A highlight of the assembly was the performance by our student dancers, who had been guided and supported by Aaliyah and Taylor from Gomeroi Education. Our junior dancers proudly performed traditional dances, sharing culture through movement, story and connection. Our senior dancers presented a contemporary dance, demonstrating the strength of culture as something that is both deeply grounded in tradition and continually expressed through new generations. Together, the performances celebrated cultural knowledge, identity and the importance of keeping culture alive.
As the assembly continued, our NAIDOC Merit Awards recognised students for academic achievement and personal growth, with award recipients determined through a vote by staff across the school. This process allowed staff to recognise students who consistently demonstrated commitment, growth and a positive contribution to our school community.
Significantly, this year also marked the presentation of our 2026 Perpetual Award, created by Jolene Faint. The award recognises a Year 12 student who has demonstrated a significant and consistent commitment to their own cultural journey, while also being a positive role model for others as they strengthen their own connection to culture. Adding special significance to the presentation, Baylee, who was a joint recipient of the award in 2025, returned to present the award alongside our Principal Michael Whitton.
Congratulations to Indianna, our 2026 recipient, whose leadership, cultural pride and contribution to our school community were recognised through this special award.
We were honoured to welcome Kylie Taylor as our guest speaker. Kylie shared a heartfelt reflection on her own lived experiences, the importance of maintaining and continuing culture for future generations, and the responsibility we all have in ensuring culture remains strong, visible and valued. Her words connected powerfully with this year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, recognising the strength, resilience, achievement and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across generations. Thank you Kylie!
A special thank you to our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Team: Jolene, Layla, Hannah and Baylee, whose dedication was a major reason the assembly ran so smoothly. From printing certificates, organising students, setting up the stage and helping wherever needed, they did the hard yards behind the scenes. Their care, teamwork and commitment to celebrating our students made the day what it was.
We also extend our thanks to all students, families, staff and community members who joined us for this important celebration. NAIDOC provides an opportunity not only to recognise achievement, but to strengthen relationships, celebrate identity and ensure that Gamilaroi culture continues to be respected, shared and celebrated within our school community.
Aboriginal Studies Legal Systems Tour
On Wednesday, our Aboriginal Studies students took part in a local case study excursion to Tamworth Police Station and the Local Court, exploring how the legal system interacts with and supports the local Aboriginal community.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity to have a yarn with police, legal and community professionals, including staff working in important behind-the-scenes roles. Using yarning as a research methodology, students gathered first-hand perspectives on youth justice, early intervention and the factors that contribute to incarceration. They also explored Aboriginal initiatives such as Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers, the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service and Koori Court, and how these approaches strengthen cultural support, representation and self-determination.
The excursion also encouraged students to think critically about the difference between Aboriginal customary law and contemporary Australian law, access to culturally responsive justice initiatives in regional communities, and current social justice issues affecting Aboriginal Peoples.
A huge thank you to Reece and his team for organising such a meaningful learning experience and for giving our students the opportunity to learn directly from those working within the legal and justice system.
Olivia Guilbert
Leader of Learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Education (Curriculum)