NAIDOC Week is a vital celebration of Australia’s rich cultural heritage, and this year’s theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud, resonated deeply with our College community. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture, with fire symbolising a profound connection to Country, each other, and the rich traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Throughout the week, our College hosted a series of engaging activities designed to enhance students’ appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.
Our NAIDOC Week kicked off with a powerful whole-school Smoking Ceremony led by Barry Winmar. This ceremony allowed us to connect with Country in a meaningful way. A highlight of the day was seeing four generations of Year 10 student Eva’s family leading our walk with the College Principal, followed by the raising of our College flags. It was a moment of unity and respect, setting the tone for the week.
In a special yarning circle, alumni students Jessica Collard and Jim Eatt, along with guests from the CEWA Indigenous team and Pearl, an Aboriginal Teaching Assistant from Emmanuel Catholic College, shared their stories. These personal narratives provided invaluable insights into First Nations experiences and perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
The Deadly Door Challenge returned this year with great success, crowning Sion and Cangrejo as the winners. Their creativity and dedication earned them a special invitation to the NAIDOC lunch, where they celebrated with the broader community.
Our College also hosted the first-ever NAIDOC Amazing Race for Year 7s, an event that combined fun with learning about Indigenous culture. Additionally, the symbolic Peace Poles were a visible reminder of our commitment to unity and reconciliation.
Sports played a significant role in our celebrations, with Kolbe hosting the NAIDOC netball and football games against Emmanuel Catholic College. The friendly competition concluded with a shared sausage sizzle, emphasising camaraderie and connection between the schools.
Culinary arts took centre stage during the NAIDOC lunch, where Les from Two Deadly Food & Fitness collaborated with our hospitality students to create a delicious meal that highlighted Indigenous flavours. It was a feast not only for the palate but also for the soul, as it showcased the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culinary traditions.
One of the most cherished moments of the week was the NAIDOC Mass. A student expressed, “The NAIDOC Mass was a beautiful experience, especially being surrounded by family and hearing not just from students, but from the wider community as well.” This sentiment echoed throughout the school, as the Mass brought together students, staff, and the broader community in a shared expression of faith and culture.
This NAIDOC Week was an opportunity to honour the past, celebrate the present, and instil a deep respect and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within our school. By embracing the theme Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud, we have taken significant steps toward fostering a more inclusive and culturally aware community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our entire school community and the wider community for making this week possible. Your participation and support have been invaluable in creating a truly memorable NAIDOC Week.
